Slow-Cooker Apple Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches
Slow-Cooker Apple Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches from The Nutritionist Reviews are loaded with slow-cooked shredded chicken with homemade BBQ sauce, thinly sliced apples, melted cheddar cheese, red onion, bacon and spinach all on top of toasted sourdough bread!
When it comes to barbecue sauce, everyone has their own preferences. Some like it sweet and bold, some like it tangy, some like a spicy sauce. I like a bit of everything but my favorite is a tangy BBQ sauce. Every single time that I make a homemade BBQ sauce, it is a little bit different. I use the same general ingredients but switch it up a little bit based on what I have on hand.
These are the ultimate barbecue chicken sandwiches- they are loaded with all kinds of delicious ingredients. The apples are thinly sliced to provide a bit of sweetness and crunch. The bacon is perfectly crisp and smoky.
Typically, I use whole-wheat bread for recipes but I thought that sourdough would be especially delicious in this recipe and I was right- it complements the other flavors so well. The creamy cheddar cheese is perfect with the barbeque sauce and the spinach provides a bit of color and nutrition.
These would be perfect paired with some sliced vegetables or a simple soup such as tomato. If you prefer, you can use grilled chicken breasts to save time instead of using the slow-cooker. You could even use your favorite bottled barbecue sauce. Whatever you do though, don't skip the BBQ, apples, bacon and cheddar combo- it is very delicious and you and your family will love it!
Slow-Cooker Apple Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Servings: 6
Ingredients
Slow Cooker BBQ Apple Chicken
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 Michigan Golden Delicious apples, diced
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons mustard
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Sandwiches
• 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 1 sliced Michigan Mcintosh apple
• 12 slices sourdough bread
• 6 slices cheddar cheese
• 1 cup baby spinach
Instructions
1. Combine all ingredients for slow cooker BBQ apple chicken. Cook on high for about 6 hours or until chicken shreds easily with a fork.
2. Toast bread and top with shredded BBQ apple chicken, cheddar cheese, turkey bacon, red onions, apples and baby spinach.
Enjoy!
Amanda Hernandez is a registered dietitian and recipe developer. She grew up on a farm filled with apple trees and apples are one of her favorite foods! She is the author of The Nutritionist Reviews, a healthy recipe, nutrition, fitness and parenting blog. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ and Instagram.
