• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
A Sprinkle and A Splash
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recipes
  • Recipe Index
  • Privacy Policy/Disclaimer
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recipes
  • Recipe Index
  • Privacy Policy/Disclaimer
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
×
You are here: Home » Dinner

Easy Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Published March 7, 2022. Last Modified November 5, 2022 By Teri

  • Facebook
  • Yummly
  • Email

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
easy pulled bbq chicken sandwich Pinterest pin image
easy pulled bbq chicken sandwich Pinterest pin image

Sandwiches are a great dinner option when you need to feed a crowd. These are so simple and easy when you start with shredded barbecue chicken cooked in a slow cooker or crockpot. Top with a sweet and creamy coleslaw and extra sauce, and dinner is done!

closeup of a bbq chicken sandwich with coleslaw

This recipe is one that we have on a frequent rotation in our house. It's so easy to make the shredded or pulled chicken in a slow cooker, crock pot or Instant Pot. Check out my recipe for Slow Cooker Pulled BBQ Chicken.

You can use premade cole slaw from a deli or your favorite restaurant, but I love to make my own. My favorite for this sandwich is my Cole Slaw with Pineapple. The creaminess and hint of sweetness is perfect with the tangy barbecue sauce!

There is nothing better than this sandwich with warm pulled bbq chicken topped with the cold cole slaw. It screams summer cookout time!

Ingredients needed to make this recipe

finished bbq chicken breasts in bowl

Only three ingredients are needed to put together this sandwich, although you will need to prepare the individual items.

  • shredded or pulled bbq chicken - make the night before in your slow cooker or crock pot
  • Cole slaw - also good to prep ahead or the day before, just keep the dressing separate from the vegetables.
  • sandwich or hamburger buns - smaller slider buns can be used if you want to serve this as an appetizer
  • butter (if you want to toast the buns)- margarine will work also
  • extra barbecue sauce, if desired - try this BBQ sauce recipe if you're feeling extra ambitious. Barbecue sauce is one of those things that can be tweaked and customized to your taste. Be adventurous! Add mustard, sugar, flavored vinegars, molasses, cayenne....anything you think sounds good!
closeup pic of easy coleslaw

How to make easy pulled bbq chicken sandwiches

As I mentioned earlier, this really isn't so much of a recipe, as it is combining ingredients from two other recipes to get the best, easiest, most flavorful sandwich ever.

  • The first step, which really is optional depending on your preference, is to toast the buns. I like my buns to be warm with a little bit of a crunch. If you like them soft, skip this step. Brush the buns with butter and lay flat, buttered side up, and toast in a 350°F oven until slightly brown and toasty.
  • Top the bun with the warm, shredded bbq chicken, extra barbecue sauce (if you like) and a generous topping of delicious cold cole slaw.
shredded bbq chicken sandwich with corn

What sides can I serve with this?

Try out any of the below great options:

  • Buttered Sweet Corn - easier to eat than corn on the cob, and just as tasty!
  • Loaded Baked Cauliflower Mash - a great way to get your veggies in, and your kids may not even notice!
  • Easy Roasted Green Beans - one of the easiest and quickest ways to cook fresh veggies.
  • Meal Prep Fruit Salad - great on a hot summer day!
  • Lemony Raw Kale Salad - also great on a hot summer day, and bright, fresh and loaded with vitamins!
  • Zesty Italian Pasta Salad - makes a lot and great for potlucks!
  • A side of crunchy, sliced hamburger dill pickles

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?

Yes, these are perfect to make ahead of time, which is preferred when you need to feed a lot of people. Make the pulled chicken a day or two in advance, and reheat when you want to prepare the sandwiches. You can also make the cole slaw in advance up to two days (I wouldn't go more than that), but keep the dressing separate from the slaw mix. Mix a few hours before you want to make the sandwiches.

Can I make these sandwiches without a slow cooker or without a crock pot?

Yes, you can cook the chicken breast at a low temperature (250°F) in the oven in a pan covered with aluminum foil. Make sure the chicken stays moist from the barbecue sauce, and you can add a little bit of water if needed if it starts to look dry. The steam and moisture is what keeps the chicken from drying out. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F to ensure that it is cooked thoroughly and properly.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! This would be an even faster way to get this dinner on the table. Just mix warmed rotisserie chicken with barbecue sauce and use in place of the shredded chicken.

What other types of protein can I use?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, pork butt or pork roast would all substitute well.

What's the difference between shredded chicken and pulled chicken?

Nothing! It's like to-may-to to-mah-to! "Pulled" is the process of pulling apart the chicken, which shredded is synonymous to.

📋 Recipe

closeup of a bbq chicken sandwich with coleslaw

Easy Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Sandwiches are a great dinner option when you need to feed a crowd. These are so simple and easy when you start with shredded barbecue chicken cooked in a slow cooker or crockpot. Top with a sweet and creamy coleslaw and extra sauce, and dinner is done!
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Barbecue
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
Servings: 8 sandwiches
Calories:
Author: Teri
Cost: $33

Ingredients

  • 8 hamburger buns
  • 4 tablespoons butter optional
  • 8 servings pulled bbq chicken
  • 8 servings cole slaw
  • 8 tablespoons barbecue sauce extra if desired

Instructions

Optional Step

  • Spread ½ tablespoon of butter on each bun. Lay butter side up on a baking sheet. Toast in a 350°F oven until the buns begin to slightly toast and turn brown.

