Name: Smoky BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 h
Total time: 7 h 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken breasts; 1 cup barbecue sauce; 2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon black pepper; 0.5 teaspoon liquid smoke; 4 sandwich buns; 2 cups coleslaw mix or cabbage

Smoky BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich

Grilledamericanbbqcrowd-pleaserslow-cooker

10 minPrep7 hCook4Serves

Ingredients

2 poundschicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
1 cupbarbecue sauce
2 teaspoonsmoked paprika
1 teaspoongarlic powder
1 teaspoononion powder
½ teaspoonsalt
¼ teaspoonblack pepper
½ teaspoonliquid smoke
4sandwich buns
2 cupscoleslaw mix or cabbage (optional, for serving)

Method

01
Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
02
Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts on both sides.
03
Place chicken in a slow cooker. Pour barbecue sauce and liquid smoke over the top.
04
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken shreds easily with a fork.
05
Remove chicken and shred it with two forks, then return it to the slow cooker and stir to coat with sauce. Keep warm on the warm setting for up to 2 hours.
06
Toast the sandwich buns lightly if desired. Divide pulled chicken among the buns and top with coleslaw if using. Serve immediately.

Spice Tips

For deeper smokiness, increase liquid smoke to 3/4 teaspoon or add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. For heat, stir in 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce. A squeeze of fresh lime or apple cider vinegar brightens the finish.

This recipe easily doubles for a crowd. Leftovers keep refrigerated for 4 days and reheat well in a skillet over medium heat. For a quicker version, use an Instant Pot: sauté the seasoned chicken on high for 1 minute per side, add sauce and liquid smoke, pressure cook on high for 12 minutes, then shred and stir.