Kickin Bbq Pulled Chicken Sandwiches Easy Peasy

Kickin BBQ easy pulled chicken sandwiches recipe So Easy
By Mia WestlakeUpdated:

Kickin' BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches (Easy Peasy!)

Fancy a sandwich that tastes like summer? Ever crave that smoky, tangy BBQ flavour without the fuss? Then, get ready for the easy pulled chicken sandwiches recipe that's about to become your new best friend.

This is truly one of my favorite comfort food recipes !

Quick Hook

Honestly, who doesn't love a good sandwich? This easy pulled chicken sandwiches recipe delivers smoky, tangy goodness. Think Nando's meets a backyard BBQ. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner idea .

Brief Overview

This is Southern comfort at its finest. It's super easy. It takes only 10 minutes to prep. Cooking time is 6- 8 hours in a slow cooker or 40 minutes in an Instant Pot.

This makes about 6-8 sandwiches. This bbq pulled chicken sandwich is proper tasty grub!

Main Benefits

The best thing about this recipe? It is incredibly easy! It's packed with protein. It's ideal for a casual gathering.

What makes it special is the combination of simple ingredients and maximum flavor. It is really the best pulled chicken recipe .

Ready for tender, flavourful chicken? These shredded chicken sandwiches are a game changer. Trust me, you'll be making this easy chicken recipe again and again.

We start with 2 lbs of chicken breasts, and a handful of store cupboard basics. This slow cooker chicken recipe is so simple! Now, let's gather our ingredients.

Ingredients & Equipment

So, you wanna make some seriously good easy pulled chicken sandwiches recipe ? Let’s talk about what you'll need. It's all pretty simple stuff.

I've made this pulled chicken sandwich recipe a million times. Honestly, it’s my go-to when I need weeknight dinner ideas .

Main Ingredients: The Chicken Rundown

Okay, first up, the star of the show: the chicken! Grab about 2 lbs (900g) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

Quality matters! Look for chicken that's plump and pink. No greyish bits, alright? You'll also need 1 medium yellow onion and 2 cloves of garlic.

For the broth, 1/2 cup (120ml) of chicken broth.

For seasonings, get ready with 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, if you're feeling spicy!.

Then, a dash of 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper will do.

BBQ Sauce Brigade: Flavor Power

Now for the sauce that makes this an easy chicken recipe ! You'll need 1 1/2 cups (360ml) of your absolute favourite BBQ sauce.

Seriously, this is where you can let your personality shine. I personally like a smoky or tangy sauce for that proper bbq pulled chicken sandwich vibe.

Plus, you'll need 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp Dijon mustard.

Essential Spice Combinations: Aromatic Magic

Smoked paprika is a must for that real BBQ flavor. But the apple cider vinegar? That’s the secret weapon for adding that tangy kick! You can try different spices as chicken sandwich variations .

Try a pinch of cumin for a southwest feel!.

Quick sub? No apple cider vinegar? Lemon juice in a pinch!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don’t need a fancy kitchen, trust me. You'll need a slow cooker (or Instant Pot). I adore my slow cooker for this, low and slow! Slow cooker chicken just falls apart!.

A large bowl is necessary. Finally, two forks for shredding the chicken. It's all about that shredded chicken sandwich texture, you know?

Honestly, this recipe is so forgiving. Don't have Dijon? Skip it!. The best pulled chicken recipe is the one you make your own!.

I swear!. This instant pot pulled chicken and slow cooker method will give you great comfort food recipes .

Alright, let's get stuck in. I'm absolutely buzzing to share my easy pulled chicken sandwiches recipe with you. This is one of those comfort food recipes that I always come back to.

It is perfect for feeding a crowd or just a sneaky weeknight dinner ideas . Honestly, it's so simple it's almost criminal! Think Nando's meets a backyard BBQ with this bbq pulled chicken sandwich smoky, tangy, and totally moreish.

Prep Steps: Gettin' Organized

First, the mise en place . Sounds fancy, right? Don't worry, it just means "get your stuff ready". Chop your onion. Mince your garlic. Measure your spices. Everything to hand.

For time saving, I chuck everything for the chicken into the slow cooker chicken the night before! Next day, it's just switch on and forget about it.

If you are thinking, "what is mise en place?", don't worry too much about it, is just a fancy way to say prepare the ingredients.

Safety reminder : always wash your hands after handling raw chicken. You know? Common sense, but worth saying.

step-by-step: Easy Pulled Chicken Magic

Here’s how you nail these pulled chicken sandwich recipe :

  1. Pop your chicken breasts, onion, garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne (if you're feeling brave), salt, pepper and chicken broth into your slow cooker.
  2. Cook on low for 6- 8 hours . Or, 30 minutes in the Instant Pot followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release.
  3. Whisk your BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard together in a bowl. Trust me on the Worcestershire it adds some Umf .
  4. Shred that beautifully cooked chicken with two forks. It should fall apart like a dream.
  5. Pour the BBQ sauce over the shredded chicken sandwich , give it a good stir, and cook on low for another 30 minutes .
  6. Pile high on your hamburger buns with a big dollop of coleslaw if you fancy. Boom! Best pulled chicken recipe achieved.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Chicken Game

Want to take this easy chicken recipe to the next level?

