These BBQ Pulled Chicken Burgers are the ultimate comfort sandwich — juicy shredded chicken coated in tangy barbecue sauce, stacked high on a soft bun, and topped with crunchy slaw. They’re easy to make, full of smoky-sweet flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights or backyard gatherings.
This recipe uses tender braised or slow-cooked chicken breast that shreds beautifully and soaks up all that delicious BBQ sauce. Whether you’re serving it as a sandwich, slider, or on top of a salad, it’s a quick and crowd-pleasing meal that tastes like summer in every bite.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 burgers
Ingredients
For the Pulled Chicken:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
½ cup chicken broth or water
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sandwiches:
4 brioche or hamburger buns
1 cup coleslaw mix
2 tbsp mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
Pickles, sliced red onion, extra BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet or saucepan. Season chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Sear both sides for 2 minutes each.
- Add liquid: Pour in chicken broth and cover. Simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Shred and sauce: Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return to the pan. Add BBQ sauce and stir until well coated. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Make slaw: Mix coleslaw mix, mayo, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Assemble burgers: Toast buns, pile on pulled chicken, top with slaw, pickles, and extra BBQ sauce. Serve warm.
Pro Tips & FAQs
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add all chicken ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours. Shred and toss with extra BBQ sauce before serving.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
A smoky, tangy sauce works best — try Kansas City or Carolina-style BBQ sauce, or mix sweet and spicy for balance.
Can I make sliders instead?
Absolutely. Use smaller buns and the same filling for perfect game-day sliders.
Nutrition Summary
A juicy, tangy chicken sandwich that’s smoky, satisfying, and full of flavor — perfect for weeknights, tailgates, or family dinners.
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 burger | 420 | 30g | 35g | 14g | 2g | 14g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated and may vary depending on ingredients used.
