Easy Tender Crockpot Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
A simple and reliable slow-cooked pulled chicken sandwich recipe perfect for busy weeknights, featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a smoky, tangy BBQ sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (recommend smoky, slightly sweet like Sweet Baby Ray’s)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4–6 hamburger buns
- Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, chicken broth, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, coating all pieces.
- Cover and cook on low for 3.5 to 4 hours, avoiding opening the lid frequently.
- Check for doneness by shredding with a fork; chicken should shred easily.
- Shred the chicken in the crockpot using two forks or tongs and mix well with the sauce. Add extra BBQ sauce if desired.
- Optionally, toast hamburger buns lightly in a skillet or oven.
- Assemble sandwiches by piling pulled chicken on buns and adding optional toppings.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Keep the crockpot lid closed during cooking to retain moisture. If sauce is too thin after shredding, cook on high with lid off for 10-15 minutes to thicken. Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier meat. Toast buns for better texture. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 0.35
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
Keywords: pulled chicken, crockpot recipe, slow cooker, BBQ chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, pulled chicken sandwiches