BBQ Chicken Sandwiches with Coleslaw

These BBQ Chicken Sandwiches with Coleslaw are a fantastic choice for an easy meal that leaves everyone satisfied. This recipe brings together juicy chicken coated in flavorful barbecue sauce, topped with a crisp and tangy coleslaw. Perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers, these sandwiches are simple to prepare and packed with deliciousness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love these BBQ Chicken Sandwiches because they’re not only easy to make but also incredibly flavorful. This recipe is ideal for beginners or anyone looking to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken and crunchy coleslaw creates a delightful balance of textures. Plus, with a few simple ingredients, it works every time, making it a reliable go-to for busy weekdays or festive gatherings.

Table of Contents

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these tasty BBQ Chicken Sandwiches:

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil (for greasing)
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 4 hamburger buns
• 1/2 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 1/2 teaspoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup green cabbage (1/4 inch shreds)
• 1 cup red cabbage (1/4 inch shreds)
• 1/2 cup carrots (grated)

Ingredient Notes, Variations & Simple Swaps

Feel free to customize this recipe based on what you have available. You can easily substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer dark meat, and if you like a bit more crunch in your coleslaw, add some sliced bell peppers or a bit of radish. The barbecue sauce can also be swapped for your favorite homemade version if you’re feeling adventurous!

Equipment Needed

• Grill pan or grill
• Medium mixing bowl
• Large mixing bowl
• Tongs
• Two forks for shredding

How to Make This Recipe

Step 1 – Prepare the Chicken

Start by flattening or slicing the chicken to ensure it cooks evenly. This helps it stay juicy and tender.

Step 2 – Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix the dark brown sugar, cumin, paprika, kosher salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken.

Step 3 – Cook the Chicken

For stovetop cooking, heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grease the pan with olive oil. Cook the chicken for about 4-6 minutes on one side. Flip it and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If using a grill, preheat it and clean the grates. Cook the chicken with the lid down for about 3-4 minutes on each side.

Step 4 – Let the Chicken Rest

Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making it more flavorful.

Step 5 – Make the Coleslaw

In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a creamy dressing. In a large bowl, combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, and grated carrots. Add the dressing and toss everything together until well coated. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6 – Shred the Chicken

Using two forks, shred the chicken into pieces and toss it with the barbecue sauce until it’s evenly coated.

Step 7 – Toast the Buns

Grill the hamburger buns cut side down until they’re toasted, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 8 – Assemble the Sandwiches

Start building your sandwiches by placing a generous portion of the pulled chicken on each bun. Top it with a pile of coleslaw for extra crunch and flavor.

Tips for Perfect Results

For the best BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, keep these tips in mind:

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F.
• Let the chicken rest to keep it juicy.
• Adjust the seasoning to your taste; add more spices for heat or sweetness.
• Make the coleslaw ahead to let flavors develop.
• Don’t overcrowd the grill pan; cook in batches if necessary.

Flavor Variations

You can easily mix up the flavors of this dish:

• Add some hot sauce to the barbecue sauce for a spicy kick.
• Try adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to the coleslaw for a fresh twist.
• Experiment with different flavored barbecue sauces, like chipotle or honey barbecue.
• Include sliced avocados or pickles on your sandwich for extra texture.
• Swap the coleslaw for a different salad like a classic potato or pasta salad.

What to Serve With This Recipe

These sandwiches pair perfectly with a variety of sides. Try serving:

• Sweet potato fries
• Corn on the cob
• A fresh green salad
• Baked beans
• Potato chips

Storage, Make-Ahead & Leftovers

Store leftover BBQ chicken sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can cook the chicken and coleslaw in advance, then assemble the sandwiches just before serving. To freeze, the chicken can be stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm before assembling your sandwiches.

Frequently Asked Questions