BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these are the main protein for the dish.

Bbq sauce: Provides the smoky and tangy flavor essential for BBQ pulled chicken.

Burger buns: Soft and sturdy, perfect for holding the shredded chicken.

Coleslaw: Optional, but adds a crunchy and refreshing contrast to the savory chicken.

For perfectly shredded chicken, use a hand mixer on low speed instead of forks. This method is quicker and ensures an even shred, making your BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches more uniform and easier to eat.

• Chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breasts: Turkey breasts have a similar texture and can be shredded easily, making them a good alternative for pulled chicken.

• Chicken breasts - Substitute with jackfruit: For a vegetarian or vegan option, young green jackfruit has a stringy texture that mimics pulled chicken when cooked.

• BBQ sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce offers a sweet and savory flavor profile that can complement the pulled meat similarly to BBQ sauce.

• BBQ sauce - Substitute with homemade sauce: A mix of ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices can create a homemade BBQ sauce that matches the flavor profile.

• Burger buns - Substitute with whole wheat buns: Whole wheat buns offer a healthier alternative with more fiber and nutrients.

• Burger buns - Substitute with lettuce wraps: For a low-carb option, large lettuce leaves can be used to wrap the pulled chicken.

• Coleslaw - Substitute with pickled vegetables: Pickled vegetables add a tangy crunch that complements the savory pulled chicken.

• Coleslaw - Substitute with sliced avocado: Avocado provides a creamy texture and healthy fats, making it a nutritious alternative to coleslaw.

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to soggy burger buns.

• Transfer the shredded chicken to an airtight container. If you have leftover coleslaw, store it separately to maintain its crunch.

• For short-term storage, place the container in the refrigerator. The BBQ pulled chicken will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• For longer storage, consider freezing. Portion the shredded chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

• Label the containers with the date to keep track of freshness. Frozen BBQ pulled chicken can last up to 3 months.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker option, use the defrost setting on your microwave.

• Reheat the BBQ pulled chicken in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, heating in short intervals and stirring in between to ensure even heating.

• If you have leftover burger buns, store them in a bread box or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze the buns in a resealable bag for up to a month.

• To refresh frozen burger buns, let them thaw at room temperature. For a crispier texture, warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes.

• If you have leftover coleslaw, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Avoid freezing coleslaw as it can become watery and lose its crunch.

• Slow cooker: A countertop electrical cooking appliance used to simmer at a lower temperature than other cooking methods, perfect for cooking the chicken breasts slowly and evenly.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure the exact amount of bbq sauce needed for the recipe.

• Forks: Essential for shredding the cooked chicken breasts into fine pieces.

• Burger buns: The bread component of the sandwich, used to hold the shredded chicken and coleslaw.

• Mixing bowl: Useful if you decide to mix the coleslaw separately before adding it to the sandwich.

• Tongs: Handy for placing the shredded chicken onto the burger buns without making a mess.

• Knife: Useful for slicing the burger buns if they are not pre-sliced.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the burger buns.

Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the store. Just shred and mix with bbq sauce.

Pre-made coleslaw: Buy pre-made coleslaw to skip the chopping and mixing.

Quick cook setting: Use the high setting on your slow cooker to reduce cooking time to 3-4 hours.

Toast buns ahead: Toast the burger buns while the chicken is cooking to save time later.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal another day.