Crock Pot Bbq Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Get ready to revolutionize your dinner game, because these Crock Pot BBQ chicken sandwiches are about to be your new culinary obsession!

I enjoy preparing this BBQ Chicken Sandwich in the slow cooker because it brings together tender, boneless, skinless chicken breasts; a harmonious mix of barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar; and just a touch of garlic and onion powder. The result is a sandwich that has all the sweet and savory flavors you want when you sit down to eat.

And believe me, this is a sit-down sandwich.

Crock Pot Bbq Chicken Sandwich Recipe Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein, low in fat, versatile cooking.
• Barbecue Sauce: Sweet and tangy, adds flavor depth.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds acidity, tang, aids digestion.
• Brown Sugar: Sweetness, caramelizes during cooking.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Umami richness, complex flavor.
• Mustard: Sharp, tangy, cuts through sweetness.

Crock Pot Bbq Chicken Sandwich Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 sandwich buns
• Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles

How to Make this Crock Pot Bbq Chicken Sandwich Recipe

1. Spread light and dark meats evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker. Season with just a little kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper.

2. In a bowl, stir together the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Blend thoroughly.

3. Add the sauce mixture to the chicken breasts in the crock pot, making sure they are well covered.

4. Put the lid on the crock pot and set it to low for 6-7 hours, or to high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will reach the desired level of tenderness and doneness in this time.

5. Once the cooked chicken has been taken from the crock pot, the next step is to remove the breasts from the chicken. Using two forks, shred the breasts into bite-sized pieces.

6. Place the shredded chicken back into the crock pot and mix it with the sauce, letting it absorb the flavors for another 10-15 minutes on low.

7. If desired, toast the sandwich buns.

8. Place the buns on the serving platter. Top each bun with a generous portion of the shredded BBQ chicken.

9. If desired, the sandwiches may be topped with optional toppings such as coleslaw or pickles.

10. Savor the delightful taste of your Crock Pot BBQ chicken sandwiches!

Crock Pot Bbq Chicken Sandwich Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Slow cooker (crock pot)
2. Mixing bowl
3. Measuring cups
4. Measuring spoons
5. Forks (for shredding the chicken)
6. Spoon or spatula (for mixing)
7. Knife (for any optional topping preparation like slicing pickles)
8. Cutting board (for any optional toppings)
9. Serving platter

FAQ

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?Chicken thighs can certainly be utilized as an alternative. They are more flavorful and maintain their juiciness postcooking.
• Is it possible to make this recipe with frozen chicken?Indeed, frozen chicken breasts can be used, but be certain to modify the cooking time appropriately, which almost always necessitates an addition of an extra hour if cooking on low.
• Can I prepare this recipe in advance?Of course! You may prepare it in advance, tear the chicken, and keep it in the fridge for no longer than 3 days. Serve it heated.
• How can I make this recipe spicier?If you want to add some heat, think about putting in a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
• What is the best way to thicken the sauce?To achieve a sauce with more body, retain the sauce and remove the lid. Set the slow cooker to high for the last 30 minutes, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate.
• What should I serve with these BBQ chicken sandwiches?A complete meal consists of them and sides like coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, or a crisp green salad.

Crock Pot Bbq Chicken Sandwich Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Hoisin sauce makes a great substitute for barbecue sauce when you want an Asian twist. Ketchup and honey mixed in equal parts are also good substitutes for barbecue sauce when you want a homemade alternative.
Apple cider vinegar: Swap with white vinegar or lemon juice for comparable tartness.
Honey or maple syrup provide a different sweetness profile. Use them in place of brown sugar.
Soy sauce: For a slightly different savory flavor, soy sauce works well.
Mustard: For a taste variation, try either Dijon mustard or yellow mustard.

Pro Tips

1. For extra flavor and moisture retention, consider searing the chicken breasts in a hot skillet with a bit of oil before placing them in the slow cooker. This can enhance the overall taste and texture of the chicken.

2. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety and optimal tenderness.

3. For a richer sauce, make a quick spice rub by mixing the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper together. Rub this mixture into the chicken breasts before adding them to the slow cooker.

4. For a smoky depth of flavor, try adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce mixture before pouring it over the chicken.

5. If a tangier sauce is preferred, you can increase the amount of apple cider vinegar slightly or add a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice once the chicken is done cooking.