Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwiches (Print Version)

Shredded chicken in tangy barbecue sauce, topped with creamy coleslaw and served on soft sandwich buns.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

→ Barbecue Sauce Mixture

02 - 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce
03 - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
04 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
05 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
06 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

→ Sandwich Assembly

11 - 6 sandwich buns
12 - 1 1/2 cups coleslaw mix
13 - 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
14 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
15 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

# How to Make:

01 - Place chicken breasts or thighs into the bottom of the slow cooker.
02 - In a mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if desired.
03 - Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
04 - Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 to 7 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly tender and shreds easily.
05 - Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and toss to evenly coat with the sauce. Let stand on warm for 10 to 15 minutes.
06 - In a separate bowl, combine coleslaw mix with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
07 - Place generous portions of pulled barbecue chicken onto the bottom half of each sandwich bun. Top with coleslaw, then complete with the top bun.
08 - Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It’s the secret answer to any weekday when you’re suddenly hosting friends for dinner.
  • No one can resist the combination of saucy, tender chicken and a crunchy slaw—even picky eaters cleaned their plates!
02 -
  • If you try to shred the chicken before it’s fully cooked, it’ll be stringy and dry—patience pays off.
  • Adding the shredded chicken back into the sauce gives every bite flavor; skipping this step once left my filling bland and disappointing.
03 -
  • Brushing the buns with a touch of melted butter and toasting them lightly elevates the whole sandwich.
  • Let the chicken sit in the sauce after shredding—those extra 10 minutes make it extra luscious and flavorful.
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