This Pioneer Woman Shredded Chicken Sandwich is packed with tender, juicy chicken, making it a perfect choice for a quick and satisfying meal. Whether enjoyed on its own or piled high on a soft bun, this flavorful shredded chicken is incredibly versatile and can be ready in no time. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for serving as a hearty sandwich at family dinners, parties, or casual get-togethers.

What are Pioneer Woman Shredded Chicken Sandwiches?

Pioneer Woman’s Shredded Chicken Sandwiches are made by slow-cooking or poaching chicken breasts until they’re tender enough to shred. The shredded chicken is then mixed with a flavorful sauce and served on buns. These sandwiches are versatile and can be customized with a variety of toppings and sauces, making them a go-to option for any occasion.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, these sandwiches are perfect for busy days.
Versatile: Customize with your favorite toppings and sauces to suit your taste.
Perfect for Feeding a Crowd: Great for parties, picnics, or family dinners.

Delicious and Satisfying: Tender chicken and flavorful sauce make these sandwiches a hit with everyone.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the chicken ahead of time for even faster assembly.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Shredded Chicken Sandwiches

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 cup of chicken broth

1 cup of barbecue sauce (or your favorite sauce)
2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

6-8 sandwich buns
Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, sliced onions, lettuce, cheese

Equipment

Slow Cooker or Large Pot: For cooking the chicken.

Mixing Bowl: For combining the sauce ingredients.
Tongs or Forks: For shredding the chicken.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring the ingredients.

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Shredded Chicken Sandwiches

Cook the Chicken:

Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a slow cooker or a large pot. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Cook the Chicken:
- Slow Cooker Method: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Stovetop Method: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 30-40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker or pot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.

Prepare the Sauce:

Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce with a little bit of the cooking liquid from the chicken to thin it out slightly. Add the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker or pot, and pour the sauce over the chicken. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.

Warm the Chicken: If using a slow cooker, you can set it to “keep warm” until ready to serve. If cooking on the stovetop, simmer the chicken in the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes, until heated through.

Assemble the Sandwiches:

Toast the Buns: For extra flavor and texture, lightly toast the sandwich buns.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Pile the shredded chicken onto the bottom half of each bun. Add your favorite toppings, such as coleslaw, pickles, sliced onions, lettuce, or cheese. Place the top half of the bun on the sandwich.

Serve: Serve the sandwiches hot with your favorite sides, such as potato chips, fries, or a green salad.

Pioneer Woman Shredded Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Shredded Chicken Sandwiches

Coleslaw: A classic topping that adds a crunchy, tangy contrast to the tender chicken.
Pickles: Add a tangy, briny flavor that complements the smoky sauce.

Potato Chips: Serve with a side of chips for a satisfying crunch.
Fries: Pair with crispy fries for a complete meal.
Green Salad: Balance the richness of the chicken with a light, fresh salad.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Shredded Chicken Sandwiches

Cook the Chicken Until Tender: Make sure the chicken is fully cooked and tender before shredding to ensure it absorbs the sauce well.
Use Your Favorite Sauce: Customize the flavor by using your favorite barbecue sauce or a homemade sauce.
Toast the Buns: Toasting the buns adds extra flavor and prevents them from becoming soggy from the sauce.

Make Ahead: Prepare the shredded chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Customize the Toppings: Experiment with different toppings and condiments to suit your taste.

Variations of Pioneer Woman Shredded Chicken Sandwiches

Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches: Toss the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and serve with blue cheese dressing and celery.

BBQ Chicken Sandwiches: Use your favorite barbecue sauce and top with coleslaw and pickles for a classic BBQ sandwich.
Chicken Caesar Sandwiches: Mix the shredded chicken with Caesar dressing and serve with lettuce and Parmesan cheese.
Spicy Chicken Sandwiches: Add hot sauce or jalapeños to the shredded chicken for a spicy kick.

Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches: Mix the chicken with teriyaki sauce and top with grilled pineapple slices for a tropical twist.

Storing Pioneer Woman Shredded Chicken Sandwiches: Best Practices

Refrigerate Properly: Store any leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze for Later: You can freeze the shredded chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Pioneer Woman Shredded Chicken Sandwiches: Best Practices

Stovetop Method: Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little extra sauce if needed, until warmed through.
Microwave Method: Microwave the chicken on medium power until heated through, stirring occasionally.

How Can I Make Pioneer Woman Shredded Chicken Sandwiches Healthier?

Use Whole Wheat Buns: Opt for whole wheat buns for added fiber and nutrients.

Lighten the Sauce: Choose a low-sugar or low-sodium barbecue sauce to reduce the calorie and sodium content.
Add Vegetables: Pile on the fresh veggies, like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions, for added nutrients.
Use Lean Chicken: Stick with boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner protein source.

Serve with a Salad: Pair the sandwiches with a side salad instead of fries or chips for a lighter meal.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving)

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 10g

Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 600mg

Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 30g

FAQs

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for these sandwiches?

Yes, you can use leftover rotisserie chicken to make these sandwiches. Simply shred the rotisserie chicken and toss it with your favorite sauce. You can skip the cooking step and go straight to assembling the sandwiches.

What type of buns are best for shredded chicken sandwiches?

Soft sandwich buns or brioche buns are ideal for shredded chicken sandwiches. They’re sturdy enough to hold the filling and soak up the sauce without falling apart. For a healthier option, you can use whole wheat buns.

Can I make shredded chicken sandwiches in advance?

Yes, you can make shredded chicken sandwiches in advance. Prepare the shredded chicken and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and assemble the sandwiches with your desired toppings. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or gatherings.

How do I keep shredded chicken sandwiches from getting soggy?

To keep shredded chicken sandwiches from getting soggy, toast the buns before assembling the sandwiches. Toasting adds a barrier that helps prevent the sauce from soaking into the bread. Additionally, consider serving condiments like coleslaw or pickles on the side or adding them just before eating.

Final Words

Pioneer Woman’s Shredded Chicken Sandwiches are a versatile and delicious option for any meal. Whether you’re serving them at a casual get-together or enjoying them for a quick weeknight dinner, these sandwiches are sure to satisfy you. With tender, flavorful chicken and a variety of topping options, you can customize each sandwich to your liking. Enjoy the ease and taste of this simple yet satisfying meal, and don’t forget to share the recipe with friends and family!

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