Hey y’all! If you’re looking for a mouthwatering, fuss-free meal that the whole family will love, these Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are just what you need. Juicy shredded chicken coated in a smoky, tangy barbecue sauce, all piled high on toasty buns—what’s not to love? Whether it’s game day, a summer picnic, or just a cozy weeknight, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
- Effortless prep—just set it and forget it in your crockpot.
- Super tender, juicy chicken with bold barbecue flavor in every bite.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for busy weeks.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and buns.
- Minimal cleanup for maximum enjoyment!
Ingredients for Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 6 sandwich buns (brioche or hamburger)
- Toppings: coleslaw, pickles, red onion (optional)
How to Make Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot BBQ Chicken Mixture
Add the chicken breasts to the bottom of your crockpot. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Top with diced onion and minced garlic.
Step 2: Add Liquids and Cook
Pour barbecue sauce and chicken broth evenly over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
Step 3: Shred and Mix
Remove the cooked chicken to a plate and shred using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir well to coat with the sauce. Let it cook on low for another 15-20 minutes so the flavors meld.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches
Toast the sandwich buns if desired. Spoon generous amounts of BBQ chicken onto each bun, and add your favorite toppings like coleslaw, pickles, or extra BBQ sauce.
Notes & Helpful Tips for Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
- For extra flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for even juicier results.
- Learn more about safely cooking chicken in a crockpot from the USDA guidelines.
Variations for Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
- Spicy BBQ Chicken: Add 1-2 tablespoons of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Hawaiian Style: Mix in 1/2 cup of crushed pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Low-Carb: Serve the shredded BBQ chicken in lettuce wraps instead of buns.
Equipment Needed for Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
- Crockpot (6-quart recommended)
- Cutting board and knife
- Mixing spoon
- Forks (for shredding)
- Serving tongs
Storage Instructions for Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Store any leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep it moist.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
- Pair with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, crunchy potato chips, or corn on the cob.
- Serve with a fresh green salad for a lighter option.
- Try with baked beans or roasted sweet potatoes for delicious comfort food vibes.
Pro Tips for Perfect Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
- Use a high-quality, flavorful barbecue sauce—here are some popular store-bought options.
- Shred the chicken while it’s still warm for the best texture and to help it soak up the sauce.
- If the sauce seems too thin after shredding, cook uncovered for 15 minutes to thicken.
FAQ: Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
- Yes, but add an extra hour to the cooking time and make sure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
- Keep the crockpot covered and don’t overcook; adding a little extra broth can also help keep the chicken moist.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Prepare the BBQ chicken up to 2 days in advance, store in the fridge, and reheat before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5-6 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Total Time: Approx. 5 hours 10 minutes (on low setting)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 6 sandwich buns, toasted
Instructions
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1Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
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2Add the sliced onion and minced garlic over the chicken.
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3In a bowl, mix together barbecue sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, and smoked paprika. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
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4Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
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5Shred the chicken in the crockpot and stir to coat with the sauce.
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6Serve the BBQ chicken on toasted sandwich buns.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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