Shredded BBQ Chicken Burgers. My go-to foolproof weeknight meal!
I know it's not technically slow cooker season, but whatever. There are no rules anymore. These Shredded BBQ Chicken Burgers work for any time of the year in my book. And slow cooker recipes are one of the top requests here on WGC so I'm breaking it out today for this recipe!
These Shredded BBQ Chicken Burgers are looking pretty delicious from where I sit. I make this at least a few times a month! Mostly because it's delicious, but also because Thomas always has something to have for lunch if this is in the fridge. It's also easy to throw a spoonful of this on a brioche burger bun, slather on some guacamole and some shredded cheese and call it dinner. Or use the chicken portion of this recipe and slap it into a grilled cheese or sliders. Or stuff it into some enchiladas. You can't go wrong. I speak from experience. You could have a beer alongside of it too, but I'd rather skip the beer and go for seconds on the shredded bbq chicken. Why drink my calories when I can eat them!
And if you can't get your hands on all the ingredients to make the sauce from scratch, you can use 2-3 cups of your favorite BBQ sauce and you'll still be a few hours away from an incredible meal.
Stuck in a dinner rut? Looking for new delicious dinner ideas? Check out my roundup of 50+ easy dinner ideas here.
Shredded BBQ Chicken Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion finely sliced
- ½ cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup cider vinegar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 8-10 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 6 hamburger buns
- 1 recipe Guacamole
- 1 cup shredded colby jack cheese
Instructions
- In your slow cooker, combine the onion, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, tomato paste, paprika, Worcestershire, salt and pepper. Whisk to combine.
- Add the chicken thighs and make sure they are all evenly spread out and coated with the sauce ingredients.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker and turn to high heat for the Shredded BBQ Chicken to be done in 4-5 hours, and low for Shredded BBQ Chicken to be done in 7-8 hours.
- Once the timer is up, remove the lid and using 2 forks, shred the chicken while still in the crock pot. Turn the crock pot to warm and serve the Shredded BBQ Chicken on top of burger buns with a heaping spoonful of guacamole and shredded colby jack cheese.
I made this tonight, was absolutely delicious. I made it in my pressure cooker and the sauce cake out really thin. Any tips for keeping that from happening?
that happens in the pressure cooker because it doesn't thicken up and evaporate! If you can simmer for a few minutes at the end with the lid open, that will absolutely help
Oh man, does this ever look like the best thing ever!!
This looks yummy! Did you use boneless thighs? Also, how can I adapt this recipe to oven or stove top?
yes to boneless! I haven't tested it oven or stove top so please let me know if you try it!
Made these last night and OMG they were so good and a huge hit with everyone. Can’t believe how easy it was to make. Thx, Gaby!
SO happy to hear! xo
Just made this tonight. It was so delicious! My husband and I loved the guac on top of the chicken. So darn tasty. Just an FYI: I used 10 chicken thighs and set the crock pot on high for 6hrs. It was done in 4hrs.
do you put the chicken in frozen or thaw it first?
thaw it first!
Love my crockpot and delighted to find this recipe! We prefer chicken breasts. Use half the # of thighs? Any other recipe modifications needed?
I'd use 3 chicken breasts for this recipe!!
Thanks! It's on the menu for the weekend! 🙂
Hi Gaby, Where did you get your crock pot?
Thanks, Rachel
you can find it here: http://www.crock-pot.com/top-sellers 🙂
Do you take the skin off of the chicken thighs before or after cooking?
I buy boneless skinless thighs!! I should have clarifies - sorry! So take the skin off before cooking 🙂
These burgers look super yummy! I can't wait to try them!
good lord, that looks delicious!! would the spices work well with a pork roast? i'm going to attempt making shredded pork for the first time, and have been hunting for a fantastic recipe (which this definitely looks like!!)
Hi Gaby! Reading this at 9 am and drooling! I don't have a slow cooker (no plans and no room). Howe would you suggest converting this to either a stovetop or oven?
Hi Dana! You could do this in a large heavy bottom pot - and do it over the stove top. Just keep it on low and slow!!
yes please!!! I gotta go haul my crock pot out of the basement for a sandwich like this!
Absolutely adore these. Great flavors!
I love this recipe. I use my crock pot all the time. I tend to make pork most often but I think I see Shredded Chicken in our future.