If you're looking for a set-it-and-forget-it dinner that the whole family will devour, my Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are it!! This is hands down my favorite way to make shredded BBQ chicken with minimal effort, simple ingredients, and big flavor! Perfect for busy weeknights, cooler weather, or anytime you need a great recipe that basically cooks itself!
We're using boneless skinless chicken breasts, a few pantry spices, and my favorite BBQ sauce! Toss everything into the crock pot, let it do its thing, shred, and dinner is DONE. Serve on Dave's Killer Bread buns with pickles and store-bought coleslaw for a full recipe the whole family will love!
And yes, this one is make-ahead friendly & reheats beautifully!
If you love this recipe, you will love my easy and healthy Mississippi pot roast, easy slow cooker bison, and easy and healthy slow cooker chicken enchiladas.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Minimal effort with maximum flavor
- Made with simple ingredients
- Perfect for busy weeknights
- Family-friendly (even picky eaters love it!)
- Great for meal prep
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Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts - Lean, easy to shred, and perfect for pulled chicken
- Salt & black pepper - Simple seasoning goes a long way
- Garlic powder & onion powder - Adds savory depth without overpowering
- True Made Foods Pitmaster Original BBQ Sauce - Lower sugar, clean sauce ingredients, and so flavorful
- Hamburger buns or sandwich rolls - Dave's Killer Bread is my go-to for a higher fiber option
- Pickles & coleslaw - Crunchy, tangy, and the perfect balance
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: Add Everything to the Crock Pot. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Step 2:Add the BBQ Sauce. Pour the entire bottle of BBQ sauce over the chicken. Use a pair of tongs to gently coat the chicken.
- Step 3:Cook Low & Slow. High: 2-4 hours. Low: 4-6 hours (or up to 6-7 hours if starting with very thick chicken). ook until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Step 4:Shred & Serve. Shred the chicken directly in the crock pot using forks or a stand mixer for easy shredding. Serve on buns with pickles and coleslaw and enjoy!
What to Serve With BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
- Oven fries or sweet potato wedges
- Extra coleslaw
- Corn on the cob
- Side salad for more fiber and nutrients
Such a great way to make it a full meal!
Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free buns or serve over baked potatoes or rice. Double-check BBQ sauce labels for gluten-free certification.
- Dairy-Free: Naturally dairy-free as written.
- Chicken Thighs: You can swap in chicken thighs for extra flavor, they shred beautifully!
Variations
- Mix in a splash of apple cider vinegar for tang
- Try a homemade BBQ sauce if you have time. This is one of my favorite homemade low sugar bbq sauce recipes.
- Serve over baked sweet potatoes instead of buns.
- Easy & Healthy Honey Mustard Chicken: This recipe was inspired by my honey mustard chicken recipe.
Equipment
- 6 Quart Multi-cooker: This is the slow cooker that I have and love. It is not only absolutely beautiful but it comes in so many different colors!
- Cutting board
- Small bowl (optional, for mixing spices)
- Pair of tongs
- Forks or stand mixer for shredding
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I make a small commission if you choose to purchase through qualifying links.
Storage
- Store leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container
- Keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days
- Reheats perfectly for the next day
- Great for meal prep or freezing
Christina's Dietitian Tip
Using a lower-sugar BBQ sauce like True Made Foods is a smart swap that still delivers bold flavor while keeping added sugars in check. Pairing protein-rich shredded chicken with fiber from coleslaw helps keep you full longer!
FAQ
Yes! Chicken thighs work great and add extra flavor. Cooking time stays about the same, just make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Make it ahead, store in an airtight container,and reheat when ready to serve and then prepare the sandwich.
Yes! Let the chicken cool completely, then freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
Coleslaw, Pickles, Red onion, Jalapeños, Extra BBQ sauce, Hot sauce for extra flavor
Slow Cooker
Looking for other slow cooker recipes, try these:
Easy Dinners
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EasySlow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Equipment
- Slow cooker / crock pot
- Cutting Board
- Small bowl (optional, for mixing spices)
- Pair of tongs
- Forks or stand mixer for shredding
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds of chicken breast or thighs
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon pepper or to taste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 18 ounces True Made Foods Original Low Sugar BBQ Sauce use your favorite low sugar bbq sauce
Serve with:
- Dave's Killer Buns
- Cole Slaw
- Side Salad
- Fries
- Potato Salad
- Corn on the Cob
- Sweet Potato Wedges
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Pour the entire bottle of BBQ sauce over the chicken. Use a pair of tongs to gently coat the chicken.
- Cook Low & Slow. High: 2-4 hours OR Low: 4-6 hours (or up to 6-7 hours if starting with very thick chicken). Cook until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Shred the chicken directly in the crock pot using forks or a stand mixer for easy shredding. Serve on buns with pickles and coleslaw and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Food Safety
- Cook chicken to a minimum temperature of 165 F.
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
Kris Radecki says
Absolutely delicious! The flavor combinations and crunch of the coleslaw and pickles are brilliant in this sandwich. Super easy prep and you come home to a kitchen that smells amazing. A family favorite at my house!