Crockpot BBQ Chicken Ciabatta Sandwiches. Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but they’re also endlessly customizable, making them the perfect go-to for busy weeknights. Plus, with a touch of ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and melted Pepper Jack cheese, this sandwich will become your new favorite comfort food.Whether you’re prepping dinner for the family or meal-planning for the week, this BBQ chicken is as versatile as it is delicious. The shredded chicken reheats beautifully, perfect for sandwiches, quesadillas, or even flatbreads for lunch the next day. Let’s dive into the full recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these delectable BBQ chicken sandwiches, gather the following ingredients:
- 2-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon ranch dressing seasoning
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (jarred or fresh)
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- BBQ sauce (recommendation: Buffalo Wild Wings Honey BBQ)
- Ciabatta rolls
- Pepper Jack cheese slices
- Cooked crispy bacon
- Ranch dressing (optional but recommended)
How to Make Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot
Start by spraying your Crockpot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking. Then, chop the red onion into small pieces and set aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Ingredients
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the Crockpot. Add the chopped red onion, minced garlic, white vinegar, and seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, and ranch dressing seasoning) on top.Next, pour your preferred BBQ sauce over the chicken. While there are no exact measurements for the BBQ sauce, aim to add enough to cover the chicken. For a sweet and tangy flavor, I recommend using Buffalo Wild Wings Honey BBQ sauce, but feel free to swap in your favorite brand.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Set your Crockpot to low and cook the chicken for 4 to 6 hours. The chicken will be tender and easy to shred by the time it’s done.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Alternatively, you can use a hand mixer to shred the chicken for a finer texture. After shredding, stir the chicken back into the sauce, adding a bit more BBQ sauce if needed to keep it juicy.
Prepare the Ciabatta Rolls and Toppings
Step 1: Toast the Ciabatta Rolls
While the chicken is finishing up, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay out your Ciabatta rolls on a baking sheet and spray them lightly with oil or spread with butter for extra flavor. Bake for a few minutes until the rolls are lightly toasted.
Step 2: Add Cheese and Bacon
After the rolls are toasted, add a slice of Pepper Jack cheese on each half and place them back in the oven for just a few minutes, until the cheese melts.
Meanwhile, cook the bacon to your preferred level of crispiness. My favorite method is baking it in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. This not only makes cleanup easier but also ensures perfectly crispy bacon every time.
Assemble the Sandwiches
Now it’s time to build your sandwiches. Start by placing a generous amount of shredded BBQ chicken onto each toasted Ciabatta roll. Next, layer on the melted Pepper Jack cheese and crispy bacon slices. For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle some ranch dressing over the top before closing the sandwich.
Serve with your favorite sides like onion rings, fries, or a light salad.
Customization Options for Your BBQ Chicken Ciabatta Sandwiches
These sandwiches are incredibly versatile, so feel free to mix and match ingredients based on your preferences:
Cheese Swap: If you’re not a fan of Pepper Jack cheese, try using cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Bread Alternatives: Not in the mood for Ciabatta rolls? These sandwiches are equally delicious on brioche buns, hoagie rolls, or even day-old artisan bread.
BBQ Sauce Varieties: Experiment with different BBQ sauces to suit your taste. A spicy BBQ sauce adds a kick, while a sweeter sauce can balance out the smoky bacon and tangy ranch.
Extra Toppings: Add extra crunch with pickles, coleslaw, or even caramelized onions.
Tips and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat. Always use a meat thermometer to check the temperature before serving.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts in the Crockpot?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it may require a slightly longer cooking time. Aim for 6-8 hours on low instead of the usual 4-6 hours.
How much BBQ sauce should I use?
When adding BBQ sauce, there’s no need to measure precisely. Start by adding enough to cover the chicken in the Crockpot, and you can always add more later when shredding the chicken if you prefer a saucier sandwich.
Can I make this recipe with other cuts of chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with chicken thighs too, which tend to be even juicier than chicken breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
How long do leftovers keep?
Leftover shredded BBQ chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat the chicken in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of BBQ sauce to keep it moist.
Perfect Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken Ciabatta Sandwiches
Pair your Crockpot BBQ Chicken Ciabatta Sandwiches with these tasty sides to create a complete meal:
Sweet Potato Fries: The sweetness of the fries complements the smoky BBQ flavors.
Coleslaw: A classic BBQ side dish that adds crunch and freshness to your meal.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: A delicious summer favorite that pairs perfectly with BBQ.
Why You’ll Love These Crockpot BBQ Chicken Ciabatta Sandwiches
These Crockpot BBQ Chicken Ciabatta Sandwiches are the ultimate dinner solution for busy weeknights. They’re simple, flavorful, and easily customizable to suit your taste. With tender, shredded BBQ chicken, crispy bacon, melted Pepper Jack cheese, and a drizzle of ranch, every bite is packed with bold flavors.
Not only are these sandwiches incredibly easy to make, but the leftovers are just as good the next day, making them a meal-prep favorite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want an easy dinner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
So fire up your Crockpot, grab those Ciabatta rolls, and enjoy the best BBQ chicken sandwich you’ve ever tasted!
Crockpot BBQ Chicken Ciabatta Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 2-4 chicken breasts
- 1 chopped red onion
- 1 tsp each of salt pepper, and paprika
- 1 TBSP ranch dressing seasoning
- 1 TBSP minced garlic
- 1 TBSP white vinegar
- BBQ Sauce I used Buffalo Wild Wing’s Honey BBQ
- Ciabatta rolls
- Pepper jack cheese slices
- Bacon
- Ranch dressing
Instructions
- Spray a crockpot with cooking spray. Chop a red onion. Add the chicken, onion, minced garlic, vinegar, and all of the seasonings to a crockpot.
- Add some BBQ sauce on top. I don’t use exact measurements for this part. I usually just do enough to cover the chicken, but you can really use as much as you’d like.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Towards the end of the 4-6 hours cook bacon however you like. I prefer to bake it in the oven on a sheet pan at 400 degrees F for 20-25 minutes. Shred the chicken, stir well, and add a little bit more BBQ sauce if needed.
- Lay out the ciabatta rolls on a sheet pan and spray them with some oil. Bake in the oven at 400 degrees F for a few minutes or until they are lightly toasted. Add the pepper Jack cheese to the tops of the rolls and put them back in the oven for just a few minutes to melt the cheese.
- Build sandwiches with bbq chicken and bacon. Add ranch if desired.
- Enjoy! Let me know if you try it out!
Notes
