BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

Highlighted under: Homestyle Meals

BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches are a delicious and satisfying meal, perfect for gatherings or a casual weeknight dinner.

Emma Johnson

Created by

Emma Johnson

Last updated on 2026-01-01T18:51:28.184Z

These BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches are a crowd-pleaser, featuring tender, shredded chicken coated in a rich barbecue sauce, served on a soft bun. Perfect for picnics or game day!

Why You'll Love These BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

  • Tender, juicy chicken with smoky BBQ flavor
  • Easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
  • Great for feeding a crowd or meal prep for the week

A Flavorful Feast

BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches are more than just a meal; they are an experience. The combination of tender, juicy chicken bathed in a smoky BBQ sauce creates a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds. This dish is perfect for those who love a hearty, satisfying sandwich that can stand up to any gathering or casual dinner. The versatility of BBQ pulled chicken means you can enjoy it in various ways, from classic sandwiches to loaded nachos or even on top of baked potatoes.

One of the best aspects of BBQ pulled chicken is its ability to bring people together. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just looking for a comforting weeknight meal, these sandwiches are sure to please everyone at the table. The aroma of slow-cooked chicken wafting through your home will draw your family and friends in, making mealtime feel special. It’s the kind of dish that sparks conversation and laughter, creating lasting memories around the dinner table.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches shine in their versatility, making them suitable for a variety of occasions. Whether it’s a summer picnic, a cozy winter gathering, or a busy weekday dinner, this recipe fits the bill. You can easily scale the ingredients up or down depending on the number of guests, ensuring that everyone is satisfied. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the company of your loved ones and less time in the kitchen.

Meal prepping? BBQ pulled chicken is a fantastic option! Simply prepare a large batch and store individual portions in the fridge or freezer. This way, you can have a delicious homemade meal ready in minutes during those hectic days. Just heat it up, assemble your sandwiches, and you’ve got a nutritious meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare.

Customization and Pairing

One of the joys of BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches is their adaptability. While the classic recipe is undeniably delicious, don’t hesitate to put your spin on it! Consider adding your favorite spices or experimenting with different BBQ sauces to find the perfect flavor profile for you. You can also mix in ingredients like jalapeños for a spicy kick or pineapple for a touch of sweetness. The options are endless, making it a fun dish to personalize according to your taste.

For a complete meal, consider pairing your sandwiches with sides like baked beans, corn on the cob, or a fresh garden salad. These sides complement the smoky richness of the BBQ chicken, creating a well-rounded dining experience. And don’t forget about beverages; a cold beer or a refreshing iced tea can enhance your meal, making your BBQ pulled chicken sandwich night an event to remember.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make delicious BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches:

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • Coleslaw for topping (optional)

Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches:

Cook the Chicken

In a slow cooker, add the chicken breasts, BBQ sauce, chicken broth, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.

Shred the Chicken

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the sauce.

Assemble the Sandwiches

Toast the hamburger buns if desired. Load each bun with the pulled chicken and top with coleslaw if using. Serve warm.

Enjoy your BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches!

Cooking Tips

To ensure your chicken remains tender and flavorful, avoid overcooking it. If using a slow cooker, be mindful of the time; cooking on low for about 6-8 hours is ideal. For a quicker option, the high setting for 3-4 hours works well, but be sure to check the chicken for doneness. Once you can easily shred it with a fork, it’s ready to go!

For an extra depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in BBQ sauce overnight before cooking. This allows the chicken to absorb the sauce more fully, enhancing its taste. You can also try different types of BBQ sauces, from sweet to tangy or spicy, to find your perfect match.

Storage and Reheating

If you find yourself with leftovers, BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. If you prefer, you can also reheat it in the slow cooker on low for a couple of hours.

For longer storage, you can freeze the pulled chicken for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This makes it incredibly convenient for busy nights when you want a home-cooked meal without the hassle of starting from scratch.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work great and provide even more flavor!

→ Can I make this recipe in the oven?

Yes, you can bake the chicken at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes or until fully cooked.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the pulled chicken?

Yes, the pulled chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches are a delicious and satisfying meal, perfect for gatherings or a casual weeknight dinner.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration60 minutes
Overall Time80 minutes

Created by: Emma Johnson

Recipe Type: Homestyle Meals

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  2. 1 cup BBQ sauce
  3. 1/2 cup chicken broth
  4. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  5. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  6. 1 teaspoon onion powder
  7. Salt and pepper to taste
  8. 4 hamburger buns
  9. Coleslaw for topping (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a slow cooker, add the chicken breasts, BBQ sauce, chicken broth, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 02

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.

Step 03

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the sauce.

Step 04

Toast the hamburger buns if desired. Load each bun with the pulled chicken and top with coleslaw if using. Serve warm.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 12g
  • Protein: 30g