Introduction
Get ready for a mouthwatering meal with these BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches! Tender, shredded chicken is simmered in a tangy, smoky barbecue sauce and piled high on soft buns for the ultimate quick-and-easy comfort food. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or summer cookouts, this recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🕒 Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes
- 🍗 Healthier Alternative – Lighter than traditional pulled pork
- 👨👩👧👦 Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for feeding a group
- 🍔 Versatile – Great for sandwiches, tacos, or salads
Ingredients You Will Need
(Serves 6)
For the Pulled Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 6 soft burger buns or sandwich rolls
- Coleslaw (optional)
- Pickles or pickle chips
- Extra barbecue sauce for drizzling
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Create the BBQ Sauce
Add barbecue sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and chili powder to the pot. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Return chicken to the pot, spooning sauce over the top. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Remove chicken from the pot and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the sauce and stir to coat.
Step 6: Toast the Buns
Lightly toast the buns for extra texture and flavor.
Step 7: Assemble Sandwiches
Pile pulled chicken onto bottom buns. Top with coleslaw if using, pickles, and an extra drizzle of barbecue sauce. Cover with top buns and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
- 🍗 Use Chicken Thighs – They stay juicier and more flavorful
- 🔥 Adjust Sauce Thickness – Simmer longer for thicker sauce
- 🌶️ Customize Heat – Add hot sauce or jalapeños for spice
- ❄️ Make Ahead – Flavor improves when made in advance
Slow Cooker Option
- Place all ingredients in slow cooker
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours
- Shred chicken and mix with sauce
Delicious Variations
- Hawaiian Style: Serve on Hawaiian rolls with pineapple slices
- Spicy Version: Use spicy barbecue sauce and add chipotle peppers
- Alabama White Sauce: Substitute with white barbecue sauce
- Healthy Option: Serve over salad or in lettuce wraps
Serving Suggestions
- Classic coleslaw on the side
- Sweet potato fries or regular fries
- Corn on the cob or baked beans
- Pickle spears and extra napkins!
Conclusion
BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches are the perfect solution when you’re craving barbecue but short on time. With their tender, flavorful chicken and smoky-sweet sauce, they’re guaranteed to become a family favorite. Easy to make, affordable, and always a hit – this recipe is sure to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!