Hot Shredded Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The main protein that becomes tender and easy to shred after cooking.

Chicken broth: Adds moisture and a mild savory flavor to keep the chicken juicy.

Bbq sauce: Brings a sweet and tangy taste that makes the sandwiches delicious.

Garlic powder: A simple seasoning that adds a warm, slightly spicy flavor.

Onion powder: Adds a mild onion flavor without the texture of fresh onions.

Sandwich buns: The soft bread that holds all the shredded chicken together for easy eating.

One of the most important steps in this Hot Shredded Chicken Sandwiches Recipe is shredding the chicken after it’s cooked. Shredding means pulling the meat apart into little pieces, and doing it right makes your sandwich taste way better and easier to eat. Here’s how you can do it like a pro:

1. Take two forks and hold one in each hand.
2. Use one fork to hold the cooked chicken breasts steady on a plate or cutting board.
3. With the other fork, start pulling the meat apart by scraping it away from the center.
4. Keep shredding until all the chicken is in small, bite-sized pieces.
5. Mix the shredded chicken well with the bbq sauce and juices in the slow cooker or bowl so every bite is juicy and flavorful.

Doing this shredding step carefully helps the chicken soak up all the yummy sauce and makes the texture perfect for piling onto your sandwich buns. If you don’t shred it enough, you might end up with big chunks that don’t mix well, and if you shred too roughly, the meat can get mushy.

I remember the first time I shredded chicken, I tried to use just one fork and it took forever. Plus, the pieces were uneven, so some bites were dry and some were super saucy. Using two forks made it way easier and faster. Also, if you want to save time, you can shred the chicken right in the slow cooker after it’s done cooking—just be careful because it will be hot! This way, the chicken stays warm and soaks up even more flavor from the bbq sauce and broth.

Shredding might seem small, but it really makes your Hot Shredded Chicken Sandwiches taste like they’ve been cooked with love.

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with boneless, skinless turkey breasts: Turkey has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a great alternative for shredded sandwiches.

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with jackfruit: For a vegetarian option, young green jackfruit has a fibrous texture that mimics shredded chicken well.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth provides a similar liquid base and flavor profile, suitable for vegetarian versions.

• chicken broth - Substitute with beef broth: For a richer flavor, beef broth can be used, though it will slightly alter the taste profile.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce offers a sweet and savory alternative, giving the sandwiches an Asian-inspired twist.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with hot sauce and honey mixture: Mixing hot sauce with honey can mimic the sweet and spicy notes of bbq sauce.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic provides a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.

• garlic powder - Substitute with shallot powder: Shallot powder offers a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the other ingredients.

• onion powder - Substitute with dried minced onion: Dried minced onion provides a similar flavor with a bit more texture.

• onion powder - Substitute with leek powder: Leek powder offers a subtle onion-like flavor with a hint of sweetness.

• sandwich buns - Substitute with ciabatta rolls: Ciabatta rolls have a chewy texture and can hold up well to the moist filling.

• sandwich buns - Substitute with lettuce wraps: For a low-carb option, lettuce wraps provide a fresh and crunchy alternative to traditional buns.

• Allow the shredded chicken to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can lead to sogginess or spoilage.

• Transfer the cooled shredded chicken into an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Ensure you remove as much air as possible to maintain freshness.

• If storing in the refrigerator, keep the shredded chicken for up to 3-4 days. This keeps the flavors intact while ensuring safety.

• For freezing, label the container or bag with the date. This helps you keep track of how long it has been stored.

• Freeze the shredded chicken for up to 3 months. Beyond this, the texture and flavor may begin to degrade.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the shredded chicken in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing preserves the texture and taste.

• Reheat the shredded chicken gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or bbq sauce to keep it moist and flavorful.

• Serve the reheated shredded chicken on fresh sandwich buns for a delightful meal, just as delicious as the first time.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the shredded chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil to keep the moisture in, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. This method ensures the chicken stays juicy and flavorful.

• For a quick fix, use the microwave. Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. This keeps the bbq sauce from splattering and maintains the dish's moisture.

• If you have a stovetop, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken with a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it from sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

• For a smoky twist, reheat the chicken on a grill. Wrap it in foil with a little extra bbq sauce and place it on the grill over medium heat for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method adds a delightful charred flavor.

• If you have a slow cooker, set it to warm and add the shredded chicken with a bit of extra chicken broth. Let it heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is perfect for keeping the chicken warm for a longer period without drying out.

• Slow cooker: A countertop electrical appliance used to simmer the chicken and sauce mixture over a long period, ensuring the chicken becomes tender and flavorful.

• Measuring cup: Used to accurately measure the chicken broth and BBQ sauce, ensuring the correct proportions for the recipe.

• Teaspoon: Utilized to measure the precise amounts of garlic powder and onion powder, adding the right amount of seasoning to the dish.

• Forks: Essential for shredding the cooked chicken into fine pieces, allowing it to mix thoroughly with the sauce.

• Sandwich buns: Although not a tool in the traditional sense, they are necessary for serving the shredded chicken, providing a base for the sandwich.

Use pre-cooked chicken: Save time by using rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken breasts. Simply shred and mix with sauce.

Quick sauce mix: Combine bbq sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder in advance. Store in the fridge for easy access.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later. Just thaw and reheat.

Instant pot method: Use an Instant Pot to cook the chicken in about 15 minutes on high pressure, then shred.

Pre-sliced buns: Buy pre-sliced sandwich buns to save time on assembly.