BBQ Chicken Sandwich (Printable)

Tender BBQ chicken with crispy slaw on soft toasted buns

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.1 lbs), cooked and shredded or grilled and sliced

→ Barbecue Sauce

02 - 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)

→ Sandwich Components

03 - 4 soft sandwich buns or brioche buns
04 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for toasting buns)

→ Coleslaw

05 - 1 cup shredded green cabbage (about 3 oz)
06 - 1/2 cup shredded carrots (about 1.5 oz)
07 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
08 - 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Optional Toppings

11 - Sliced pickles
12 - Red onion rings

# How-To Steps:

01 - If not already cooked, grill or poach the chicken breasts until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), then shred using two forks.
02 - In a medium bowl, toss the shredded (or grilled and sliced) chicken with the barbecue sauce until evenly coated.
03 - In a small bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix well until vegetables are evenly coated.
04 - Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place buns, cut side down, and toast until golden brown (about 1 minute).
05 - Pile the BBQ chicken onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with coleslaw (if using), pickles, and red onion as desired. Cover with the top half of the bun.
06 - Serve immediately while warm. Pairs well with potato salad, fries, or corn on the cob.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes even on your busiest weeknights
  • The combination of hot saucy chicken and cold crisp slaw is absolutely addictive
  • You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for practically instant results
02 -
  • Tossing the chicken with sauce while it is still warm helps it absorb the flavor much better
  • Let the slaw sit for at least 10 minutes so the vegetables soften slightly and the flavors meld
  • Toasting the buns is not optional unless you want a soggy sad sandwich situation
03 -
  • A store bought rotisserie chicken shreds easily and shortcuts the entire cooking process
  • Let the assembled sandwiches rest for two minutes before serving so the flavors can settle
Go Back