These pulled chicken sandwiches are a cozy treat! Tender chicken is smothered in BBQ sauce and served on soft buns—so good it makes you want to hug your plate!
I love personalizing mine with crunchy coleslaw or tangy pickles. It’s fun to see how many toppings I can fit on one sandwich. Challenge accepted! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. You could also use thighs for richer flavor or even pulled rotisserie chicken to save time!
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought sauce or make your own! Alternatively, if you’re looking for a lighter option, try a homemade sauce using ketchup, vinegar, and a bit of honey or mustard.
Cabbage: While green and purple cabbage are great, you can also add other veggies like shredded carrots or even broccoli slaw for a twist. If you want a lighter slaw, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo!
Buns: Hamburger and slider buns work well. You can use whole grain or gluten-free buns too! For a low-carb option, serve the pulled chicken on lettuce leaves.
How Can I Make Sure My Chicken Is Tender and Flavorful?
To get tender chicken, it’s crucial to cook it low and slow. After browning, simmer the chicken covered. This traps steam and moisture, keeping the meat juicy.
- Always season your chicken well before cooking. It boosts the flavor!
- Let it rest before shredding to help retain juices.
- Mix the shredded chicken with sauce to enhance the flavor.
Following these steps will ensure your pulled chicken makes delicious sandwiches. Enjoy your cooking and have fun experimenting with toppings! 😊
How to Make Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 hamburger buns or slider buns
For the Coleslaw Topping:
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 carrot, shredded
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and around 30 minutes for cooking. You’ll have delicious, warm pulled chicken sandwiches ready to enjoy in about 40 minutes total—perfect for a cozy meal any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This adds loads of flavor to your chicken!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the heated oil and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are lightly browned.
3. Simmer with BBQ Sauce:
Now it’s time to add some moisture. Pour the chicken broth (or water) and your barbecue sauce over the chicken. Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, take it out of the pan and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back to the pan, stirring it well to coat every piece in that yummy BBQ sauce. Keep it warm.
5. Make the Coleslaw:
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, and carrot. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey (or sugar), salt, and pepper. Pour this dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss everything together until well combined. Place it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
6. Toast the Buns:
While your chicken and coleslaw are getting ready, lightly toast the buns in a skillet or oven until they are golden brown. This gives them a nice crunch!
7. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Now for the fun part! Pile a generous portion of the pulled chicken onto the bottom half of each bun. Top it off with a scoop of coleslaw, then close the sandwich with the top half of the bun.
8. Serve:
Your pulled chicken sandwiches are ready to enjoy! Serve them immediately while they are warm, and don’t forget to set out extra barbecue sauce on the side if you like.
Enjoy your delicious, juicy Pulled Chicken Sandwiches topped with creamy coleslaw! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw it in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker results. Once thawed, season and cook as directed!
How Can I Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! Simply place the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker, add the BBQ sauce and chicken broth, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken when done and mix it with the sauce, then proceed with the sandwiches!
What Are Some Good Storage Tips for Leftovers?
Store any leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat gently on the stovetop before serving!
Can I Add Other Toppings to My Sandwiches?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with toppings. Sliced pickles, jalapeños, or even avocado can add delicious flavors. You can also try different varieties of coleslaw for a unique twist!
