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.
Pat chicken dry and coat lightly with olive oil.
Mix BBQ seasoning and rub evenly over chicken.
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.
Toss warm chicken with BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
Keep warm over low heat.
Butter buns lightly.
Toast cut-side down on grill or skillet until golden.
Bottom bun → BBQ chicken → optional toppings → top bun.
Serve immediately.
French fries or sweet potato fries
Coleslaw
Baked beans
Corn on the cob
Potato salad
Mac & cheese
Beer: Lager, pale ale, or wheat beer
Wine: Zinfandel, Grenache, or Chardonnay
Non-alcoholic: Sweet tea, lemonade, or cola
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.
6 servings