EASY BBQ CHICKEN SANDWICHES

If you’re looking for a simple and delicious meal, these easy BBQ chicken sandwiches are just the ticket. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this recipe comes together quickly, making it a go-to choice for families. With tender chicken thighs coated in rich BBQ sauce and topped with creamy ranch slaw, these sandwiches are sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These BBQ chicken sandwiches are not only tasty but also incredibly easy to make. They’re ideal for home cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs. The combination of juicy chicken and crunchy slaw makes for a satisfying bite that everyone can enjoy. Plus, you can adapt the recipe with what you have on hand, making it versatile for different tastes and preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This is all you need for a delicious batch of BBQ chicken sandwiches:

• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 Tbsp cooking oil
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
• 7 oz. coleslaw mix
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing
• 4 buns

Ingredient Notes, Variations & Simple Swaps

Feel free to mix things up based on what you have. You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs if you prefer. For a spicy kick, consider adding some cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. You might also switch out the ranch dressing for a different dressing, like blue cheese or a honey mustard, depending on your taste.

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl

How to Make This Recipe

Step 1 – Prepare the Chicken

Start by combining the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. If your chicken thighs are large, you can cut them in half to make them easier to handle. Season both sides of the chicken with the spice mix to ensure they’re flavorful.

Step 2 – Cook the Chicken

Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the seasoned chicken thighs. Cook them for 5-7 minutes on each side until they are well-browned and cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. When they’re ready, remove them from the skillet and brush BBQ sauce over both sides of each piece.

Step 3 – Make the Slaw and Assemble

In a mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, sliced green onions, and ranch dressing. Stir until everything is well-coated. To build your sandwiches, place one piece of BBQ chicken on each bun and top it with a generous scoop of the ranch slaw. Serve immediately and enjoy your creation!

Tips for Perfect Results

For the best BBQ chicken sandwiches, consider these helpful tips:

• Use a thermometer to check chicken doneness for accuracy.
• Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking for juicier meat.
• Feel free to toast the buns for extra texture.
• Customize your slaw with shredded carrots or diced bell peppers for added crunch.
• If you have leftover chicken, save it for a salad or wrap!

Flavor Variations

You can easily enhance the flavors in these sandwiches by trying out a few fun ideas:

• Add sliced jalapeños for some heat.
• Mix a bit of hot sauce into the BBQ sauce for a spicy twist.
• Use a different type of BBQ sauce, like honey-based or mustard-flavored.
• Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley into the slaw.
• Swap the ranch dressing for a vinaigrette for a lighter option.

What to Serve With This Recipe

These BBQ chicken sandwiches pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:

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

Storage, Make-Ahead & Leftovers

If you have leftover sandwiches, they can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Simply place the chicken and slaw in an airtight container. If you’d like to make this dish ahead, you can prepare the chicken and slaw separately and combine them just before serving. For longer storage, consider freezing the cooked chicken without the sauce, which can last for up to three months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Delicious BBQ chicken sandwiches featuring tender chicken thighs coated in rich BBQ sauce, topped with creamy ranch slaw, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Sandwich

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

For the Chicken

• 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs Can substitute with chicken breasts.
• 1 Tbsp cooking oil
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce Can try different BBQ flavors.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper

For the Slaw

• 7 oz. coleslaw mix
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing Can substitute with other dressings.

For Serving

• 4 buns Consider toasting for extra texture.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
• If chicken thighs are large, cut them in half and season both sides with the spice mix.

Cooking

• Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add seasoned chicken thighs and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until well-browned and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Remove from skillet and brush BBQ sauce over both sides of each piece.

Making the Slaw and Assembling

• In a mixing bowl, combine coleslaw mix, sliced green onions, and ranch dressing; stir until well-coated.
• Assemble sandwiches by placing BBQ chicken on each bun and topping with ranch slaw.
• Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

Use a thermometer for checking doneness. Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking for juicier meat. Customize slaw with shredded carrots or diced bell peppers.

Keyword BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, Easy Sandwich Recipes, Family-Friendly Meal, quick dinner

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