Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwiches (Printer-Friendly)

Shredded BBQ chicken, slow-cooked and served with creamy coleslaw on fresh buns. Perfect for casual gatherings.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

→ Sauce

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

→ 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
16 - Pepper

# How to Cook:

01 - Arrange the chicken breasts or thighs in the base of the slow cooker.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
03 - Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, turning pieces to evenly coat.
04 - Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 to 7 hours, until the chicken becomes tender and shreds effortlessly.
05 - Transfer cooked chicken to a bowl and shred thoroughly with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat with sauce. Allow to warm for 10 to 15 additional minutes.
06 - Mix coleslaw blend with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl until combined.
07 - Divide the sauced pulled chicken among the bottoms of each sandwich bun. Top generously with coleslaw, then finish with the bun tops.
08 - Present immediately for best flavor and texture.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • If you crave hands-off cooking that still fills the house with irresistible smells, this one’s a keeper.
  • The tangy sauce and creamy slaw give every bite that sweet, smoky crunch you hope for in a summer sandwich.
02 -
  • If you rush the chicken, it won’t pull apart as tenderly—patience really pays off here.
  • Adding the coleslaw at the last moment keeps the sandwiches crisp and bright instead of soggy.
03 -
  • Letting the chicken rest in the sauce after shredding makes it even juicier.
  • Pairing the sandwich with a cold, tart drink balances the richness perfectly.
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