Tender Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
A comforting and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender pulled chicken infused with apple cider and spices, served on soft sandwich buns. Perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours (slow cooker low) or 3 to 4 hours (slow cooker high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 7 hours 10 minutes (slow cooker low) or 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes (slow cooker high)
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 4 to 6 soft sandwich buns (brioche or potato rolls)
- Optional toppings: coleslaw, sliced pickles, sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and chicken broth.
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker and pour the apple cider mixture over the chicken, coating evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until chicken is fork-tender.
- Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred with two forks into bite-sized pieces.
- Pour about ½ cup of cooking liquid over shredded chicken and stir gently to combine. Add more liquid if desired.
- Lightly toast sandwich buns in a skillet or oven.
- Assemble sandwiches by piling pulled chicken onto buns and adding optional toppings. Serve warm.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for richer flavor or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. For a quicker method, cook in an Instant Pot on high pressure for 15 minutes. Add cooking liquid back to shredded chicken to keep moist. Leftovers keep 3-4 days refrigerated or freeze up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 350400
- Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: slow cooker, pulled chicken, apple cider, easy dinner, sandwich, comfort food, family meal