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Bbq Chicken Sandwich

BBQ Chicken Sandwich Secrets: How to Make It Juicy, Smoky & Delicious

This BBQ Chicken Sandwich is a smoky, sweet, and savory meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Tender shredded chicken is coated in a rich BBQ sauce and served on a toasted bun with crisp coleslaw for the perfect balance of texture and taste. Great for weeknight dinners, backyard gatherings, or game days!

  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Sandwich:

  • 4 brioche or hamburger buns
  • 1 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)
  • 1/2 cup pickles (optional)

For the Coleslaw (Optional but Recommended):

  • 2 cups shredded cabbage (or coleslaw mix)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

  1. Place the chicken breasts in a slow cooker or instant pot.
  2. In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
  4. Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until tender.
    Instant Pot: Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes with a quick release.
  5. Once done, shred the chicken with two forks and mix it back into the sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Coleslaw (Optional)

  1. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Toss with shredded cabbage until well coated. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich

  1. Butter and toast the buns in a skillet over medium heat until golden.
  2. Pile the shredded BBQ chicken onto the bottom bun.
  3. Add coleslaw on top (if using) and place pickles for extra crunch.
  4. Cover with the top bun and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Shortcut Option: Use store-bought rotisserie chicken and mix it with warm BBQ sauce for a quicker version.
  • Serving Ideas: Serve with fries, baked beans, or a fresh salad.
  • Bun Options: Brioche buns add sweetness, while potato rolls are extra soft.
  • Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Author: Jasmine Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours (slow cooker) or 10 minutes (instant pot)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooker / Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 920mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg