If you’re looking for a dish that screams comfort and warmth, look no further than a Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Slaw Sandwich. This recipe is a wonderful blend of tender chicken, sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, and crunchy slaw all tucked neatly inside a soft hamburger bun. It’s the perfect solution for those busy weeknights or when you’re hosting friends and family for a casual gathering. I find this meal to be not only simple to make but also incredibly satisfying to eat.
At the heart of this dish are key ingredients that truly shine. The 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts practically fall apart after cooking for hours in a seasoned concoction of 1 cup of BBQ sauce and 1/2 cup of chicken broth. The use of 1 tablespoon each of onion powder and garlic powder adds aromatic depth, while a sprinkle of salt and pepper elevates the flavors. Topped with a fresh 1 cup of coleslaw mix and a drizzle of 1/2 cup of coleslaw dressing, these sandwiches boast a lovely balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures.
Prepare for an effortless cooking experience. You’ll simply place the chicken in the slow cooker and mix up your flavorful sauce in a bowl. After pouring that delicious blend over the chicken, you’ll cover it and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours, leaving your home to smell simply divine. Once cooked, shred the chicken, mix it back into the sauce, toss together the slaw, and you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches. It’s as easy as that!
These sandwiches are perfect for a chilly night in or a potluck with friends. Whether you’re snuggled on the couch with a good book or gathering with loved ones around a table, this recipe fits seamlessly into any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Slaw Sandwich
- Quick and Easy: Set it and forget it! This dish practically cooks itself, giving you more time for other tasks.
- Simple Ingredients: Most of these items are likely already in your pantry, making it budget-friendly and accessible.
- Comfort Food: It combines the heartiness of pulled chicken with the crunch of slaw, creating a dish that warms the soul.
- Perfect for Everyone: With its flavors and textures, this sandwich appeals to all ages, from kids to seniors.
- Versatile: You can easily adapt this recipe to include your favorite BBQ sauce or add extra spices for a personalized touch.
Chicken Tips
When preparing boneless, skinless chicken breasts, choosing the right pieces can make a significant difference. Look for chicken that is a pale pink color and feels firm to the touch. Avoid any pieces that appear slimy or have a strong odor, as these indicate spoilage. If possible, use organic or free-range chicken for better flavor and quality. Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture when it’s time to cook.
Options for Substitutions
- Use boneless, skinless thighs instead of breasts for a slightly richer flavor.
- Swap the BBQ sauce for a homemade version or a different flavor, like honey mustard or teriyaki.
- Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option if you want to try it with jackfruit or tofu.
- Use fresh garlic and onion instead of the powder for a stronger flavor.
- Consider whole grain or gluten-free buns for a healthier option.
- For a lighter slaw, use Greek yogurt mixed with a little vinegar instead of coleslaw dressing.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. While slow cookers are forgiving, cooking the chicken for too long can lead to a dry texture. Stick to 6-8 hours on low for optimal tenderness.
Another pitfall is neglecting to season properly. While the BBQ sauce provides flavor, don’t shy away from adding salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Remember, seasoning is key!
Adding the coleslaw too early can result in soggy toppings. It’s best to mix the slaw and dressing just before serving to retain that delightful crunch.
Finally, make sure not to overcrowd your slow cooker. For best results, keep the chicken in a single layer, or cook it in batches if necessary.
What to Serve With Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Slaw Sandwich?
These barbecue sandwiches pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving them alongside sweet potato fries, a fresh fruit salad, or baked beans. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can also complement the flavors nicely.
Storage Instructions
Store: You can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Freeze: If you want to save some for later, freeze the shredded chicken with sauce for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
Reheat: For the stovetop, place the chicken in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist. In the microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming.
Recipe Info
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (including cooking)
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: Approximately 6 servings
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1,200 – 1,500
- Protein: 140 – 160 grams
- Fat: 20 – 30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 150 – 180 grams
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 cup coleslaw mix
- 1/2 cup coleslaw dressing
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Begin by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Make sure they are spread evenly on the bottom for consistent cooking.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, onion powder, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring it covers the chicken well.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours. The chicken is done when it easily shreds with a fork.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked to tender perfection, use two forks to shred it in the slow cooker. Mix it back into the sauce to soak up all the flavors.
Step 5: Prepare the Slaw
In a bowl, combine the coleslaw mix with the coleslaw dressing. Toss together until the mix is evenly coated.
Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches
To put together your sandwiches, take a generous amount of the BBQ pulled chicken and place it on each hamburger bun. Top it off with a scoop of the prepared slaw. Serve immediately and enjoy!
In conclusion, this Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Slaw Sandwich is a game-changer for anyone looking to simplify dinner while still enjoying the robust flavors of a homemade meal. Give it a try, and don’t forget to come back and share your thoughts or explore similar recipes on the blog. Happy cooking!
Print
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Slaw Sandwich
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 480 minutes
- Total Time: 495 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
Comforting pulled chicken sandwiches with sweet BBQ sauce and crunchy slaw, perfect for casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 cup coleslaw mix
- 1/2 cup coleslaw dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, onion powder, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper.
- Pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Prepare the Slaw: Combine the coleslaw mix with the coleslaw dressing in a bowl.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Place the BBQ pulled chicken on each hamburger bun and top with the slaw.
Notes
For added flavor, you can substitute chicken breasts with thighs or use your favorite BBQ sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
