Are you ready for a mouth-watering sandwich recipe that will make your taste buds dance? Look no further than this classic BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich! With tender shredded chicken smothered in a rich, tangy barbecue sauce and served on a soft bun, this sandwich is sure to satisfy any craving. It’s no wonder this recipe has become a beloved classic across the country! So why not give it a try for yourself? Follow our simple recipe and enjoy a deliciously satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t just take our word for it — get cooking and taste the magic for yourself!
Here is why you might love this BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich Recipe
1. The tender, juicy, and flavorful pulled chicken is cooked in a rich barbeque sauce that is tangy and sweet, providing a mouthwatering savory taste.
2. The sandwich is topped with crispy coleslaw, creamy avocado, and melted cheese, giving it a variety of textures and flavors that blend perfectly and enhance the taste.
3. The recipe is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients, making it a quick and convenient option for a delicious lunch or dinner.
BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup (290.1 g) BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup (121.7 g) ketchup
- 1/4 cup (55.8 g) brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (0.5 teaspoon) smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon (0.5 teaspoon) salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.2 teaspoon) black pepper
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 tablespoon coleslaw optional
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: boneless, skinless chicken breasts, BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, hamburger buns, and coleslaw (optional).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in a slow cooker and pour the sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and transfer to a cutting board. Shred the chicken with 2 forks.
- Place the shredded chicken back in the sauce and stir to combine.
- Toast the hamburger buns if desired and place a scoop of the BBQ pulled chicken on each bun.
- Top with coleslaw (optional) and serve. Enjoy your BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich!
Notes
Nutrition
Data source: USDA
Main Ingredients Explained
| Ingredients | Description | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken | Typically boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs are used. Cooked in barbecue sauce until tender and easily pulled apart. | Pork, beef, or tofu can be used as an alternative protein. |
| Barbecue Sauce | Adds flavor and moisture to the chicken. Can vary in sweetness, spiciness, and tanginess depending on the brand or recipe used. | Homemade barbecue sauce, honey mustard sauce, or hot sauce can be substituted. |
| Bread/Roll | Used to make the sandwich. Popular options include soft burger buns or crusty rolls. | Gluten-free or whole wheat bread, lettuce wrap, or tortilla wrap can be used as an alternative to bread. |
Storage Tips
BBQ pulled chicken can last in the fridge for 3-5 days if stored in an airtight container.
It can also be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
To thaw, place the frozen chicken in the fridge overnight or run the sealed bag under cold water until defrosted. When reheating, the chicken can be heated on the stove, microwave, or in the oven.
Recipe Variations
1. Smoky Chipotle Pulled Chicken Sandwich:
This variation adds a smoky and slightly spicy kick to the sandwich by mixing in chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with BBQ sauce. It can be topped with some coleslaw or pickled onions for a crunchy texture.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar Pulled Chicken Sandwich:
This variation has a tangy taste and is made by using apple cider vinegar in the BBQ sauce. The chicken is slow-cooked with onions and garlic to give it a juicy and flavorful taste. Topping it with a slaw with green apple would further enhance the tangy flavor.
3. Jerk Pulled Chicken Sandwich:
This Caribbean-inspired variation adds a spicy twist to the classic BBQ pulled chicken sandwich. The chicken is marinated with a jerk spice blend of scallions, thyme, allspice, and habanero peppers. It can be served with a side of sweet and spicy mango salsa.
4. Hawaiian BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich:
This tropical twist variation combines the flavors of BBQ sauce with the sweetness of pineapple. The chicken is slow cooked in a pineapple BBQ sauce with ginger and soy sauce. It can be topped with some slices of grilled pineapple and served with a side of macaroni salad.
5. Buffalo Pulled Chicken Sandwich:
This spicy and tangy variation is made by mixing hot sauce with BBQ sauce to create a buffalo-like flavor. The chicken is slow-cooked in the sauce and can be topped with blue cheese crumbles or ranch dressing for a cooling effect.
What To Serve With
Here are a few ideas for sides to serve with BBQ pulled chicken sandwich:
1. Coleslaw – A side of crunchy and creamy coleslaw complements the smoky flavors of BBQ pulled chicken.
2. Baked Beans – Baked beans add a sweet and savory component to the meal, which pairs well with the tanginess of BBQ sauce.
3. Corn on the Cob – Grilled or boiled corn on the cob makes a delicious and refreshing side to balance out the richness of the chicken.
4. Potato Salad – A classic side dish that goes well with any BBQ meal. Try a mustard-based potato salad to add a tangy twist to the meal.
5. Sweet Potato Fries – Swap out regular fries for sweet potato fries to add more flavor and nutrients to your meal.
6. Avocado Salad – A simple salad made with fresh avocado, tomatoes, and onions are just the right accompaniment to brighten up the flavors of the sandwich.
7. Macaroni and Cheese – A comforting, cheesy dish that pairs perfectly with BBQ pulled chicken.
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