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As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, the comfort food trend becomes a comforting embrace for many. Autumn is synonymous with cozy evenings, warm gatherings, and hearty meals that nourish both body and soul. Among the myriad of seasonal dishes, pulled chicken sandwiches stand out as a delightful option, bringing together the richness of flavors and the ease of preparation that busy households crave. Enter the Autumn Bliss Pulled Chicken Sandwiches—an ideal recipe that encapsulates the essence of fall, combining tender chicken with the sweetness of apple cider and a medley of spices that evoke the season's spirit.

Fall Crockpot Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

Embrace the flavors of fall with these Autumn Bliss Pulled Chicken Sandwiches! This comforting recipe features tender, slow-cooked chicken infused with apple cider and a mix of spices that capture the essence of the season. Perfect for busy days, this dish requires minimal prep and offers maximum flavor. Serve on toasted buns with your favorite toppings for a delightful meal that brings warmth to your autumn evenings. Enjoy cozy gatherings with this easy and delicious creation!
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Ingredients
  

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup apple cider or apple juice

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup barbecue sauce (your preferred brand)

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust based on your spice comfort)

4 hamburger buns

Lettuce or coleslaw for topping (optional)

Sliced pickles for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Ingredients:

    - Start by finely chopping the onion and mincing the garlic cloves. Set the prepared vegetables aside for later use.

      Layer in the Crockpot:

        - Arrange the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot, ensuring there’s enough space around them for the other ingredients.

          Add Flavor:

            - Pour the apple cider or apple juice over the chicken to infuse it with sweetness. Then, sprinkle the chopped onions and minced garlic on top of the chicken.

              Mix the Sauce:

                - In a medium mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce with smoked paprika, dried thyme, ground cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir well until all the ingredients are blended together.

                  Combine in the Crockpot:

                    - Pour this flavorful barbecue sauce mixture over the chicken and onions in the crockpot, ensuring that the chicken pieces are thoroughly coated with the sauce.

                      Cooking Time:

                        - Cover the crockpot securely with the lid. Cook on the low setting for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, monitoring the chicken until it becomes tender enough to shred easily with a fork.

                          Shred the Chicken:

                            - After cooking, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot and transfer it onto a clean cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, allowing the savory juices to escape.

                              Return to the Sauce:

                                - Place the shredded chicken back into the crockpot, stirring it well to combine with the remaining sauce for maximum flavor.

                                  Prepare the Buns:

                                    - If desired, lightly toast the hamburger buns in a toaster or on a skillet until golden brown, enhancing their texture for the sandwiches.

                                      Assemble the Sandwiches:

                                        - Take one toasted bun and spoon a generous serving of pulled chicken onto the bottom half. Add optional toppings like crunchy lettuce or coleslaw, and layer with sliced pickles for an extra zing.

                                          Serve and Enjoy:

                                            - Cap the sandwich with the top half of the bun, pressing down gently. Enjoy your Autumn Bliss Pulled Chicken Sandwiches while they're warm, letting the delightful flavors warm your soul!

                                              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 8 hours | 4 servings

                                                - Presentation Tips: Serve the sandwiches on a rustic wooden board alongside a small bowl of extra barbecue sauce for dipping. Garnish with fresh herbs for an eye-catching look!