Sandwich Preparation

  • Top toasted bun with shredded chicken and cole slaw. Add extra barbecue sauce if desired.

Notes

*Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes, these are perfect to make ahead of time, which is preferred when you need to feed a lot of people. Make the pulled chicken a day or two in advance, and reheat when you want to prepare the sandwiches. You can also make the cole slaw in advance up to two days (I wouldn't go more than that), but keep the dressing separate from the slaw mix. Mix a few hours before you want to make the sandwiches.
*Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! This would be an even faster way to get this dinner on the table. Just mix warmed rotisserie chicken with barbecue sauce and use in place of the shredded chicken.
*What other types of protein can I use?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, pork butt or pork roast would all substitute well.
Did you try this recipe?Mention @ASprinkleAndASplash or tag #asprinkleandasplash! I'd love to see your finished recipe!

More Dinner Recipes

  • hero pic of shepherds pie in a casserole dish
    Shepherd's Pie with Corn
  • jerk chicken pasta with veggies in a white bowl with a yellow and white striped napkin underneath
    Bahama Breeze Jerk Chicken Pasta (copycat recipe)
  • adding capers, basil and black pepper to pasta in pot
    One Pot Pasta with Ricotta and Lemon
  • Casseroles for Family Dinner Pinterest Image
    50 Casserole Recipes Your Family Will Love

Reader Interactions

Comments

No Comments

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Photo of Teri, Blog Writer

Hi, I'm Teri!

Welcome to my blog where I'm sharing all the easy to make recipes I create and cook for my family and friends.

I'm making everything from healthy eats, to quick weeknight family dinners, to indulgent comfort food and desserts.

More about me →

More Popular Recipes

  • closeup of creamy pasta salad on plate with sandwich in background
    Creamy Italian Pasta Salad
  • closeup-of-veggie-pizza-on-plate-FI
    Classic Cold Crescent Roll Veggie Pizza
  • Close up of slice of bratwurst pizza
    Quick Bratwurst Pizza
  • slaw with pulled chicken sandwich in background
    Coleslaw with Pineapple
  • Close up of slices of Cheesy Ranch Garlic Bread on a plate
    Cheesy Ranch Garlic Bread
  • Closeup overhead view of chili in white bowl
    Instant Pot Chicken Chili

Spring Recipes

  • Serving platter of cupcakes and one cupcake on a plate
    Orange Crunch Cupcakes
  • a serving of pasta salad with large bowl of pasta salad in background
    Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
  • Lemon dijon vinaigrette ready for salad
    Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette
  • Meal Prep Fruit Salad in a bowl with yogurt and granola close up picture
    Meal Prep Fruit Salad

Desserts and Treats

  • Close up of baked croissants | asprinkleandasplash.com
    Easy White Chocolate Graham Croissants
  • Butterscotch Snickerdoodles | Butterscotch Snickerdoodles are a sweet sugar and cinnamon dusted cookie made with a twist by adding butterscotch chips. Not your average snickerdoodle cookie!
    Butterscotch Snickerdoodles
  • Superstar Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Muffins close up | asprinkleandasplash.com
    Superstar Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Muffins
  • closeup of a spoonful of chocolate
    Chocolate Pots de Crème

DELICIOUSNESS DELIVERED

Sign up now to get notified of new posts!

Amazon Associates Disclosure

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Photo of Teri, Blog Writer

Hi, I'm Teri!

Welcome to my blog where I'm sharing all the easy to make recipes I create and cook for my family and friends.

I'm making everything from healthy eats, to quick weeknight family dinners, to indulgent comfort food and desserts.

More about me →

More Popular Recipes

  • closeup of creamy pasta salad on plate with sandwich in background
    Creamy Italian Pasta Salad
  • closeup-of-veggie-pizza-on-plate-FI
    Classic Cold Crescent Roll Veggie Pizza
  • Close up of slice of bratwurst pizza
    Quick Bratwurst Pizza
  • slaw with pulled chicken sandwich in background
    Coleslaw with Pineapple
  • Close up of slices of Cheesy Ranch Garlic Bread on a plate
    Cheesy Ranch Garlic Bread
  • Closeup overhead view of chili in white bowl
    Instant Pot Chicken Chili

Spring Recipes

  • Serving platter of cupcakes and one cupcake on a plate
    Orange Crunch Cupcakes
  • a serving of pasta salad with large bowl of pasta salad in background
    Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
  • Lemon dijon vinaigrette ready for salad
    Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette
  • Meal Prep Fruit Salad in a bowl with yogurt and granola close up picture
    Meal Prep Fruit Salad

Desserts and Treats

  • Close up of baked croissants | asprinkleandasplash.com
    Easy White Chocolate Graham Croissants
  • Butterscotch Snickerdoodles | Butterscotch Snickerdoodles are a sweet sugar and cinnamon dusted cookie made with a twist by adding butterscotch chips. Not your average snickerdoodle cookie!
    Butterscotch Snickerdoodles
  • Superstar Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Muffins close up | asprinkleandasplash.com
    Superstar Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Muffins
  • closeup of a spoonful of chocolate
    Chocolate Pots de Crème

Footer

Websites A Sprinkle and A Splash as been featured on

Copyright © 2025 A Sprinkle and A Splash on the Foodie Pro Theme

Get free recipe updates:
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Email
  • Yummly

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.

Privacy Policy