BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
DifficultyBeginner

BBQ Chicken Sandwiches made with tender, juicy chicken tossed in smoky barbecue sauce and piled high on toasted buns. This easy BBQ chicken sandwich recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, summer cookouts, and feeding a hungry crowd with bold, classic BBQ flavor.

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Yields6 Servings
Prep Time15 minsCook Time30 minsTotal Time45 mins
For the Chicken
 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
 1 tbsp olive oil
BBQ Seasoning
 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
 1 tsp black pepper
 1 tsp smoked paprika
 1 tsp garlic powder
 ½ tsp onion powder
For Serving
 1 cup BBQ sauce (sweet, smoky, or tangy)
 6 sandwich buns (brioche, potato rolls, or kaiser buns)
 Butter or oil for toasting buns
Optional Toppings
 Coleslaw (classic or vinegar-based)
 Pickles or pickled red onions
 Jalapeño slices
 Sliced cheddar or pepper jack cheese
Season the chicken
1

  • Pat chicken dry and coat lightly with olive oil.

  • Mix BBQ seasoning and rub evenly over chicken.

Cook the chicken
2

Grill Method (Best Flavor):

  • Preheat grill to medium heat (375–400°F / 190–205°C).

  • Grill chicken over direct heat 5–7 minutes per side until internal temp reaches 165°F.

  • Rest 5 minutes, then shred or slice.

Stovetop Method (Easy & Fast):

  • Heat skillet over medium-high.

  • Cook chicken 6–8 minutes per side until cooked through.

  • Rest, then shred or slice.

Sauce the chicken
3

  • Toss warm chicken with BBQ sauce until evenly coated.

  • Keep warm over low heat.

Toast buns
4

  • Butter buns lightly.

  • Toast cut-side down on grill or skillet until golden.

Assemble sandwiches
5

  • Bottom bun → BBQ chicken → optional toppings → top bun.

  • Serve immediately.

Side Information (Perfect BBQ Sandwich Sides)
6

  • French fries or sweet potato fries

  • Coleslaw

  • Baked beans

  • Corn on the cob

  • Potato salad

  • Mac & cheese

Pairing Suggestions
7

  • Beer: Lager, pale ale, or wheat beer

  • Wine: Zinfandel, Grenache, or Chardonnay

  • Non-alcoholic: Sweet tea, lemonade, or cola

Tips & Notes
8

  • Chicken thighs stay juicier, but breasts work great if not overcooked.

  • Sauce the chicken after cooking to prevent burning.

  • For smoky flavor without a smoker, add a pinch of chipotle powder.

  • Make it spicy with hot BBQ sauce or a drizzle of hot honey.

  • Leftover BBQ chicken is fantastic for sliders, tacos, or salads.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken
 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
 1 tbsp olive oil
BBQ Seasoning
 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
 1 tsp black pepper
 1 tsp smoked paprika
 1 tsp garlic powder
 ½ tsp onion powder
For Serving
 1 cup BBQ sauce (sweet, smoky, or tangy)
 6 sandwich buns (brioche, potato rolls, or kaiser buns)
 Butter or oil for toasting buns
Optional Toppings
 Coleslaw (classic or vinegar-based)
 Pickles or pickled red onions
 Jalapeño slices
 Sliced cheddar or pepper jack cheese
BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
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