Irresistible Shredded Chicken Sandwiches Recipe to Savor

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Emma Hayes

There I was in a hot yoga studio with plenty of bright natural light and bending myself into pretzel like positions for the very first time.

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There’s something utterly delightful about the aroma of shredded chicken sandwiches wafting through your kitchen. Imagine tender, juicy chicken mingling with spices, piled high on a fluffy bun, just waiting for the first bite. The flavors dance together, creating a savory symphony that sings to your taste buds and makes your stomach grumble in anticipation.

Every time I whip up these sandwiches, I’m reminded of lazy Sunday afternoons spent with friends, laughter echoing as we devoured these delicious creations. It’s a dish that brings people together—perfect for game days or casual family gatherings when everyone is ready to dig into something comforting and satisfying.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • These shredded chicken sandwiches are not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor
  • They look delightful on any plate and offer endless possibilities for customization
  • Perfect for a crowd or an easy weeknight dinner!

I remember the first time I served these sandwiches at a backyard barbecue; my friends’ eyes lit up with excitement as they took their first bites. Their delighted reactions made me realize that this recipe was destined to be a favorite.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts depending on how many you’re feeding; they shred beautifully.

  • Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for maximum flavor; garlic is essential for that aromatic base.

  • Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control saltiness while keeping it moist and flavorful.

  • Barbecue Sauce: Select your favorite brand or homemade version to give the chicken that smoky sweetness.

  • Buns: Soft sandwich buns work best; they’ll hold all the delicious fillings without falling apart.

  • Coleslaw (optional): A crunchy slaw adds texture and freshness; it’s a great way to up the salad game!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Chicken: Begin by placing the chicken breasts in a slow cooker or pressure cooker. Pour in enough chicken broth to cover them halfway; it keeps them moist and tender as they cook.

Add Seasoning: Sprinkle minced garlic over the chicken along with salt, pepper, and any other spices you enjoy. I often add smoked paprika for an extra kick!

Shred the Chicken: After cooking for 6-8 hours on low (or 15-20 minutes under pressure), remove the chicken from the cooker. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces; it’s incredibly satisfying!

Mix with Sauce: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken with barbecue sauce until well-coated. Adjust based on how saucy you want your sandwiches—more sauce means more flavor!

Assemble Your Sandwiches: Toast your buns lightly if you like. Pile on generous portions of the saucy shredded chicken, then top with coleslaw if desired for crunch.

Enjoy these sandwiches while they’re warm! They’ll be gone faster than you can say “shredded chicken sandwich.”

You Must Know

  • Shredded chicken sandwiches are a perfect blend of flavor and ease
  • With tender, juicy chicken, they’re ideal for meal prep and quick dinners
  • The delightful aroma while cooking will make your mouth water, ensuring they disappear fast!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve tender and flavorful shredded chicken sandwiches, start by seasoning your chicken thoroughly before cooking. Sear the chicken to lock in moisture, then slow cook it with broth for ultimate tenderness.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Customize your shredded chicken sandwiches by adding different spices or sauces. Consider BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor or buffalo sauce for a spicy kick. Top them with coleslaw for extra crunch!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, microwave it covered until warmed through or heat gently on the stovetop to maintain moisture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Keep your chicken moist by not overcooking it; use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s at least 165°F
  • Always let the meat rest before shredding to lock in juices
  • Experiment with different buns like brioche or whole wheat for added flavor

Sharing my first experience making shredded chicken sandwiches still makes me smile; my friends devoured them within minutes, asking for more! Their excitement made me realize I had found a crowd-pleaser recipe.

FAQs

FAQ

What is the best way to shred cooked chicken?

Use two forks to pull apart the chicken easily; it’s quick and effective.

Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the chicken and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

What toppings go well with shredded chicken sandwiches?

Try avocado, pickles, or jalapeños for added flavor and texture on your sandwich.

Print

Shredded Chicken Sandwiches

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Shredded chicken sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any gathering or weeknight dinner. Juicy, tender chicken combines with your favorite barbecue sauce and is served on soft buns, creating a mouthwatering experience that delights everyone. With endless possibilities for customization, these sandwiches are both satisfying and easy to prepare. Serve them at game day parties or casual family meals, and watch as they disappear in minutes.

  • Author: Ethan Carter
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 4 soft sandwich buns
  • 1 cup coleslaw (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken breasts in a slow cooker or pressure cooker and add the chicken broth until half-covered.
  2. Sprinkle minced garlic and seasonings (salt, pepper, smoked paprika) over the chicken.
  3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours (or under pressure for 15-20 minutes).
  4. Shred the chicken with two forks once cooked.
  5. Mix shredded chicken with barbecue sauce in a large bowl until well-coated.
  6. Toast the buns lightly if desired, then assemble by piling on the shredded chicken and topping with coleslaw.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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author

Emma Hayes

There I was in a hot yoga studio with plenty of bright natural light and bending myself into pretzel like positions for the very first time.

instagram