Looking for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare? These Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are exactly what you need. I’ve perfected this recipe to deliver tender, juicy chicken coated in rich barbecue sauce, all piled high on soft buns. What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is – perfect for busy weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or casual weekend lunches. The slow-cooked flavor tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, but the prep work is surprisingly simple.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1½ cups BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 8 hamburger buns
- Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, extra BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Place the diced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Lay the chicken breasts on top of the onion mixture.
- In a bowl, combine BBQ sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika. Stir well.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well to combine with the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Serve hot on hamburger buns with your choice of toppings.
Cook Time and Serving Size
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low, 3-4 hours on high
Servings: 8 sandwiches
Recipe Notes
– For extra flavor, toast your buns lightly before assembling the sandwiches.
– If the sauce seems too thin after shredding the chicken, remove the lid and cook on high for 15-20 minutes to reduce the liquid.
– You can make this ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
– Feel free to adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to your taste preferences. Some like it saucier, others prefer it a bit drier.
– For a time-saving hack, you can use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment to shred the chicken quickly.
– If you prefer to freeze this meal, store the meat mixture separately from the buns for best results. The chicken will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1½ cups BBQ sauce
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 8 hamburger buns
- Optional toppings: coleslaw pickles, extra BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Place the diced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Lay the chicken breasts on top of the onion mixture.
- In a bowl, combine BBQ sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika. Stir well.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well to combine with the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Serve hot on hamburger buns with your choice of toppings.