Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, juicy sandwich that bursts with the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. Our Slow Cooker Applesauce Pulled Chicken Sandwiches are not just a meal; they are a comforting experience that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight! With just 10 minutes of prep time and the magic of a slow cooker, you can create a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Ready to impress your family and friends with minimal effort? Dive into this easy recipe that promises to be a crowd-pleaser!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 onion, sliced
- Buns for serving
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 cup of applesauce, 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce, 1 sliced onion, and buns for serving.
- In a slow cooker, place the sliced onion evenly at the bottom. This will create a flavorful base for the chicken.
- Next, add the 4 chicken breasts on top of the sliced onions. Ensure they are spread out evenly for even cooking.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the 1 cup of applesauce and 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce until well combined. This will be the sauce that flavors the chicken.
- Pour the applesauce and barbecue sauce mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure they are well coated. Use a spoon to spread the sauce if necessary.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid, set it to low heat, and let it cook for approximately 6 hours. This slow cooking will tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
- After 6 hours, check the chicken for doneness. It should be tender and easily shred with a fork. If it is not yet tender, continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the sauce and onions to ensure it is well coated.
- To serve, take your buns and fill them generously with the pulled chicken mixture. You can add additional barbecue sauce if desired.
- Enjoy your Slow Cooker Applesauce Pulled Chicken Sandwiches warm, and consider pairing them with a side of coleslaw or potato chips for a complete meal.
Tips
- Choose Quality Chicken: Opt for fresh, high-quality boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture. Frozen chicken can be used, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
- Customize the Sauce: Feel free to experiment with different barbecue sauces or even add spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder to the applesauce mixture for an extra kick.
- Layering is Key: Placing the sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker helps infuse the chicken with flavor as it cooks. Don’t skip this step!
- Shred with Ease: After cooking, the chicken should shred easily with two forks. If it’s not shredding well, it may need a bit more time in the slow cooker.
- Serving Suggestions: These pulled chicken sandwiches are fantastic on their own, but consider adding toppings like coleslaw, pickles, or sliced jalapeños for added texture and flavor.
- Make Ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for later use.
- Pairing Ideas: Serve these sandwiches with a side of coleslaw, potato chips, or a fresh salad to round out the meal and satisfy your guests.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 90mg
