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This slow cooker bbq chicken is family-friendly and full of flavor.

These Slow Cooker BBQ Ranch Chicken Sandwiches are a perfect weeknight dinner that everyone will love. Tender chicken slow cooks in a sauce of seasonings, bbq sauce and ranch mix.  It shreds up perfectly for piling onto soft buns with an extra drizzle of ranch and ranch coleslaw.

Looking for a dinner that’s insanely easy, full of flavor, and picky-eater approved? These Slow Cooker BBQ Ranch Chicken Sandwiches are about to become a go-to in your house — just like they are in mine.  My kids love these and ask for them all the time, and of course my husband is obsessed with them. 

I didn’t want to heat up the kitchen and wanted to use my slow cooker, so I threw what I had on hand in there and what came out? Shredded BBQ chicken with a creamy ranch flavor that had my whole family asking for seconds.

It’s tangy, smoky, a little sweet, and the ranch gives it that savory edge that makes it feel like more than just another pulled chicken sandwich. Add some creamy ranch slaw on top, pile it high on a soft bun, and serve it with a big glass of sweet tea, some fries and a pickle — and dinner is done.

This is the kind of meal I make when I want comfort food in the summer without turning on the oven. It’s also my go to for feeding a crowd, and it is perfect for making ahead for busy nights.

This will be a hit with kids and adults and it is super impressive but actually easy to make and always a crowd pleaser.  

In the summer I am always looking for easy recipes and slow cooker recipes.  This is one of my favorite recipes for busy nights.

With just a few ingredients and a couple minutes you can throw everything in the slow cooker and have a spectacular dinner that I promise you will be making again and again.

This is an easy recipe to double and perfect for a BBQ or any get together.

Perfect on sliders or regular size buns this is always a favorite. 

Everything gets thrown into the slow cooker and you have a delicious dinner in no time with no need to turn on the oven, perfect for those hot summer nights!

Wow your family with this mouthwatering Slow Cooker BBQ Ranch Chicken recipe. Don’t be surprised if they ask for it again and again! Make sure to try this recipe and let us know what you think in the comments below.

Why This Recipe Works

• Throw it in and go slow cooker recipe

• Only a few pantry staples needed

• Family-friendly and picky-eater approved, trust me!! 

• Makes a ton, perfect for leftovers or freezer meals

• Great for sandwiches, sliders, or even wraps and tacos.  I have even served it over baked potatoes! 

 

What you need to make this Slow Cooker BBQ Ranch Chicken

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts- You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs as well.  You can also make this with pork loin. I just prefer to use boneless skinless chicken breast.
• BBQ sauce- Use your favorite barbecue sauce.
• Ranch dressing mix–  You need 2 packets of this, one for the chicken and one for the coleslaw.
• Garlic powder-  You can also use fresh minced garlic or garlic salt if you prefer. 
• Onion powder-  You can use a freshly sliced red onion in this as well. 
• Smoked paprika- This adds a great smoky flavor and color to the chicken. 
• Coleslaw mix-  You can buy this right in the produce section of your store.  
• Mayonnaise- Use your favorite brand, I like Duke’s.  You can also use a lite mayonnaise if you like. 
• Apple cider vinegar-  This adds some tang to your coleslaw. 
• Sugar-  Just a little to add a little sweetness to the coleslaw mix. 
• Ranch dressing-  I use this to drizzle on the sandwich to give it a creamy ranch sauce.

Serving Suggestions

These sandwiches are perfect with:

• Sweet potato fries

• Baked beans

• Pasta salad

• Corn on the cob

You can also serve the BBQ chicken on:

• Slider buns for parties

• Over baked potatoes

• In lettuce wraps for a low-carb version

• As a filling for tacos or quesadillas!

Gather your ingredients.

Make the coleslaw.

Add the chicken to the slow cooker and sprinkle over the ranch seasoning mix.

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Pour over your favorite bbq sauce.

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Cook, shred and serve!

How to make this Slow Cooker BBQ Ranch Chicken

1. Full Recipe Below
2. Place your chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
3. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and 1 envelope of the ranch seasoning of the chicken.
4. Next pour the bbq sauce all over the top of the chicken.
5. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.
6. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred.
7. Add the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker and toss in the sauce.
8. For the coleslaw combine the mayonnaise, 1 packet of dry ranch mix, the apple cider vinegar and sugar. 
9. Toss the coleslaw mix into the dressing. 
10. Assemble your sandwiches by piling the chicken onto soft hamburger buns and adding a drizzle of ranch dressing and a spoonful of coleslaw.
11. Serve!
12. Store leftovers in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
13. You can use any hamburger buns you like but this is also great over rice.
14. You can use spicy bbq sauce for a kick.

How to Store & Reheat

• Fridge: Store leftover chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Freeze the shredded chicken (no slaw) for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or extra sauce.

• Reheat: Gently reheat chicken in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.

Substitutions:

• Meat: Chicken thighs, rotisserie chicken (for a shortcut), or even pulled pork

• BBQ Sauce: Use spicy, honey BBQ, or homemade – whatever you love!

• No coleslaw mix? Shred cabbage and carrots yourself

• Lighten it up: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo in the slaw

• No ranch packet? Use 1 tsp each of dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder

Want more slow cooker sandwiches recipes? Check out these!

• Slow Cooker Arbys roast beef & cheddar
• Slow Cooker Cowboy Beef Sandwiches
• Slow Cooker Chopped Cheese Sandwiches
• Slow Cooker Korean Beef Sloppy Joes
• Slow Cooker Gyros
• Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Chili