There’s a special kind of warmth that fills your kitchen when the aroma of slow-cooked BBQ chicken wafts through the air. The combination of succulent chicken thighs and sweet, tangy barbecue sauce creates a harmony that brings family and friends to the table. What’s even better? This Easy Slow-Cooked BBQ Chicken Sandwich recipe requires just six ingredients, making it not only delicious but also incredibly simple to whip up for a busy weeknight dinner or a laid-back potluck gathering.
Picture biting into a soft bun filled with tender, shredded chicken and crunchy ranch slaw – it’s the ultimate comfort food experience! Whether you choose to serve this dish in sandwiches, wraps, or over a fresh salad, its versatility knows no bounds. Get ready to elevate your dinner game and leave fast food behind as we dive into this mouthwatering recipe that’s destined to become a household favorite!
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Irresistible Flavor: The juicy, slow-cooked chicken dances in sweet barbecue sauce, creating a flavorful experience that’s sure to impress.
Effortless Preparation: With just six ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Everyone loves a good sandwich, making this dish ideal for potlucks and family dinners.
Versatile Serving Options: Whether in a sandwich, wrap, or salad, this BBQ chicken adapts to your cravings.
Comfort Food at Its Best: Enjoy a warm, hearty meal that fills both the stomach and soul. Say goodbye to fast food and hello to homemade goodness!
BBQ Chicken Sandwich Ingredients
For the Chicken
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs – The main protein source; these thighs provide moisture and rich flavor.
• BBQ Sauce – Adds a sweet and tangy flavor; feel free to use your favorite store-bought brand or a homemade version for a personal touch.
• Dry Ranch Dressing Mix – A versatile seasoning for both the chicken and ranch slaw; easily found in stores, or whip up your own mix at home.
For the Slaw
• Coleslaw Mix – Packed with crunch, this veggie mix saves you time; using pre-packaged is a real lifesaver on busy days.
• Ranch Dressing – Contributes a creamy texture and tangy flavor to the slaw; choose your favorite brand for the best taste.
For Assembly
• Buns – The essential base for your sandwich; brioche is a top choice for its delightful softness, but any bun will work well for these BBQ chicken sandwiches.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Sandwich
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Prepare Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into a greased slow cooker. Sprinkle them generously with the dry ranch dressing mix to infuse flavor and moisture.
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Cook: Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for about 4 hours. Your chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, perfectly tender and juicy.
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Shred Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and allow it to cool slightly. Use claws or forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
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Toss with Sauce: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Add your favorite BBQ sauce and mix well until all the chicken is coated. Let it warm through for a few minutes.
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Make Slaw: In a mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix with ranch dressing. Stir until the veggies are nicely coated, adding a burst of creaminess to your sandwich.
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Assemble: Take a soft bun and pile on a generous amount of the shredded BBQ chicken. Don’t forget to add a hearty scoop of the ranch slaw on top before closing the sandwich. Serve and enjoy!
Optional: For extra crunch, top with slices of dill pickles.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Sandwich?
These comforting sandwiches are perfect for delightful gatherings or cozy family dinners.
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Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: The sweet and salty flavors of these fries complement the tangy BBQ, adding a satisfying crunch. Don’t forget to pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra kick.
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Zesty Coleslaw: A classic companion that echoes the crunchy ranch slaw in your sandwich, enhancing the meal with fresh, crisp textures that balance the richness of the chicken.
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Pickle Slices: The tangy, briny notes of pickles cut through the savory flavors, providing a refreshing bite and a great contrast with the sweet BBQ sauce.
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Refreshing Garden Salad: Light and colorful, a garden salad brings freshness to the table. Consider adding cucumber, tomatoes, and a citrus vinaigrette for a bright, invigorating side.
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Cornbread Muffins: Soft and slightly sweet, cornbread muffins absorb some of the delicious BBQ sauce. They create a fantastic pairing that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
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Iced Tea with Mint: Cool, refreshing iced tea with a hint of mint complements the meal beautifully while providing a delightful contrast to the warm, hearty sandwiches.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: End the meal on a sweet note with classic chocolate chip cookies, adding a touch of nostalgia that everyone will love. A simple dessert can make any gathering feel more special!
Make Ahead Options
These BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are ideal for meal prep! You can prepare the shredded chicken and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without sacrificing flavor. Simply cook the chicken in the slow cooker as usual, shred it, and mix it with your favorite BBQ sauce. For the ranch slaw, combine the coleslaw mix with ranch dressing and refrigerate for up to 5 days; keep the slaw separate from the chicken until serving to prevent sogginess. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat the chicken and assemble the sandwiches with the prepared slaw. This way, you’ll achieve delicious homemade BBQ chicken sandwiches with minimal effort on a busy weeknight!