  • Don't be tempted to overcook the chicken. Aim for super tender, not dry and stringy.
  • A common mistake is using cheap BBQ sauce. A good quality sauce makes a huge difference. I normally check the smokey or tangy one.
  • This instant pot pulled chicken is great for prepping ahead. Make a big batch and keep it in the fridge for easy lunches all week!

So there you have it! Kickin' BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches that are seriously easy to make.

I had these at a summer BBQ once, and everyone was raving about them. They couldn't believe how easy they were! The pulled chicken sandwich recipe is a total crowd pleaser. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes for the Best Pulled Chicken Recipe

Okay, so you’re about to dive into making this easy pulled chicken sandwiches recipe . Let's chat about some things I've learned along the way to make this even easier and more delicious.

Because honestly, who doesn't love a good shortcut?!

Serving Suggestions for your Pulled Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Presentation matters, right? Plating this bbq pulled chicken sandwich is easy. Pile that shredded chicken sandwich high on toasted brioche buns.

Add a scoop of homemade coleslaw on top for the perfect crunch. Serve with sweet potato fries. Don't forget a tall glass of iced tea to wash it all down.

You know, the classic Southern way.

Storage Tips For your easy chicken recipe

Got leftovers? No worries! Leftover slow cooker chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.

You can also freeze it. Freeze in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge, and reheat in a pan on the stove with a splash of chicken broth.

That will keep it moist. Reheat the pulled chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) for safety.

Chicken Sandwich Variations

Want to mix it up? I love adding some heat. Try adding chopped jalapeños to the easy pulled chicken sandwiches recipe during the slow cooking process.

For a Hawaiian twist, try adding crushed pineapple. You can easily adapt this easy chicken recipe to suit your tastes.

This is perfect for picky eaters. Or, if you're watching your sugar intake, look for a sugar-free BBQ sauce. This recipe can easily be adapted to be gluten-free.

Just use gluten-free buns.

Nutrition Basics

Alright, let’s talk nutrition. This easy pulled chicken sandwiches recipe offers a great source of protein. Protein is essential for muscle building and staying full.

It's also relatively low in fat. Just be mindful of the sugar content in your BBQ sauce. Choosing a lower sugar option will make this a healthier comfort food recipe .

Each sandwich packs a decent amount of calories. Aim to have 450-550, perfect for a satisfying meal.

Seriously, making this easy pulled chicken sandwiches recipe is a game changer. Especially if you're looking for weeknight dinner ideas or a simple instant pot pulled chicken option.

It's such a crowd pleaser. So get in the kitchen and give it a go. You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I prevent my pulled chicken from drying out in this easy pulled chicken sandwiches recipe?

Nobody wants dry chicken! To keep your pulled chicken moist, don't overcook it. Check for tenderness around the 6-hour mark in the slow cooker and shred it as soon as it's easily pulled apart.

Also, be sure to let the chicken cool slightly in the juices before shredding, and ensure it's fully submerged in the BBQ sauce after shredding like a proper bath!

Can I make this easy pulled chicken sandwiches recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prepping. Cook and shred the chicken as directed, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken in a saucepan or microwave until warmed through.

You could even make it a "build your own sandwich" bar for a fun family dinner proper "Blue Peter" vibes!

What are some good variations I can try with this recipe?

Fancy jazzing it up a bit? Try adding some chopped jalapeños to the slow cooker for a spicy kick, or some crushed pineapple for a Hawaiian twist like a holiday in a bun! You can also experiment with different BBQ sauces, from smoky to tangy, to find your perfect flavour profile.

Chicken thighs can also be swapped in for chicken breasts for a richer flavour, similar to a gourmet burger joint!

What's the best way to store leftover pulled chicken?

Store any leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the chicken has cooled down before refrigerating it. You can also freeze the pulled chicken for longer storage (up to 2-3 months). Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Just remember, proper storage is key to avoiding a dodgy tummy no one wants that!

How can I make this easy pulled chicken sandwiches recipe healthier?

Looking for a lighter option? Use whole wheat buns, skip the coleslaw, or opt for a light coleslaw dressing. You could also use a sugar-free BBQ sauce and a natural sugar substitute to reduce the sugar content. Serving it with a side salad instead of fries can also cut down on calories. It's all about balance, innit?

Can I use an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker for this easy pulled chicken sandwiches recipe?

Definitely! The Instant Pot is a fantastic time saver. Simply follow the recipe instructions, but cook the chicken for 30 minutes on high pressure, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Then, shred the chicken and simmer with the BBQ sauce for an additional 10 minutes.

You'll have delicious pulled chicken in a fraction of the time Bob's your uncle!

Kickin Bbq Pulled Chicken Sandwiches Easy Peasy

Kickin BBQ easy pulled chicken sandwiches recipe So Easy Recipe Card
0.0 / 5 (0 Review)
Preparation time:10 Mins
Cooking time:420 Mins
Servings:6-8 sandwiches

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Nutrition Facts:

Calories450-550
Fat20-25g
Fiber0g

Recipe Info:

CategoryMain Course
CuisineAmerican
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