Barbecue means different things in different regions, but one thing is universally accepted: it’s delicious! This slow cooker shredded barbecue chicken recipe brings the rich flavors of barbecue chicken pulled and slow-cooked into your kitchen with minimal effort. Paired with an easy coleslaw recipe, this dish is perfect for family meals, summer gatherings, or anytime you crave a taste of authentic barbecue. Plus, discover the best BBQ sauce to take your meal to the next level.

I have discovered over the years that “barbecue” has varying definitions depending on where you live. Where I live in Colorado anything cooked on an outdoor grill qualifies.

We barbecue burgers, fish and steaks, fresh vegetables, slices of pineapple—even pizza dough. However, if you live in the south you know “barbecue” is defined by these two words: Long and slow. And trust me, you’d better have proof that the brisket or rack of ribs was on the grill for the better part of a couple of days if you dare to call it barbecue!

Knowing there is a bit of regional controversy over what constitutes right and proper barbecue, I was intrigued to receive a recipe from Laura Koontz of Ohio for Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Pulled, with a resounding endorsement from her husband Bill, “You’ve just got to try this!” And so I have. Again and again and again.

Why Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Pulled is a Game-Changer

Whether you’re a fan of pulled chicken, pork, or beef barbecue sandwiches, this dish is going to knock your socks off. Picture tender, moist, and perfectly seasoned meat, infused with the rich flavors of authentic barbecue. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a great solution for busy cooks craving that irresistible authentic barbecue taste without the hassle. Paired with an easy coleslaw recipe, you have a complete meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

MORE: The Easiest Summer Barbecue Ever— Ribs, Beans, Slaw, Dessert

What You’ll Need

To make this barbecue chicken pulled, you’ll need a slow cooker and these ingredients:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for shredding, as their fibers align for easy and quick breakdown. But if you’re up for a twist, try chicken thighs for a different texture. And for more variety, boneless pork or beef make tasty substitutes.

Worcestershire Sauce

Adds depth of flavor with its tangy and savory notes.

Vinegar

Whether white, apple cider, or your favorite variety, vinegar helps tenderize the chicken and enhances the barbecue sauce.

Cumin

Infuses the chicken with warm, earthy undertones, complementing the barbecue sauce perfectly.

Bottled Barbecue Sauce

Choose your favorite brand or homemade recipe to coat the chicken in rich, smoky flavor. Adjust the sweetness and spiciness to your liking. For a real treat, use the best BBQ sauce you can find (more on that down below!)

MORE: Best Inexpen sive Slow Cookers

Best BBQ Sauce: Montgomery Inn

Montgomery Inn Barbecue Sauce, 3-Pack

Laura sent along with the recipe a bottle of Montgomery Inn Barbecue Sauce and it is truly the best bbq sauce. The Montgomery Inn located in Cincinnati, Ohio, is world-famous for its ribs and barbecue sauce. The exact recipe, however, is a closely guarded secret known only to proprietor Ted’s wife, Matula, and daughters.

Montgomery Inn barbecue sauce is fat-free and made with all-natural ingredients is a heavenly blend of tomatoes, garlic, onions, molasses, and secret spices. I only know all of this because after trying this recipe the first time I knew I had to find a way to get my hands on more sauce.

Great news! This barbecue sauce is now available on Amazon and Montgomery Inn ships. I know this because I harbor a precious stash of Montgomery Inn Barbecue Sauce in my pantry. Suddenly I have become famous with family and friends for amazing barbecue chicken pulled sandwiches, the recipe for which shall remain a closely guarded secret known only to me … and now you.

Montgomery Inn Barbecue Sauce, 3 Pack

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Barbecue Chicken Pulled Sandwiches

Alright, let’s get cooking. Toss the chicken breasts, water, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and cumin into your slow cooker set on “Low” for 6 hours. Once the chicken is cooked to tender perfection, drain the juices and grab two forks to shred it right in the slow cooker—talk about convenience!

Now, here comes the fun part. Pour on your favorite barbecue sauce and give it a good stir, making sure every piece is coated. Let it mingle and marinate for another hour on “Low,” infusing that irresistible barbecue flavor.

When it’s finally time to eat, gather your hungry crew, pile the pulled barbecue chicken onto buns, and crown it with a generous helping of coleslaw. Keep reading for a fantastic and easy coleslaw recipe that perfectly complements this dish.

This recipe is a feast for 8-10 guests, but if by some miracle you have leftovers, just pop them in a tightly sealed container and refrigerate—they’ll stay fresh for up to a week.