Expert Tips for BBQ Chicken Sandwich
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Perfectly Shredded Chicken: Allow the chicken to cool slightly before shredding to make handling easier and prevent burns on your hands.
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Prevent Soggy Buns: Toast your buns lightly and spread a thin layer of mayonnaise to create a barrier against the juicy chicken, keeping them from getting soggy.
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Flavor Boost: For an extra tang in your ranch slaw, mix in 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. This little addition can enhance the flavor and freshness of your BBQ chicken sandwich.
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Cooking Time: If using chicken breasts, reduce the cooking time to avoid dryness. Aim for about 3 hours on low in your slow cooker for optimal moisture.
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Creative Variations: Experiment with different sauces or spices in your BBQ chicken sandwiches; consider using spicy barbecue sauce for a kick or even adding a layer of cheese for creaminess.
How to Store and Freeze BBQ Chicken Sandwich
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Fridge: Store any leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container for up to three days. Make sure to keep the chicken and ranch slaw separate until you’re ready to enjoy it again to maintain the slaw’s crispness.
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Freezer: If you want to prepare ahead, freeze the shredded BBQ chicken in a sealed freezer bag or container for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
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Reheating: To reheat the BBQ chicken, warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Keep the ranch slaw separate until serving to keep it fresh and crunchy.
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Bun Storage: Store any leftover buns in a sealed bag at room temperature for up to two days or in the freezer for longer freshness. Toast them lightly before assembling your BBQ chicken sandwich for the best texture.
BBQ Chicken Sandwich Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine and personalize this delightful recipe!
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Lean Option: Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a healthier choice; just lower the cooking time to avoid dryness.
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Wrap It Up: Serve the BBQ chicken in a tortilla wrap with fresh veggies and ranch dressing for a fun twist.
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Nacho Topping: Use the shredded BBQ chicken as a tasty topping for nachos, pairing with melted cheese and jalapeños.
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Cornbread Delight: Serve your BBQ chicken over warm cornbread, allowing the rich flavors to soak in for a comforting meal.
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Spicy Kick: Opt for a spicy barbecue sauce to amp up the heat, and add a dollop of extra ranch to cool it down.
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Pizza Topping: Transform your BBQ chicken into a pizza topping; just spread over dough and add cheese before baking for a unique pizza night.
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Salad Addition: Toss the shredded chicken atop a fresh garden salad for a hearty, flavorful meal with crunch.
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Ranch Remix: Mix in some chopped jalapeños into the ranch slaw for an added crunch and a zesty kick to your sandwiches.
BBQ Chicken Sandwich Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use for the BBQ Chicken Sandwich?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the best choice for this recipe as they provide moisture and richness. However, you can substitute with chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. Just be mindful to adjust the cooking time to prevent dryness—cooking chicken breasts will generally take about 3 hours on low in the slow cooker.
How should I store leftover BBQ chicken sandwiches?
Very simply! Store any leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For the ranch slaw, it’s best to keep it separate in another container to maintain its crunch, and it can last for about five days in the fridge. Just toss together when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I freeze BBQ chicken? If so, how?
Of course! You can freeze the shredded BBQ chicken for up to three months. Just place it in a sealed freezer bag or airtight container. For reheating, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Keep the ranch slaw separate until you serve for the freshest taste.
What if my chicken is dry after cooking?
Don’t worry! If your chicken turns out dry, it’s often a sign of overcooking. To avoid this next time, monitor the cooking time closely, especially if you’re using chicken breasts—stick to about 3 hours on low. If you find yourself with dry chicken, shred it and mix in a bit more BBQ sauce to help moisten it up!
Is this recipe suitable for my dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! This BBQ Chicken Sandwich can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free buns and ensuring that your BBQ sauce and ranch dressing are gluten-free as well. If allergies are a concern, always check labels and opt for homemade variations if needed. Plus, you can pack the chicken into lettuce wraps for a low-carb option!
How do I keep my buns from getting soggy?
A great question! To prevent soggy buns, lightly toast them before assembly and consider spreading a thin layer of mayonnaise or butter on the inside. This barrier will help retain their texture against the juicy BBQ chicken and ranch slaw. Enjoy your delicious creation without the soggy surprise!
Irresistible BBQ Chicken Sandwiches with Crunchy Ranch Slaw
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into a greased slow cooker. Sprinkle with dry ranch dressing mix.
- Set the slow cooker to low and cook for about 4 hours until the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Remove the cooked chicken and shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker, add BBQ sauce, and mix until coated.
- In a mixing bowl, combine coleslaw mix with ranch dressing and stir until veggies are coated.
- Assemble the sandwich by placing shredded BBQ chicken onto a bun, topped with ranch slaw.