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Cozy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches Recipe with Easy Pickled Slaw

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Tender, juicy pulled chicken slow-cooked in BBQ sauce and served on toasted buns with a bright, tangy pickled slaw. A comforting and easy slow cooker meal perfect for cozy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (smoky, slightly sweet, e.g., Sweet Baby Ray’s)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and shredded
  • 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Soft sandwich buns or slider rolls
  • Butter for toasting buns (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place chicken breasts or thighs in an even layer in the crockpot. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Pour chicken broth and apple cider vinegar over the chicken, then drizzle BBQ sauce evenly on top.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until chicken is tender and shreds easily.
  4. While chicken cooks, combine shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrot in a large bowl.
  5. In a small saucepan, heat apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until sugar dissolves. Pour over cabbage mixture and toss well. Let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight.
  6. Remove chicken from crockpot and shred using forks or shredder claws. Return shredded chicken to crockpot and stir to coat with remaining sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Lightly butter sandwich buns and toast in a hot skillet or under a broiler until golden brown (optional).
  8. Assemble sandwiches by piling pulled chicken on buns and topping with a generous spoonful of pickled slaw. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for juicier meat. Avoid opening the crockpot lid during cooking to maintain temperature. Make pickled slaw ahead for best flavor. Toast buns for added texture and flavor. Drain excess slaw liquid before assembling to prevent soggy buns. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or serve over greens. For dairy-free, skip butter when toasting buns.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ pulled chicken, crockpot chicken, slow cooker chicken, pulled chicken sandwiches, pickled slaw, easy dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/cozy-crockpot-bbq-pulled-chicken-sandwiches-recipe-with-easy-pickled-slaw/