This Super Simple Chicken Recipe Makes the Perfect Summer Sandwiches

This Super Simple Chicken Recipe Makes the Perfect Summer Sandwiches originally appeared on Parade .

There's something magical about a meal that takes care of itself. On hectic weekdays , when schedules are packed and energy is low, a slow cooker can be your best friend. Just dump in your ingredients, set the timer, put on the lid and come back later for a delicious dinner. How easy is that?

That's why when I saw content creator Luke Brown ( @cookinginthemidwest ) share his Crock-Pot Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, I immediately put them on my must-make list. They looked saucy, cheesy and super satisfying, which is everything you want for dinner after a long day.

And the best part is that the Crock-Pot does most of the work! With simple ingredients and a major flavor payoff, this recipe is easy, crowd-pleasing comfort food. Here's what you need to know to make it at your house.

Related: I Tried the Viral British Cheese Sandwich and Found My New Favorite Weekday Lunch

😋😋  SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter . 🍳🍔

How To Make Crock-Pot Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Start by spraying your Crock-Pot with a little cooking spray to keep cleanup easy. Then, layer in the key players: one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and one chopped red onion. This simple combo sets the base for your flavorful filling.

Next comes salt, pepper, paprika and a tablespoon of ranch dressing seasoning for that savory, herby kick. Add a tablespoon of minced garlic and a splash of white vinegar for tang.

Now comes the star of the show: BBQ sauce ! Luke uses Buffalo Wild Wing's Honey BBQ, and it's a great pick because it's sweet, smoky and just a little spicy, but you can use your favorite brand of BBQ sauce. And you don't need a precise measurement here. Just drizzle enough to coat the chicken well. If you like things saucier, don't hold back!

Pop the lid on your Crock-Pot, set it to low and let it cook for 4 to 6 hours.

By the time it's done, the chicken will be fall-apart tender. Use two forks to shred it right in the Crock-Pot, give it a good stir, and add a little more BBQ sauce if you want it extra juicy.

Related: I Tried 15 Different BBQ Sauces and I Didn't See the Winner Coming

How To Build the Ultimate BBQ Chicken Sandwich

While your chicken is finishing up, cook some bacon until crisp and toast your buns or hoagie rolls in a skillet over medium heat. Toasting the bread adds crunch and keeps the sandwiches from getting soggy.

To assemble, layer the shredded BBQ chicken on the bottom bun, top with a slice of Colby Jack cheese (or whatever melty cheese you love) and add a strip or two of crispy bacon. Top with the other half of the bun and you've got a sandwich worthy of applause.

You can serve these with coleslaw , pickles, potato chips or a big summer salad—whatever your family loves and whatever you're feeling up to making. These sandwiches are also easy to scale up for a party or game day, and the BBQ reheats like a dream, making it great for meal prep or lunches the next day.

Luke's Crock-Pot Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwiches hit all the right notes for a delicious meal. They're sweet, smoky, cheesy and just the right amount of messy. They are definitely worth a try!

Up Next:

Related: My Husband Cracked the Code to the Juiciest, Most Flavorful Chicken Breast

This Super Simple Chicken Recipe Makes the Perfect Summer Sandwiches first appeared on Parade on Aug 2, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 2, 2025, where it first appeared.