Juicy BBQ Chicken Sandwiches: Hassle-Free Slow Cooker Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and these mouthwatering slow cooker BBQ chicken sandwiches deliver pure comfort.

Tender chicken simmers in a rich, tangy sauce that melts in your mouth with every bite.

The slow cooker works magic, breaking down the meat until it shreds effortlessly.

Juicy, saucy, and packed with flavor, these sandwiches bring restaurant-quality meals right to your kitchen.

Soft buns cradle the succulent chicken, creating the perfect handheld meal that satisfies serious hunger.

Weekend gatherings or busy weeknights call for this no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dish that comes together with minimal effort.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to savor a sandwich that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes

Total Time: 21 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 9

What You Need for Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

• Chicken Breasts: Tender protein star of the dish, choose fresh, plump cuts with minimal visible fat.
• Chicken Stock: Adds rich depth and keeps meat moist during slow cooking, opt for low-sodium varieties.

• Brown Sugar, Honey: Provide sweet caramelized undertones, select pure, high-quality versions.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings tangy brightness and helps tenderize meat, choose unpasteurized for deeper flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Delivers umami complexity, pick traditional aged varieties.
• Soy Sauce: Enhances savory profile, select reduced-sodium options.

• Hot Sauce: Adds spicy kick, experiment with different heat levels to suit taste preferences.
• Mustard: Introduces sharp, zesty notes, select Dijon for more sophisticated flavor.
• Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Create aromatic foundation, ensure freshly ground for maximum potency.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies overall taste, use kosher or sea salt for cleaner flavor.

• Cabbage, Carrot: Provide crisp, fresh crunch, select vibrant, firm vegetables.
• Greek Yogurt: Creates creamy coleslaw base, choose full-fat version for richness.

• Buns: Provides soft, warm vessel, select sturdy rolls that can handle juicy filling.

Tools to Cook Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

• Slow Cooker: Essential for cooking chicken thoroughly and infusing flavors.
• Mixing Bowls: Perfect for preparing coleslaw and whisking sauces.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending ingredients smoothly and evenly.
• Griddle or Toaster Oven: Needed to toast buns and create crispy edges.
• Sharp Knife: Required for slicing cabbage and carrots for coleslaw.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Help accurately measure ingredients for consistent results.
• Tongs: Useful for handling and shredding cooked chicken.

Instructions for BBQ Chicken Sandwiches in the Slow Cooker

• Flavor Foundation

Blend a harmonious mix of tangy and sweet liquids in the slow cooker, creating a rich marinade that will transform ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering meal.

• Chicken Preparation

Gently nestle chicken breasts into the aromatic sauce, ensuring each piece is lovingly coated and ready to absorb the incredible flavors.

• Slow Magic

Allow the chicken to simmer and tenderize over several hours, transforming into a succulent protein that falls apart with minimal effort.

• Creamy Coleslaw Creation

Whip together a zesty dressing that will add crunch and brightness to your sandwich, balancing the rich, savory chicken.

• Bun Transformation

Crisp up soft buns on a hot surface, creating a golden, slightly crunchy base that will elevate the entire sandwich experience.

• Final Assembly

Layer the tender, saucy chicken and fresh, tangy coleslaw onto the toasted buns, creating a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that will delight every taste bud.

BBQ Chicken Sandwich Tips & Tricks

• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for richer, more tender meat that absorbs BBQ sauce wonderfully.
• Adjust hot sauce levels to match your heat tolerance, from mild to fire-breathing intense flavor profiles.
• Prepare chicken and coleslaw components separately up to two days in advance, keeping components refrigerated until assembly time.
• Replace regular buns with gluten-free alternatives or lettuce wraps for a low-carb sandwich experience.
• Transform the recipe by using pulled pork or shredded turkey instead of chicken for delightful protein variety.

How to Serve Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

• Serve on Soft Slider Buns: Use mini slider buns for bite-sized party appetizers or classic burger buns for a hearty meal that satisfies hungry guests.
• Create a Picnic Platter: Arrange the BBQ chicken sandwiches on a large wooden board with extra coleslaw, pickles, and crispy potato chips for a casual outdoor dining experience.
• Pair with Cool Beverage Companions: Complement the tangy BBQ flavors with refreshing iced tea, cold beer, or a crisp lemonade that cuts through the richness of the chicken.
• Add Fresh Side Salad: Toss a light green salad with cucumber and tomatoes to balance the robust BBQ sandwich and provide a fresh, cooling contrast to the meal.

How to Store BBQ Chicken Sandwich Leftovers

• Maximize Meal Preparation: Prep chicken and coleslaw ingredients the night before for quick morning assembly, saving valuable time during busy weekdays.
• Refrigerate Strategically: Store shredded chicken and coleslaw separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness, keeping them crisp for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Portion leftover BBQ chicken into freezer-safe containers, labeling with date and contents, which can be safely stored for up to 2 months for quick future meals.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated chicken gently in microwave or slow cooker, adding a splash of chicken stock to prevent dryness and maintain original tender texture.

Tender Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 21 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This mouthwatering Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches recipe combines tender shredded chicken with tangy barbecue sauce. Hearty and satisfying, you’ll enjoy these classic sandwiches that bring comfort to any meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken breasts (large)
• 16 oz (454 g) shredded green cabbage and carrot coleslaw
• 8 hamburger buns
• 1 cup (240 ml) ketchup
• ½ cup (120 ml) unsalted chicken stock
• 4 tbsps (60 ml) salted butter, melted
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 3 tbsps (45 g) brown sugar
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) hot sauce
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) dijon mustard
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) plain Greek yogurt
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) honey
• 4 tbsps (60 ml) dijon mustard
• 2.5 tbsps (37.5 ml) BBQ sauce
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1.5 tsp onion powder
• 1.5 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¾ tsp celery seed

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sauce Preparation: Whisk chicken stock, melted butter, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, soy sauce, hot sauce, mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt in slow cooker basin until fully blended.
2. Chicken Infusion: Immerse chicken breasts completely in prepared sauce, ensuring thorough coating and even distribution within liquid mixture.
3. Slow Cooking Process: Program slow cooker to LOW temperature, allowing chicken to simmer and transform into tender, flavor-packed protein over 6 to 7 hours.
4. Coleslaw Creation: Blend Greek yogurt, honey, mustard, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and celery seed until smooth, creating a creamy dressing with vibrant flavor profile.
5. Bun Preparation: Butter bun exteriors and toast on griddle or in toaster oven until achieving golden, crisp texture.
6. Final Assembly: Toss shredded cabbage and grated carrots with prepared dressing, then layer sauce-saturated chicken onto toasted buns, topping with fresh, tangy coleslaw for a complete, mouthwatering sandwich experience.

Notes

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow chicken to soak in the sauce for full flavor absorption, ensuring every bite is packed with delicious BBQ goodness.
• Low and Slow Cooking Technique: Maintain low temperature for 6-7 hours to break down tough muscle fibers, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tender chicken.
• Coleslaw Timing Matters: Prepare coleslaw just before serving to keep vegetables crisp and prevent soggy sandwich texture.
• Toasting Buns Elevates Sandwich: Lightly butter and toast buns to create a golden, crispy exterior that adds textural contrast to the tender chicken.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg