Brown Sugar BBQ Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
Introduction
This Brown Sugar BBQ Chicken is a deliciously sweet and smoky dish perfect for any casual meal. Cooked low and slow in a slow cooker, the chicken becomes tender and flavorful, ideal for piling onto buns with fresh coleslaw for a satisfying sandwich.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce, plus more for serving
- 1/2 cup packed light or brown sugar
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- 2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. paprika
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 6 potato buns
- Coleslaw, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: In a slow cooker, combine the chicken breasts, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, Italian dressing, garlic powder, and paprika. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Step 2: Toss everything until the chicken is well coated. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours, until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
- Step 3: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it well with the sauce.
- Step 4: Serve the shredded chicken on potato buns. Add a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce and a spoonful of coleslaw on top for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoky kick, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to the sauce mix.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more moisture and richer flavor.
- Leftover chicken makes a great topping for baked potatoes or a filling for tacos.
- If you don’t have bourbon, substitute with apple cider vinegar or omit it for a milder taste.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or extra barbecue sauce to keep it moist. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the chicken in a covered baking dish in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 1.5 to 2 hours until tender, or simmer in a pot on low heat until cooked through and shreddable.
What kind of barbecue sauce works best?
Use your favorite brand or style, whether sweet, smoky, or spicy. This recipe adapts well, so feel free to adjust according to your taste preference.
PrintBrown Sugar BBQ Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
This Brown Sugar BBQ Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts slow-cooked in a flavorful mixture of barbecue sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, Italian dressing, and spices. The slow-cooked chicken is shredded and served on potato buns with coleslaw, making for a classic and delicious BBQ sandwich perfect for any casual meal or gathering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (high) or 6 hours (low)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (high) or 6 hours 10 minutes (low)
- Yield: 6 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Lunch/Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce, plus more for serving
- 1/2 cup packed light or brown sugar
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
To Serve
- 6 potato buns
- Coleslaw, for serving
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a slow-cooker, place the boneless skinless chicken breasts. Add the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, Italian dressing, garlic powder, and paprika. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss all ingredients together until the chicken is well coated in the sauce mixture.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on high heat for 4 hours or on low heat for 6 hours. This slow cooking will tenderize the chicken fully and allow the flavors to meld deeply.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks directly in the slow cooker or on a plate. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce and mix well to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Serve the Sandwiches: Toast the potato buns if desired. Pile the shredded BBQ chicken onto each bun, add a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce and a spoonful of coleslaw on top to balance the sweetness and tang of the chicken. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- If you prefer a stronger bourbon flavor, you can increase the bourbon to 1/3 cup.
- For a spicier BBQ chicken, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the sauce mixture before cooking.
- Coleslaw adds a nice crunch and contrast to the sweet and smoky chicken—feel free to use your favorite coleslaw recipe or a store-bought version.
- Leftover shredded chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- To reduce sugar, you can substitute brown sugar with a natural sweetener like maple syrup, but this will alter the flavor profile slightly.
Keywords: BBQ chicken, slow cooker chicken, pulled chicken sandwiches, brown sugar BBQ chicken, bourbon BBQ chicken, easy BBQ recipe
