Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken Sandwich
The Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken Sandwich is a sweet and savory treat that takes comfort food to the next level. The chicken is slow-cooked in a rich cherry cola sauce, creating tender, juicy meat that’s bursting with flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (slow cooker)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 7 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can (12 oz) cherry cola
1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
4 sandwich buns
1 cup coleslaw (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts in a slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cherry cola, barbecue sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is fully covered. Add the sliced onions on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it well with the sauce and onions. Let it cook on low for an additional 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Toast the sandwich buns lightly in a separate pan or oven for added texture.
- To assemble, spoon the pulled chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. If desired, top with a scoop of coleslaw for a crunchy contrast.
- Place the top bun on and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
- Spicy Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken: Add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for some heat.
- Grilled Version: For a smoky touch, grill the chicken breasts and then shred them, mixing with the cherry cola sauce afterward.
- Vegetarian Version: Use jackfruit or a plant-based chicken substitute in place of the chicken for a vegetarian version of this sandwich.
- Cheese: Top the pulled chicken with a slice of melted cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
- Storage: Store leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stove, adding a bit of extra barbecue sauce or cherry cola to keep it moist. You can also reheat it in a slow cooker on low for 30-60 minutes if you have time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 910mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
