Contents

Effortless Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches: Your Go-To Weeknight Meal

Delicious Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches on a bun with coleslaw

5 from 2 votes

BBQ Chicken Sandwiches – Slow Cooker

By: Julia Pacheco

Discover the ultimate easy dinner solution with these incredible Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches! Tender, juicy chicken breast simmers slowly in a rich, tangy barbecue sauce, resulting in a flavor-packed filling that’s perfect for piling high on toasted buns. This “set it and forget it” recipe is incredibly low-effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights, effortless entertaining, or feeding a hungry crowd without breaking a sweat. Prepare to be amazed by how simple it is to create such a satisfying and delicious meal!

Prep: 10 minutes

Cook: 6 hours

Total: 6 hours 10 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Save RecipeSaved Recipe
Pin Recipe
Comment
Print Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe

This slow cooker BBQ chicken recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a game-changer for anyone seeking delicious, stress-free meals. Here’s why it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen:

Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: With just 10 minutes of hands-on time, you can have a gourmet-tasting meal simmering away, filling your home with an irresistible aroma.
Tender & Juicy Every Time: The slow cooking process ensures the chicken breast becomes incredibly tender and infused with all the rich barbecue flavors, virtually impossible to dry out.
Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a casual family dinner, a potluck, or a game day gathering, these BBQ chicken sandwiches are always a hit. Easily scalable for any size crowd!
Healthy & Wholesome: Made with lean chicken breast and simple ingredients, it’s a healthier alternative to many fast-food options, without sacrificing taste.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Cook a large batch and enjoy the leftovers throughout the week. It reheats beautifully and can be repurposed in various dishes.

Ingredients for Your Irresistible BBQ Chicken

You’ll be delighted by how few ingredients are needed to create such a flavorful dish. Most of these are likely already in your pantry!

Ingredients

▢ 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
▢ 1 medium onion, diced (yellow or white onion works best)
▢ 1 ½ cups your favorite barbecue sauce
▢ ¼ cup chicken broth

Equipment Needed

Slow Cooker (Crock-Pot)
Whisk or Fork
Large Bowl (for mixing sauce)
Two Forks (for shredding chicken)

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, chicken broth, and diced onion. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth. This creates the flavorful base for your chicken.
Combine in Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the whisked barbecue sauce mixture generously over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
Slow Cook: Cook on LOW for 6 hours, or on HIGH for 4 hours. The chicken should be fork-tender and easily shreddable when done. Avoid opening the lid too often, as this releases heat and extends cooking time.
Shred and Finish: Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board or a large plate. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring it into the sauce. Continue to cook on LOW for an additional 20 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb even more flavor from the sauce.
Serve: For the ultimate BBQ chicken sandwich experience, generously spoon the hot, saucy chicken mixture onto toasted hamburger buns. Top with a creamy coleslaw for an extra crunch and burst of freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

Chicken Choice: While chicken breasts are great for a leaner option, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used for an even more tender and moist result. No need to adjust cooking times.
BBQ Sauce: The type of barbecue sauce you use will significantly impact the final flavor. Choose your favorite brand, whether you prefer sweet, smoky, tangy, or spicy. You can also mix two different sauces for a custom blend.
Onion Prep: Dicing the onion finely ensures it softens and blends seamlessly into the sauce, adding a subtle depth of flavor without overpowering the chicken.
Shredding Made Easy: If you find shredding the chicken challenging, a hand mixer on low speed can quickly shred it right in the slow cooker! Just be careful not to over-mix.
Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If your sauce seems too thin after shredding the chicken, you can remove the lid and cook on high for an extra 30 minutes, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
Don’t Peek: Resisting the urge to lift the slow cooker lid is crucial. Each time you do, heat escapes, and the cooking time will be extended.

Serving Suggestions Beyond the Bun

While classic BBQ chicken sandwiches are undeniably delicious, this versatile shredded chicken can be used in so many other ways:

Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter, low-carb option, serve the BBQ chicken in crisp lettuce cups.
Baked Potatoes: Pile the chicken high on a fluffy baked potato with a dollop of sour cream and chives.
Rice Bowls: Serve over a bed of white or brown rice with some steamed veggies.
Nachos: Spoon over tortilla chips with melted cheese, jalapeños, and your favorite toppings.
Salads: Add a scoop of cold BBQ chicken to a fresh green salad for a hearty meal.
Pizza Topping: Spread a thin layer on pizza dough, add cheese and red onion, then bake for a unique pizza experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

This slow cooker BBQ chicken is fantastic for meal prepping and freezes wonderfully, making your future self very happy!

Refrigeration: Store leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Allow the chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, in the microwave, or back in the slow cooker on low until warmed through. If it seems a little dry, add a splash of chicken broth or extra BBQ sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?: It’s generally not recommended to put frozen chicken directly into a slow cooker due to food safety concerns regarding the temperature range in which bacteria can grow. Always thaw chicken completely before adding it to the slow cooker.
What kind of barbecue sauce is best?: The “best” barbecue sauce is entirely subjective! Use your personal favorite. If you like a sweeter profile, go for a Kansas City-style sauce. For something tangier, a Carolina-style might be ideal. Experiment to find what you love!
Can I make this spicier?: Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce (like Tabasco or Sriracha), or finely diced jalapeños to the sauce mixture for an extra kick.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?: Yes, you can! Diced bell peppers, corn, or even a can of drained diced tomatoes can be added for extra flavor and nutrients. Add them at the beginning along with the chicken and sauce.
How many servings does this recipe yield?: This recipe is designed to yield 4 generous servings. However, you can easily adjust the serving size using the scaling buttons provided in the recipe card.

Video

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. It may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!