Pulled Chicken Sandwich

Make these pulled chicken sandwiches in a slow cooker for a practically effortless, hands-off meal that will be equally popular for family dinner or the next neighborhood potluck. All the ingredients for the barbecue sauce slow-cook right along with the chicken, and in a few hours, you have a sweet and tangy sandwich.

Top these pulled barbecue chicken sandwiches with a pile of pickled onions or cabbage slaw, and serve them alongside baked macaroni and cheese or Southern potato salad. And easy as that, sandwich night just got better!

Ingredients for Pulled Chicken Sandwich

• Onion: A finely chopped onion melts into the barbecue sauce, where it helps build layers of flavor.
• Tomato paste: A can of tomato paste combines with chicken broth and the chicken’s natural juices to create a mouthwatering barbecue sauce.
• Chicken broth: You can use store-bought or homemade chicken broth, preferably low-sodium.
• Brown sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness with a deep molasses note.
• Cider vinegar: Just a bit of cider vinegar adds zip to the barbecue sauce.
• Yellow mustard and Worcestershire sauce: These two ingredients are commonly found in barbecue sauce recipes, adding distinctive flavor and umami.
• Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic is aromatic and savory.
• Chili powder and cayenne pepper: Chili powder and cayenne pepper bring some heat and balance to the sauce.
• Chicken breasts: Boneless chicken breasts cook up tender and pull easily after slow-cooking.
• Whole wheat hamburger buns: Serve the sandwiches on whole wheat buns, slider buns or even in a lettuce wrap.

Directions

Step 1: Make the barbecue sauce

ERIC KLEINBERG FOR TASTE OF HOME

In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients except the chicken.

Step 2: Slow-cook the chicken and sauce

ERIC KLEINBERG FOR TASTE OF HOME

Put the chicken in a 3-quart slow cooker, and pour the sauce over the top. Cook, covered, on low until the chicken is tender, four to five hours. Remove the chicken, let it cool slightly, then shred it with two forks. Return it to the slow cooker and heat it through.

Editor’s Tip: You can use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to quickly shred chicken. Mix on low until the chicken is shredded, which usually takes less than a minute.

Step 3: Assemble the sandwiches

Eric Kleinberg for Taste of home

Serve the pulled chicken on hamburger buns with the toppings of your choice.

ERIC KLEINBERG FOR TASTE OF HOME

Pulled Chicken Sandwich Variations

• Sneak in some veggies: When you add the chicken and sauce to the slow cooker, also add shredded carrot, zucchini or sweet potato for a nutrition-packed sandwich.
• Spice it up: Add extra cayenne or sliced jalapenos for extra heat.
• Add smoke: A pinch of smoked paprika can add dimension to the barbecue sauce.

How to Store Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

Leftover pulled chicken can be stored covered in the refrigerator for three to four days. For best results, store the chicken separately, then add it to the buns just before serving.

Can you freeze pulled chicken sandwiches?

The pulled chicken will freeze well in an airtight container for three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then heat it up gently in a saucepan or microwave before making the sandwiches.

Pulled Chicken Sandwich Tips

ERIC KLEINBERG FOR TASTE OF HOME

Can I use chicken thighs in this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can replace the chicken breasts. Chicken thighs are practically made for slow-cooking, as they stay moist and are almost impossible to overcook.

What are some ways to top a pulled chicken sandwich?

To add balance to this pulled chicken sandwich recipe, add something crunchy and acidic. Pretty, pink pickled onions are a tart topper, or try pickled cabbage slaw.

Is it OK to use bottled barbecue sauce?

This pulled chicken sandwich recipe includes the ingredients to make a simple barbecue sauce right in the slow cooker. But in a pinch you can certainly replace all the sauce ingredients with 1-1/4 cups of your favorite bottled barbecue sauce.