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Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches with coleslaw and fries on the side

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

These Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches are a comforting and filling meal, perfect for busy days when you want to let the slow cooker do all the work. Tender chicken smothered in a sticky BBQ sauce, served on your choice of buns.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs Either works well
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce Use your favorite store bought or homemade
  • 1 medium onion, sliced Diced works too
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh minced or jar kind
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar For brightness
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey Optional, for sweetness if sauce is tangy
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika Optional for a smoky taste
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 6 buns brioche, potato, or hamburger buns Your choice

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Toss sliced onion and minced garlic into the slow cooker to create a flavor bed.
  2. Nestle chicken into the slow cooker and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
  3. Pour BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar over the chicken. Add brown sugar or honey if desired.
Cooking
  1. Cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until chicken shreds easily.
  2. Remove chicken, shred it, and mix back into the sauce in the slow cooker.
Assembly
  1. Build sandwiches by piling saucy chicken onto buns. Optionally, toast the buns for better structure.
Finishing Touches
  1. Let the shredded chicken soak in the sauce for an additional 10 to 15 minutes for extra flavor.

Notes

For thickening sauce, leave the lid off for 15 to 25 minutes on HIGH, or simmer sauce in a pan. If using cornstarch, mix with water and add cautiously.