Thanks for the fantastic recipe, Laura! (And the tip on the best BBQ sauce—it’s a game-changer!)

Perfect Pairing: Easy Coleslaw Recipe

No barbecue is complete without a side of creamy coleslaw, and this easy coleslaw recipe is the perfect companion for your barbecue chicken pulled sandwiches. It’s so good, you might want to double it!

What You’ll Need

1 lb fresh cabbage (or a 16-oz bag coleslaw mix)
2 tbsp diced onion
⅔ cup mayonnaise
3 tbsp vegetable oil
½ cup granulated white sugar
1 tbsp white vinegar
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp poppy seeds

Simply combine the shredded cabbage and onion in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vegetable oil, sugar, vinegar, salt, and poppy seeds until well blended. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat. Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully.

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, click here.

barbecue chicken pulled sandwich easy coleslaw recipe

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5 from 4 votes

Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Pulled Sandwiches

If you love a good barbecue chicken pulled sandwich, this recipe is going to knock your socks off! It’s tender, moist, and perfectly seasoned—a great solution for any busy cook who longs to serve authentic, pulled chicken (pork or beef) barbecue.

Prep Time10

Slow Cooking7

Total Time7 10

Course: Sandwiches

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 349kcal

Ingredients

4 lbs chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
¼ cup water
3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
3 tbsp vinegar, any type
1 tspn cumin
28 oz. bottled barbecue sauce

Instructions

Place the chicken, water, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and cumin in the slow cooker set on “Low.”
Cook for 6 hours.
Drain the juices.
Shred the chicken right in the slow cooker using two forks.
Pour in the barbecue sauce and stir to combine.
Cook on “Low” for an additional hour.
Serve the barbecue chicken pulled on buns with a generous helping of coleslaw.

Notes

You can substitute boneless pork or beef for the chicken.
Use any bottled barbecue sauce of your choosing.
Refrigerate leftovers in a tightly sealed container for up to a week.

Nutrition

Question: What’s your favorite dish to make in a slow cooker? Share your go-to recipes or tips below.

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LesleyB says:

August 30, 2025 at 7:56 am

Great recipe! What would the pressure and time be if I wanted to use an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

Mary Hunt says:
August 30, 2025 at 11:42 am

I’m not sure as I’ve never tried that Lesley … but I’ll bet your fellow EC readers will weigh in here.

DARCI HOLSTON says:

June 13, 2024 at 4:35 am

My whole family, including my mom, loved these! Made sliders with provolone cheese, topped with melted butter and a dash of cumin. Excellent!

Mary Hunt says:
June 13, 2024 at 7:19 pm

Now that’s a great idea, Darci! Thanks.

Ginny says:

August 9, 2022 at 11:33 am

I made for friends coming to visit and it was a big hit. So tasty and easy and not time consuming. I will keep this in my repertoire!

Debbie says:

April 16, 2022 at 3:19 pm

This sounds so easy and good. Would it work with boneless pork ribs for pulled pork? I never heard of Montgomery Inn BBQ sauce so I googled it, and found this copycat recipe that I am going to try. Since I’ve never had the “real” thing, I won’t know if it is a good copycat or not. If you try it, let me know!
https://sweetandsimpleliving.com/copycat-montgomery-inn-bbq-sauce/

Mary Hunt says:
April 16, 2022 at 11:20 pm

I have never tried substituting pork for chicken, so I can’t advise you one way or the other. As for that copycat recipe, Montgomery Inn BBQ is not spicy. That’s a lot of chili powder plus red pepper flakes! But again I’ve not tried it. I don’t see any reviews for the copycat recipe, so I’m suspicious. Montgomery Inn BBQ Sauce is uniquely delicious.This copycat sounds a lot closer to the real thing than the one you found. And it suggests using it with pork.

Allie says:

February 28, 2022 at 9:59 pm

Wow. Made this tonight and it was devoured. We love pulled pork but using chicken breasts was a fabulous option- and cheaper too!! Simple recipe with tons of flavor. Topped it with your coleslaw and it was all so so yummy. Thanks Mary for posting this!

Jane says:

August 12, 2021 at 11:18 pm

Found this BBQ sauce at Columbus OH Costco!

Mary Hunt says:
August 13, 2021 at 6:00 am

Wow … that is great! Thanks for letting us know.

Kim N says:

August 12, 2021 at 7:31 am

This sounds good, can’t wait to try it. Won’t use the Montgomery Inn recipe as it has high fructose corn syrup so it’s not all natural. But I have great substitutes!

Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Pulled Sandwiches with Easy Coleslaw Recipe

Why Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Pulled is a Game-Changer