BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
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BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

Slow-cooked chicken shredded in tangy BBQ sauce. Pile it high on a brioche bun.

Edited by Brian Kaplan·Last updated April 12, 2026

4 hr 10 min6 servingseasy4.7
📋 Add to Menu📅 Meal Plan
~$2.00/serving

Servings

Est. total: $12.00 · $2.00/serving

Cost estimates are approximate and vary by location, store, season, and brand. Actual prices may differ.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 6 pieces brioche buns
  • 1 1/2 cup coleslaw (for topping)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Mix BBQ sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Pour over chicken.

    2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts1 1/2 cup BBQ sauce1/2 cup chicken broth2 tbsp apple cider vinegar2 tbsp brown sugar1 tsp smoked paprika1 tsp garlic powder1 tsp onion powder
  2. 2

    Cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours until chicken reaches 165°F and shreds easily.

    LOW and slow gives better flavor. Resist opening the lid.

  3. 3

    Shred chicken with two forks directly in the slow cooker. Stir to coat in sauce. Cook 15 more minutes to absorb flavors.

  4. 4

    Toast brioche buns lightly. Pile pulled chicken on bottom bun, top with coleslaw, and serve.

    6 pieces brioche buns1 1/2 cup coleslaw

Pairs With

🍷Zinfandel$

Fruity California Zinfandel

Bold fruit stands up to smoky BBQ sauce

🍺Amber Ale$

American amber ale with caramel notes

Malty sweetness pairs with tangy BBQ

🍸Bourbon Lemonade$$

Bourbon, fresh lemonade, mint

Sweet-tart citrus cuts through the smokiness

Make It Yours

Tap a dietary need to see exactly what to swap.

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Cooking Soundtrack

BBQ VibesSouthern Rock & Outlaw Country

Outlaw country, Southern rock, and blues. Turn it up, crack a beer, fire up the grill.

Chris StapletonLynyrd SkynyrdSturgill SimpsonGary Clark Jr.

Nutrition

420
Calories
38
Proteing
48
Carbsg
10
Fatg

Per serving. Estimated values. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice.

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Tips

  • For a thicker sauce, remove chicken after shredding and reduce sauce on the stove.
  • Pickles and pickled red onions make excellent toppings.

Substitutions

  • chicken breastschicken thighs for more flavor
  • brioche bunspretzel buns or Hawaiian rolls
  • BBQ saucehomemade BBQ sauce

Leftovers

Refrigerate up to 4 days. Freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat gently with a splash of broth.

Leftover Ideas

BBQ chicken nachosBBQ chicken pizzaStuffed baked potatoes

Nutrition values are estimates calculated per serving and may vary based on brand, preparation method, and serving size. Not a substitute for professional dietary or medical advice. Consult a registered dietitian for specific nutritional needs.

Allergen Notice: Recipes may contain or come into contact with major allergens including milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, and sesame. Always verify ingredient labels for allergen information specific to the brands you use.

Drink pairing suggestions are for adults of legal drinking age only. Please drink responsibly.

Food Safety: Follow USDA safe minimum internal temperatures: Poultry 165°F (74°C), Ground meats 165°F (74°C), Beef/pork/lamb steaks 145°F (63°C) with 3-min rest, Fish 145°F (63°C). Use an instant-read thermometer — do not rely on visual cues alone. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Ingredient Guides

Learn more about the ingredients in this recipe — where to find them, how to pick them, and what to substitute.