BBQ Chicken Sandwich (Printer-friendly)

Tender BBQ chicken with crisp slaw on toasted buns makes this quick sandwich perfect for lunch or dinner.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

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

→ Barbecue Sauce

02 - 1 cup (8 fluid ounces) 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 (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

→ Optional Toppings

11 - Sliced pickles
12 - Red onion rings

# How to Make It:

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 sliced chicken with the barbecue sauce until evenly coated.
03 - In a small bowl, combine shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Mix 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, pickles, and red onion rings as desired. Cover with the top bun and serve immediately while warm.

# Cooking Tips:

01 -
  • Ready in under 30 minutes but tastes like it simmered all afternoon
  • The creamy slaw cuts through the rich barbecue sauce like magic
  • Perfect for feeding a crowd without spending hours at the stove
02 -
  • Warm chicken absorbs sauce much better than cold meat ever will
  • Letting the slaw sit for even 10 minutes mellows the sharpness of the vinegar
  • Don't skip toasting the buns, it prevents that sad soggy bottom situation
03 -
  • Line your baking sheet with foil before toasting buns for easier cleanup
  • Keep a little extra barbecue sauce on hand for drizzling over the top
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