Shredded Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches

This post may include affiliate links — learn more here .

Shredded Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches are a saucy, savory, and slightly sweet classic that’s perfect for an easy and satisfying meal. Slow-cooked or quickly prepared on the stovetop, the tender shredded chicken is coated in a rich barbecue sauce and piled high onto soft buns for a deliciously messy bite.

I first made these sandwiches when I needed a simple yet crowd-pleasing dish for a summer cookout. The aroma of barbecue sauce simmering with the chicken filled the kitchen, and once I took a bite, I knew this recipe was a keeper. The combination of smoky, tangy sauce and juicy chicken made it an instant hit!

What’s great about Shredded Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches is how effortless they are to prepare. Serve them with coleslaw for a fresh crunch, add pickles for extra tang, or spice things up with jalapeños. Whether it’s for a party, picnic, or easy weeknight dinner, these sandwiches always deliver big flavor with minimal effort!

Perfect for:

• Backyard barbecues
• Family dinners
• Game day feasts
• Potlucks and gatherings
• Quick and easy meals

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Shredded Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches will become a go-to meal in your home:

• Bold Barbecue Flavor: The chicken is slow-cooked in a rich, tangy barbecue sauce that soaks into every bite.
• Juicy and Tender Chicken: Cooking the chicken low and slow ensures it’s perfectly juicy and easy to shred.
• Effortless Preparation: Minimal prep time and hands-off cooking make this recipe a breeze.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on a sandwich, over rice, or as a topping for baked potatoes.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Family-Friendly: A dish everyone will love, from kids to adults.
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spice level to suit your preference.
• Works in Any Season: Perfect for summer cookouts or cozy winter dinners.
• One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes mean easy cleanup.
• Pairs Well with Sides: Goes great with coleslaw, cornbread, fries, or salad.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 4 hours (including slow cooking time)
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

For the Shredded Barbecue Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 ½ cups barbecue sauce
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

For Serving:

• 6 sandwich buns
• Coleslaw (optional)
• Pickles (optional)
• Extra barbecue sauce for drizzling

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Thighs: Provide extra juiciness and flavor compared to chicken breasts.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy contrast to the sweet barbecue sauce.
• Smoked Paprika: Enhances the smoky, grilled flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Balances the acidity with a touch of sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Rub the seasoning evenly over the chicken.
2. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a slow cooker or large pot, mix barbecue sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir to combine.
3. Add the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken into the sauce mixture, ensuring each piece is coated.

Slow Cook the Chicken:

4. Set the Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
5. Shred the Chicken: Use two forks to pull apart the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the sauce.
6. Simmer if Needed: If the sauce is too thin, let the chicken sit on “warm” for an additional 15 minutes or simmer uncovered on the stovetop to thicken.

Assemble the Sandwiches:

7. Toast the Buns: Lightly toast sandwich buns for added texture.
8. Layer the Chicken: Pile the shredded barbecue chicken onto each bun.
9. Add Toppings: Top with coleslaw and pickles, if desired.
10. Serve and Enjoy! Drizzle with extra barbecue sauce before serving.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Shredded Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches:

• Classic Style: Serve on a toasted bun with coleslaw and pickles.
• Over Rice: Spoon the shredded chicken over a bed of fluffy rice.
• In a Wrap: Use tortillas for an easy barbecue chicken wrap.
• Stuffed Baked Potatoes: Load up baked potatoes with barbecue chicken and cheese.
• With Cornbread: Serve with a slice of warm, buttery cornbread.
• On a Salad: Toss over a fresh green salad for a lighter option.
• In Sliders: Use small buns for barbecue chicken sliders at parties.
• As a Pizza Topping: Spread it over pizza dough with cheese and red onions.
• In Tacos: Fill soft tacos with barbecue chicken and avocado.
• With Mac and Cheese: Serve alongside creamy mac and cheese for comfort food heaven.

