BBQ Chicken Sandwich (Print Version)

Tender BBQ chicken in soft buns with crisp slaw topping

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

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

→ Barbecue Sauce

02 - 1 cup (8 fluid ounces) barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)

→ Sandwich

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

→ Slaw

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

→ 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 (about 1 minute).
05 - Pile the BBQ chicken onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with slaw, pickles, and red onion as desired. Cover with the top half of the bun.
06 - Serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • Ready in just 30 minutes but tastes like it simmered all day
  • The cool tangy slaw cuts through rich smoky barbecue sauce perfectly
02 -
  • Shred warm chicken, not cold, it absorbs sauce so much better
  • Let slaw sit for 10 minutes before serving, the flavors need that time to meld
03 -
  • Do not skip toasting the buns, that crispy layer prevents soggy bottoms
  • Let chicken rest in sauce for 5 minutes before serving for deeper flavor
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