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Tender Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Sandwiches Easy Homemade Carolina BBQ Recipe

slow cooker pulled chicken sandwiches - featured image

These tender slow cooker pulled chicken sandwiches feature authentic Carolina BBQ sauce with a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors. Easy to prepare and perfect for weeknights or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 hamburger buns
  • Optional toppings: pickles, coleslaw, sliced red onions

Instructions

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth and well blended (about 3 minutes).
  2. Place chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker (about 2 minutes).
  3. Pour the prepared BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, coating them well.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and shreds easily. Avoid opening the lid during cooking.
  5. Shred the chicken in the slow cooker using two forks or tongs and mix well with the sauce (5-7 minutes). If sauce is too thin, cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes to thicken.
  6. Lightly toast hamburger buns in a skillet or toaster oven (about 3 minutes).
  7. Assemble sandwiches by piling pulled chicken onto buns and adding optional toppings. Serve immediately.

Notes

Keep the slow cooker lid closed during cooking to retain moisture. For extra smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke. Use gluten-free buns for a gluten-free meal. The sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated. If chicken dries out, add a splash of chicken broth. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled chicken, slow cooker, Carolina BBQ, BBQ chicken sandwiches, easy dinner, comfort food, slow cooker recipe