Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Looking for a simple dinner idea that everyone will love? This recipe for BBQ chicken sandwiches is an easy slow cooker meal the whole family will love!

*This post is sponsored by Mrs. Wages®. All thoughts and opinions shared here are 100% my own. To learn more, you may read my Disclosure Policy. Thank you for supporting my blog and the brands I truly love!

Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches with Coleslaw

Life gets busy, doesn’t it? Between work, school, and juggling everyone’s schedules, there are plenty of nights when cooking a big meal just isn’t in the cards.

I know for me, after a long day of trying to keep up with it all, the last thing I want to do is spend extra time in the kitchen. I’m sure you’ve been there too.

It’s those crazy, hectic days when I rely on my slow cooker and the magic of Mrs. Wages 1 Step® Mixes to whip up an easy dump-it-in-and-go kind of meal.

This simple recipe for slow cooker BBQ chicken sandwiches topped with creamy coleslaw is one of those meals.

The tender, shredded chicken is packed with sweet and smoky barbecue flavor. And the coleslaw comes together in just minutes thanks to a packet of Creamy Coleslaw Dressing Mix from Mrs. Wages®.

Oh! And, because I’m a big fan of pickles on my BBQ sandwiches, I’m going to show you how to make an easy homemade version.

No canning necessary!

All you need are some cucumbers and a packet of Mrs. Wages® 1 Step Pickle™ Kosher Dill Ready-Made Pickling Mix.

Table of Contents

• Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches with Coleslaw
• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients For Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
• Equipment Needed
• How to Make BBQ Chicken Sandwiches in the Slow Cooker
• How to Build the Perfect BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What to Serve with Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
• Let’s Make It: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
• Printable Recipe Card for Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
• Did You Enjoy This Recipe? PIN It for Later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Great for Busy Weeknights: With just a few simple ingredients and the help of a slow cooker, these pulled chicken sandwiches are an easy, no-stress dinner the whole family will love.

Hands-Off Cooking: Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting. Just set it, forget it, and come back to tender, flavorful shredded chicken ready to pile onto buns.

Perfect for Entertaining or Potlucks: Whether you’re hosting a game day get-together, heading to a tailgate, or feeding a crowd at a casual potluck, these easy crockpot BBQ sandwiches are always a hit. You can even keep the chicken warm right in the slow cooker for easy serving.

Family-Friendly and Satisfying: This pulled chicken recipe is hearty, comforting, and perfect for picky eaters. Serve your sandwiches with chips and fresh fruit for a complete meal.

Great for Meal Prep or Leftovers: Make a batch and enjoy it throughout the week. The BBQ chicken is just as good the next day and works well in wraps, salads, or sliders.

Ingredients For Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Here’s everything you need to make these slow cooker chicken barbeque sandwiches at home: 

For the Chicken

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: These cook up tender and shred easily with forks or meat claws after a few hours in the slow cooker.*
• BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite barbecue sauce.Sweet, smoky, or spicy…whatever your family loves best! (We love Sweet Baby Ray’s!)
• Olive Oil: Adds a bit of richness and helps keep the chicken moist while it cooks.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and a savory, slightly tangy kick that balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Gives the chicken that signature sweet BBQ flavor with just the right amount of caramelized richness.

*Note: I prefer to use thawed chicken, but if you use frozen chicken breast you may need to adjust the cook time sllghtly. 

For the Coleslaw

• Bagged Coleslaw Mix: A quick and crunchy base made with shredded cabbage (with or without carrots) that saves time.
• Mrs. Wages® 1 Step Coleslaw™ Creamy Coleslaw Dressing Mix: A convenient seasoning packet that makes flavorful coleslaw in minutes.
• Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy texture and classic coleslaw flavor when combined with the dressing mix

For the Homemade Pickles

• Pickling Cucumbers: These small, crisp cucumbers are ideal for making quick pickles.
• Mrs. Wages® 1 Step Pickle™ Kosher Dill Ready-Made Pickling Mix: A no-fuss mix that helps you whip up tangy homemade pickles with bold dill flavor. No canning required!

Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker
• Rubber spatula
• Cutting board
• Meat claws
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Paring knife
• Pint canning jars (for the homemade pickles)

Where To Find Mrs. Wages 1 Step® Mixes

If you’ve been around here for a bit, you know how much I enjoy using Mrs. Wages® products in my kitchen. (Truly! You should take a peek inside our pantry and spice cabinet!)

The number one question I always get asked whenever I share a recipe made with Mrs. Wages® mixes is, “Where can I find their products?”.

I’m lucky to have several large Midwest grocery chains near me that carry most of my favorite items.

But if you don’t live in the Midwest or can’t find what you are looking for at your local grocery store, you can find the complete list of retailers on the Mrs. Wages® website.

Or, you can find many of their products, including their 1 Step® Mixes, online and have them shipped right to your door using Amazon Prime!

