Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches Recipe for a Crowd
This easy slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches recipe is a quick, no-fuss meal perfect for feeding a crowd. Tender, flavorful chicken cooked low and slow in smoky BBQ sauce, served on soft buns.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 7 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 8 to 10 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds / 900 grams)
- 1 cup (8 fl oz) of your favorite BBQ sauce
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 to 10 soft hamburger buns or slider rolls (brioche buns recommended)
- Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, sliced jalapeños, extra BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Thinly slice the onion and mince the garlic. Measure out BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Place sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Lay chicken breasts evenly on top of the onions.
- Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken, coating each piece well.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until chicken reaches 165°F and shreds easily.
- Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred with two forks or shredder claws.
- Return shredded chicken to slow cooker and stir into sauce and onions. Cook on low for another 10 to 15 minutes.
- Toast buns lightly on a skillet or toaster oven.
- Assemble sandwiches by piling pulled chicken on buns and adding optional toppings. Serve immediately.
Notes
For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Chicken thighs can be used but may cook faster. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar balances sweetness. Let chicken rest before shredding to avoid stringiness. Can be cooked in a Dutch oven at 300°F for about 2 hours if no slow cooker is available. Double recipe for larger crowds with a bigger slow cooker or two slow cookers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: slow cooker, BBQ pulled chicken, chicken sandwiches, easy recipe, crowd-pleaser, barbecue, pulled chicken, slow cooker recipe