These pulled chicken sandwiches are juicy and full of flavor! With tender shredded chicken piled high in soft buns, they are perfect for a quick and tasty meal.
I love how easy they are to make—just cook the chicken, mix in some sauce, and you’re ready to feast! They’re great for lunch or dinner, and you can add your favorite toppings!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish because they cook quickly and shred easily. If you want, chicken thighs can be used for a bit more flavor and juiciness.
Barbecue Sauce: The flavor of the sauce really defines the sandwich. Feel free to use your favorite bottled barbecue sauce, or make your own for a fresh touch. If you like it spicy, try adding some hot sauce to the mix!
Chicken Broth: This helps to keep the chicken moist while cooking. If you’re out, water works fine too! You can also use vegetable broth if you prefer.
Coleslaw: It adds a crunchy texture and fresh taste to the sandwich! If you’re looking for a lighter option, a simple mix of shredded veggies with a light vinaigrette is a great swap.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Tender and Juicy?
The key to juicy pulled chicken is cooking it just enough until tender. Here’s how:
- For stovetop: Brown the chicken in olive oil to create some flavor. Then simmer it in broth on low heat. This gentle cooking helps keep the meat moist.
- For slow cooking: Low and slow is the method here! Cook it for 4-5 hours on low in your slow cooker. It will be incredibly tender.
- Shredding: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a bit before shredding. Use two forks or your hands for quick shredding!
By handling the chicken with care and not overcooking it, you’ll have the perfect shredded chicken for your sandwiches!
How to Make Delicious Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4-6 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
- 1 cup coleslaw (store-bought or homemade) for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and between 20 minutes to 5 hours to cook, depending on whether you’re using a skillet or a slow cooker. If doing it on the stovetop, plan for about 30 minutes total. With the slow cooker, just set it and let it cook while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
First, in a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice blend evenly over the chicken breasts to coat them well and add flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and brown them on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Then add the chicken broth or water, cover the skillet, and let it simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. If using a slow cooker, place the chicken and broth inside and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
3. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the skillet or slow cooker and shred it using two forks. It’s easier when it’s warm! Then, return the shredded chicken back into the skillet or slow cooker.
4. Add Barbecue Sauce:
Pour the barbecue sauce over the shredded chicken and stir everything together so the chicken is coated well. Cook on low heat for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.
5. Assemble the Sandwiches:
If you’d like, toast the hamburger buns lightly. Then, take the bottom half of each bun and pile on a generous amount of the pulled chicken. Top it off with a spoonful of coleslaw, and place the top bun on.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
These pulled chicken sandwiches are ready to serve! Enjoy them warm with extra barbecue sauce or coleslaw on the side for an extra crunch.
Dig in, and relish your tasty, homemade pulled chicken sandwiches!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just ensure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. You can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or for a faster method, place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until defrosted.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you like your pulled chicken with a kick, consider adding cayenne pepper or chili powder to the spice mix. For a milder version, simply reduce the amount of smoked paprika or use just a pinch of it.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook the pulled chicken a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Pulled Chicken?
Store leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just ensure to let it cool completely before freezing and reheat thoroughly before serving!