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pulled chicken sandwiches on buns

Incredible Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

Easy pulled chicken sandwiches topped with a sweet and tangy cabbage slaw. This healthy slow cooker pulled chicken sandwich recipe is is perfect for BBQ's, potlucks, or a delicious weeknight dinner all year round! Try the healthy BBQ pulled chicken on a bun, in lettuce wraps, on salads and more.

Course Dairy Free, Dinner, Gluten Free, Lunch, Nut Free, Slow Cooker
Cuisine American
Keyword bbq pulled chicken, crock pot pulled chicken sandwiches, healthy pulled chicken sandwiches, slow cooker pulled chicken sandwiches
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 392 kcal
Author Monique Volz of AmbitiousKitchen.com

Ingredients

  • For the chicken:
  • 1 ½ pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup low sugar bbq sauce (I love Stubb’s Spicy BBQ sauce)
  • ¼ cup water or chicken broth
  • ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • For the slaw:
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
  • Freshly ground salt and pepper
  • For serving:
  • 4 whole grain or gluten free seedy hamburger buns

Instructions

  1. Add ketchup, bbq sauce, water, worcestershire, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, cumin and cayenne pepper to the slow cooker and stir to combine. 

  2. Place chicken thighs on top and flip over to coat the chicken thighs with the sauce. Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 hours.

  3. Once done, shred chicken and place back in the slow cooker and stir with the sauce. Serve immediately or turn slow cooker to the warm setting and serve later.
  4. Make the slaw while the chicken is cooking: In a medium bowl combine carrots, cabbage, cilantro, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil and salt and pepper. Set aside to marinate until you are ready to serve. 

  5. Once ready to serve, use a slotted spoon to add chicken to bun, top with slaw and remaining bun. You can also serve these with sliced cheese if you prefer. Serves 4.

Recipe Notes

Feel free to double, triple, or quadruple recipe to serve a crowd!

Nutrition Facts
Incredible Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
Amount Per Serving (1 sandwich (with whole grain bun))
Calories 392 Calories from Fat 125
% Daily Value*
Fat 13.9g21%
Saturated Fat 3.8g24%
Carbohydrates 35.7g12%
Fiber 1.6g7%
Sugar 13.1g15%
Protein 28.4g57%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.