Tender BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches Recipe Easy Homemade Brioche Buns
A quick and easy slow cooker recipe for tender pulled chicken thighs smothered in smoky BBQ sauce, served on soft, slightly sweet brioche buns. Perfect for casual dinners or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (smoky, slightly sweet variety)
- ½ cup chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 6 brioche buns, split and lightly toasted
- Coleslaw (optional)
- Pickles or jalapeños for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, tossing to coat evenly.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs into the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth, then spoon the barbecue sauce evenly over the top without stirring.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it finely using two forks or meat claws. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir into the sauce. Let soak for 10 minutes on warm.
- Lightly toast the brioche buns in a skillet with butter or under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.
- Assemble sandwiches by piling pulled chicken onto the bottom halves of the buns, adding coleslaw and pickles or jalapeños if desired, then topping with the other halves. Serve immediately.
Notes
If sauce is too thin after shredding, leave the lid off on high for 15 minutes to reduce. Toast brioche buns to prevent sogginess. For stove method, cook covered at 300°F (150°C) for 1.5 hours. Use thighs for juicier meat; breasts dry out more easily. Add apple cider vinegar or Worcestershire sauce for extra depth if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 30
Keywords: BBQ pulled chicken, slow cooker chicken, brioche buns, pulled chicken sandwiches, easy dinner, comfort food