There’s something undeniably irresistible about a BBQ chicken sandwich that brings together smoky, tender chicken, creamy coleslaw, and a tangy sauce, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. The moment you take a whiff of that smoky goodness wafting from the grill, your mouth waters in anticipation. Picture yourself sinking your teeth into the juicy chicken, nestled between soft buns, while the crunch of fresh veggies adds just the right amount of texture.
Now, let me take you back to that unforgettable summer cookout when my uncle decided to challenge the neighborhood grill master with his secret BBQ chicken recipe. Spoiler alert: Uncle Bob didn’t win (sorry, Bob), but he did give us all a taste of heaven in sandwich form. So gather around because this BBQ chicken sandwich is not just food; it’s an experience waiting to happen!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This BBQ chicken sandwich is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to whip up any day
- The smoky flavor combined with sweet and tangy sauce makes every bite unforgettable
- You can customize toppings based on your preferences or what you have at home
- Perfect for summer cookouts or cozy family dinners!
One Sunday afternoon, I made these sandwiches for my friends, and let me tell you, there was silence at the table—except for the sounds of munching and very enthusiastic “Mmm” noises.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but adjust based on how many people you’re feeding.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade version for maximum flavor; don’t skimp here!
Burger Buns: Choose soft yet sturdy buns that will hold up against all those toppings.
Coleslaw Mix: Pre-packaged mix saves time; add your favorite dressing for extra zing.
Olive Oil: A drizzle helps keep the chicken moist as it cooks on the grill.
For the Sauce:
Honey: This adds a delightful sweetness to balance out the tangy elements of your sauce.
Worcestershire Sauce: A splash gives depth and umami richness to your BBQ sauce.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Getting started with this BBQ chicken sandwich is as easy as pie—if pie were savory and scrumptious!
Prepare Your Chicken: First things first—preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While it warms up, rub olive oil over the chicken breasts and season them generously with salt and pepper.
Grill Time!: Once your grill is hot enough (like a sauna without the awkward small talk), place those seasoned chicken breasts on it. Grill for about 6-7 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and are beautifully charred.
Add The Flavor: In the last few minutes of grilling, brush on your favorite BBQ sauce generously. Let it caramelize slightly while you resist the urge to eat everything raw right then and there.
Prep Those Buns!: While waiting for the chicken to finish cooking, slice open your burger buns and toast them lightly on the grill for about 1 minute until golden brown.
Assemble Your Sandwiches: Now comes the fun part! Layer grilled chicken onto each bun followed by a generous scoop of coleslaw. Drizzle with additional BBQ sauce if you’re feeling wild!
Enjoy every juicy bite of this BBQ chicken sandwich while reminiscing about summer days filled with laughter and great company!
You Must Know
- Mastering the BBQ chicken sandwich means balancing smoky flavors with a tender bite
- The aroma of grilling chicken creates an irresistible atmosphere
- Using a quality BBQ sauce enhances flavor and keeps the chicken moist, making every bite unforgettable
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating your chicken for at least an hour. Grill it over medium heat until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Assemble your sandwich while the chicken rests for juicy results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the BBQ sauce for a homemade version or add pickles for a zesty crunch. Experiment with toppings like coleslaw or jalapeños to find your perfect combo.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover BBQ chicken sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to maintain moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best flavor, marinate your chicken overnight if you can; it really makes a difference
- To avoid dry chicken, don’t overcook it; use a meat thermometer to check doneness at 165°F
- Lastly, let the sandwiches sit for a few minutes before serving—this amplifies all those delicious flavors!
Sometimes I think my family would eat cardboard if I slathered it in BBQ sauce! Their reactions when I finally nailed this sandwich recipe were priceless and made all my kitchen experiments worthwhile.
FAQ
Can I use grilled chicken instead of BBQ?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken works well; just add your favorite BBQ sauce afterward.
What’s a good side dish for BBQ chicken sandwiches?
Coleslaw or potato salad complements these sandwiches perfectly, adding crunch and creaminess.
How can I make this sandwich healthier?
Use whole grain bread and opt for low-sugar BBQ sauce to lighten things up while keeping flavor intact.
BBQ Chicken Sandwich
BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food, combining smoky, grilled chicken with creamy coleslaw and tangy BBQ sauce all nestled in soft buns. Perfect for summer cookouts or cozy family dinners, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize based on your preferences. You’ll savor every tender bite as the flavors meld together, making it an experience worth sharing.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 burger buns
- 2 cups coleslaw mix
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- For the Sauce: 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Rub chicken breasts with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- In the last few minutes, brush BBQ sauce on each chicken breast to caramelize.
- Toast burger buns on the grill for about 1 minute until golden brown.
- Layer grilled chicken on each bun, top with coleslaw, and drizzle with additional BBQ sauce if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
