Juicy BBQ Shredded Chicken Burger Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner that everyone will love, you have to try this BBQ shredded chicken recipe. The chicken comes out juicy, tender, and packed with smoky-sweet flavor, all thanks to a simple sauce that comes together in minutes. The best part? The slow cooker does all the work for you. I love serving this piled high on soft buns for sandwiches, but it’s just as good over rice, baked potatoes, or even a simple salad when I want something lighter. What I usually do is make the BBQ shredded chicken on Sunday, then enjoy it in different variations throughout the week. In this recipe, I’ll show you how to make the burger. Let’s get started.

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What You’ll Need to Make This BBQ Shredded Chicken

This recipe only calls for a few pantry staples, but when they come together, you get the most flavorful chicken that tastes like it’s been cooking all day.

• BBQ sauce – about 1½ cups of your favorite brand. Use sweet, smoky, or spicy depending on what you like.
• Apple cider vinegar – adds tang and keeps the sauce from being too heavy.
• Brown sugar – a little sweetness to balance the vinegar and spice.
• Onion powder – for that savory depth.
• Garlic powder – because BBQ always needs a hint of garlic.
• Chicken breasts – 2 pounds, boneless and skinless, so they shred easily.
• Burger buns – soft, toasted if you like.
• Lettuce leaves – for freshness and crunch.
• Red onion rings – thinly sliced for that bite.

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How to Make BBQ Shredded Chicken Burger?

1. Start by mixing the sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, onion powder, and garlic powder until smooth.
2. Next, add the chicken. Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture on top, making sure each piece is well coated.
3. Cook the chicken low and slow. Set the crockpot to high for 2–3 hours or low for 4–6 hours. Either way, the chicken will turn out tender and full of flavor.
4. Shred it up. Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. Stir everything together so the chicken soaks up all that rich BBQ sauce.
5. Build the burger: Pile the BBQ shredded chicken onto soft, toasted buns and layer it with crisp lettuce leaves and a few red onion rings for extra crunch and flavor. It makes the ultimate BBQ chicken burger, juicy, smoky, and so satisfying.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!

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FAQ

Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
You can definitely make the shredded chicken ahead, it keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready, just reheat the chicken and assemble the burgers with fresh buns, lettuce, and onion.

What type of buns work best?
I like soft brioche or potato buns because they hold the juicy chicken without falling apart. Toasting them lightly makes the burgers even better.

Do I have to add lettuce and onion?
Not at all, but I love the crunch and freshness they bring. You can also add pickles, cheese, or even coleslaw if you want to switch it up.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs work great and stay super juicy. Just shred them the same way once they’re cooked.

Can I freeze the shredded chicken?
Absolutely. Freeze it without the buns and toppings, then thaw and reheat when you’re ready to make fresh burgers. Here is another way to meal prep this recipe with rice, avocado and cabbage.

Final Thoughts

This BBQ shredded chicken recipe is one of those meals that never fails me. It’s easy, budget-friendly, and so versatile, you can turn it into sandwiches, tacos, wraps, or bowls. The slow cooker makes it totally hands-off, and the flavor payoff is incredible for such a simple list of ingredients. Trust me, once you make it, this recipe will earn a permanent spot in your weeknight dinner rotation.