Additional Tips

• Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness – While chicken breasts are lean, thighs stay moist and flavorful, making your shredded barbecue chicken extra tender.
• Slow Cook for Maximum Flavor – Let the chicken cook low and slow in a crockpot or simmer gently on the stove to ensure it absorbs all the barbecue sauce goodness.
• Add a Splash of Vinegar – A touch of apple cider vinegar enhances the tangy barbecue flavor and balances the sweetness of the sauce.
• Toast the Buns – Lightly toasting the sandwich buns prevents sogginess and adds a satisfying crunch. Try brushing them with butter for extra flavor.
• Mix in Some Heat – Add a dash of hot sauce, cayenne, or chipotle powder for a spicy kick to balance the sweetness of the barbecue sauce.
• Let It Rest – After cooking, let the chicken sit for a few minutes before shredding to help retain its juices and keep it from drying out.
• Use Two Forks or a Mixer for Shredding – Two forks work well, but if you want ultra-fine shreds, use a hand mixer on low speed for quick and even shredding.
• Layer with Crunchy Slaw – A tangy coleslaw with vinegar or a creamy dressing adds texture and a refreshing contrast to the rich barbecue chicken.
• Make It Cheesy – Melt a slice of cheddar, pepper jack, or smoked gouda over the shredded chicken for an extra layer of deliciousness.
• Prepare Ahead for Meal Prep – Shredded barbecue chicken stores well in the fridge for up to four days or in the freezer for up to three months, making it a great make-ahead meal option.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Barbecue Chicken: Increase cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños.
• Honey Barbecue Chicken: Stir in 2 tablespoons of honey for a sweeter twist.
• Buffalo Barbecue Chicken: Mix in buffalo sauce for a spicy kick.
• Hawaiian Barbecue Chicken: Add pineapple chunks for a tropical flavor.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Serve on lettuce wraps instead of buns.
• Vegan Version: Substitute jackfruit for chicken and use a plant-based barbecue sauce.

Special Equipment

• Slow Cooker: Ideal for tender, flavorful chicken.
• Mixing Bowls: For preparing sauce and seasoning blends.
• Tongs: To easily handle and shred chicken.
• Sharp Knife: For trimming chicken before cooking.
• Toaster or Grill: For toasting sandwich buns.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
   Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and add more flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take slightly longer to become tender.
2. What’s the best way to shred the chicken?
   You can use two forks to pull the chicken apart or a hand mixer for quicker shredding. A stand mixer with a paddle attachment also works well.
3. Can I make this recipe in advance?
   Absolutely! The flavors develop even more when stored overnight. Reheat on the stovetop or in a slow cooker on low heat.
4. How do I keep the shredded chicken from drying out?
   Keep it warm in the slow cooker with extra barbecue sauce or a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.
5. What’s the best type of barbecue sauce to use?
   It depends on your preference! A smoky, sweet, or tangy sauce works well. You can also mix different sauces for a custom flavor.
6. Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
   Yes! Cook the chicken on high pressure for about 10-12 minutes, then let it naturally release for 5 minutes before shredding.
7. What’s the best bread for these sandwiches?
   Soft sandwich buns, brioche, or pretzel buns work great. Toasting them adds a nice texture contrast.
8. Can I freeze the shredded barbecue chicken?
   Yes! Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
9. What toppings go well with shredded barbecue chicken sandwiches?
   Classic toppings include coleslaw, pickles, caramelized onions, or melted cheese. Avocado and jalapeños add extra flavor.
10. What sides pair well with these sandwiches?
    Coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, corn on the cob, or sweet potato fries complement the flavors perfectly.

Conclusion

Shredded Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches are a saucy, flavorful, and effortless meal perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or summer cookouts! Slow-cooked or pressure-cooked until tender, the juicy shredded chicken is coated in a smoky, tangy barbecue sauce that soaks into soft sandwich buns for the ultimate bite.

Serve them classic-style with coleslaw on top, or customize with pickles, cheese, or crispy fried onions for extra crunch. Pair with chips, potato salad, or baked beans for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal!

I can’t wait to see how your Shredded Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this recipe your own!