Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are a Memorial Day classic—easy to prepare, big on flavor, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. Tender shredded chicken coated in rich, smoky barbecue sauce is piled high onto soft buns for a laid-back meal that feels right at home alongside potato salad, corn on the cob, and baked beans. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or looking for a stress-free holiday dinner, this recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.

Prep & Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Servings: 6
  • Yield: 6 pulled BBQ chicken sandwiches

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 ½ cups barbecue sauce (use your favorite sweet, smoky, or spicy variety)
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 6 hamburger buns or brioche rolls
  • Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, sliced red onion

Directions

  1. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of a slow cooker. Season evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  2. Sprinkle chopped onion over the chicken, then pour in chicken broth and barbecue sauce. Stir gently to coat the chicken.
  3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or until chicken is very tender and easily pulls apart.
  4. Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred using two forks.
  5. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well to combine with the sauce. Let cook an additional 10–15 minutes to absorb flavor.
  6. Spoon warm pulled BBQ chicken onto buns. Add desired toppings and serve immediately.

Tips & Best Practices:

  • Chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts for a richer, juicier result.
  • Avoid overcooking on HIGH, which can dry out the chicken.
  • If sauce is too thin, remove the lid and cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes to thicken.
  • For food safety at outdoor gatherings, keep sandwiches warm in a covered slow cooker on the “warm” setting.

Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated values

  • Calories: 420
  • Protein: 34g
  • Fat: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 18g
  • Sodium: 820mg

Conclusion

Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are a Memorial Day dinner win—simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. With tender chicken, bold barbecue flavor, and minimal prep, this recipe lets you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday. Serve it up with classic summer sides and watch it become a cookout favorite year after year.

RecipesMemorial Day RecipesHoliday Recipes