How to Make BBQ Chicken Sandwiches in the Slow Cooker

Ready to make these BBQ chicken sandwiches? Here are the easy step-by-step directions. There’s also a full printable recipe card with all the ingredients and instructions at the bottom of the post

Step 1: Make Your BBQ Sauce

First, stir together all of the sauce ingredients in a 7-qt. slow cooker. Mix well to make sure the brown sugar is dissolved and everything is combined.

Step 2: Cook Your Chicken Breasts

Next, place 5-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker and turn them to coat each piece evenly with the BBQ sauce.

Then cover your slow cooker and cook the chicken breasts on high heat for 3-4 hours or on low heat for 6-7 hours.

Step 3: Shred the BBQ Chicken

When the chicken is done, remove it from the crock pot and place it on a cutting board.

I love to use meat claws to shred my meat, but if you don’t have any, two forks will do the trick.

When all the chicken is shredded, return it to the slow cooker and stir to combine it with the BBQ sauce.

Turn the slow cooker to warm to keep the chicken hot until you’re ready to serve.

How To Make Coleslaw With Mrs. Wages® 1 Step Mixes

With only 5 minutes of prep, it doesn’t get much easier than this no-fail recipe for creamy coleslaw.

To start, empty a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw into a large mixing bowl.

Then add 1/2 cup mayonnaise and a packet of Mrs. Wages® 1 Step Coleslaw™ Creamy Coleslaw Dressing Mix. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mix until it’s completely coated.

Stir the coleslaw until all the ingredients are well combined. Then cover your bowl with plastic wrap and let the coleslaw chill for at least one hour before serving.

How To Make Homemade Dill Pickles Without Canning

If you love the taste of homemade pickles, but don’t have time for canning, then this recipe is for you!

Step 1: Prep Your Cucumbers

Start with two medium-sized pickling cucumbers. Wash them and then cut off and discard the ends.

Slice the cucumbers and pack them tightly into a clean and sterilized pint jar.

Step 2: Add the Pickle Mix

Pour one packet of Mrs. Wages® 1 Step Pickle™ Kosher Dill Ready-Made Pickling Mix over the cucumbers and leave 1/2 inch of space at the top of the jar.

Make sure your cucumbers are completely covered by the mix and screw on the lid. Then chill in the fridge for at least 8 hours before consuming.

How to Build the Perfect BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

The build the best barbecue pulled chicken sandwiches, start by placing a large scoop of shredded chicken on the bottom of your hamburger buns.

Then top your meat with a heaping spoonful of creamy coleslaw.

To finish, stack on a few fresh, homemade dill pickles, and voila! You’ve got yourself the perfect BBQ chicken sandwiches.

Of course, you can also serve coleslaw on the side instead, but in our house, when it comes to bbq sandwiches, this is the way to go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the BBQ chicken in advance?

While the creamy coleslaw and pickles are best made fresh, you can absolutely make the BBQ chicken in your slow cooker ahead of tie. Just follow the cooking instructions above.

Shred your meat and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve. Then reheat the chicken in your slow cooker, or in the microwave until it is warmed through.

How do I store leftover BBQ chicken?

This slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken recipe makes about 8 servings, while the creamy coleslaw makes approximately 14 to 16 ounces.

What I love most about this meal (besides how delicious it is) is how easy it is to clean up after dinner.

You can store your leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight food storage container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

In my opinion, the coleslaw is best fresh, but the leftovers will be okay in the fridge for another day or two.

And the pickles will keep in the fridge, too. Just screw the lid back on your pint jar and enjoy them throughout the week on your favorite burgers and sandwiches.

Can I freeze shredded BBQ chicken?

Yes! The cooked and shredded chicken can also be frozen and saved for extra meals or made ahead for large parties.

To freeze, first, allow your meat to cool completely. Then portion it into plastic freezer bags, lay them flat on a baking sheet, and place them in your freezer.

Laying the bags flat will make it easier to defrost them when you’re ready to reheat your chicken! (P.s. Don’t forget to label and date your bags! )

BBQ Shredded chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

You’ve got your slow cooker BBQ chicken sandwiches and some creamy coleslaw, but are you looking for other sides to serve with your meal?

Try pairing your dinner with some of these simple side dishes.

• Cucumber Pasta Salad
• Baked Beans
• Fruit Salad
• Corn on the Cob
• Creamy Broccoli Salad
• Potato Salad
• Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Let’s Make It: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Okay, who’s hungry? I know I am! I hope your family enjoys this recipe for slow cooker BBQ chicken sandwiches with creamy coleslaw, and homemade pickles as much as we do.

If you love this recipe, visit the Mrs. Wages® website or follow them on Instagram for even more mealtime inspiration.

And don’t forget! If you try it, leave a star rating on the recipe card so other readers can easily find it.

Or drop me a message in the comments and let me know what you think!

Enjoy!

Printable Recipe Card for Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Did You Enjoy This Recipe? PIN It for Later!