Description
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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
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.