Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the mouthwatering aroma of tender, BBQ-soaked chicken, melted cheese, and crispy bacon – all without spending hours in the kitchen! These Slow Cooker Cheesy BBQ Chicken Bacon Sandwiches are about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner secret. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a crowd-pleasing meal that will have everyone begging for seconds. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual get-together, these sandwiches are guaranteed to be the star of the show!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon
- 6 sandwich buns
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your slow cooker. Plug it in and set it to the low heat setting.
- Take the 2 pounds of boneless chicken breasts and place them at the bottom of the slow cooker. Make sure they are spread out evenly.
- Pour 1 cup of BBQ sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. Use a spoon to spread the sauce evenly if necessary.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and let the chicken cook on low for about 6 hours. This will allow the chicken to become tender and infused with the BBQ flavor.
- After 6 hours, carefully remove the lid. Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the BBQ sauce.
- Once the chicken is shredded, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top of the chicken mixture. Cover the slow cooker again for about 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
- While the cheese is melting, prepare the sandwich buns. You can toast them lightly in a toaster or on a skillet if desired for added texture.
- Once the cheese has melted, use a large spoon to scoop the cheesy BBQ chicken mixture onto the prepared sandwich buns.
- Top each sandwich with a slice of cooked bacon, adding extra flavor and crunch.
- Serve the sandwiches warm, and enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Cheesy BBQ Chicken Bacon Sandwiches!
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Use fresh, high-quality boneless chicken breasts for the most tender results.
- BBQ Sauce Matters: Select a BBQ sauce you love, as its flavor will be prominent in the dish.
- Don't Overcook: While slow cookers are forgiving, check the chicken around the
- 5-hour mark to prevent drying out.
- Cheese Melting Trick: For extra melty cheese, close the lid and let it sit for a few minutes after sprinkling the cheese.
- Bacon Upgrade: For extra crispy bacon, cook it separately and crumble it on top just before serving.
- Bun Options: Try different buns like brioche or pretzel rolls for added texture and flavor.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe can be prepared in advance and reheated, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Customize: Add sliced pickles, coleslaw, or extra BBQ sauce to personalize your sandwich.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 597kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 44g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 100mg
