The Best BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich Recipe: Easy, Quick & Crowd-Pleasing
Get ready to discover your new favorite summer meal or year-round crowd-pleaser: the incredibly simple yet utterly delicious **BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich**! This recipe makes creating tender, flavor-packed pulled chicken a breeze, perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry gathering. Served hot on perfectly toasted buns and crowned with a crisp, cool coleslaw, these sandwiches are guaranteed to disappear fast.
Beyond being a standalone delight, pulled chicken is incredibly versatile. It’s a fantastic base for many other dishes. If you’re a fan of our other sensational BBQ recipes, you’ll love adding these sandwiches to your rotation, right alongside favorites like BBQ Chicken Nachos, Instant Pot Chicken Wings, and Baked Honey BBQ Wings!
Why You’ll Love These Easy Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
What makes BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches a perennial favorite? So many reasons! Firstly, they are astonishingly quick to prepare, often coming together in under 30 minutes for the hands-on cooking time. This makes them ideal for last-minute dinners or when you need a substantial meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Secondly, they’re incredibly versatile and highly customizable. If you have picky eaters in your family, this recipe is a lifesaver. Don’t like coleslaw? No problem! Add a slice of melty cheddar cheese instead. Not a fan of either? Serve the juicy pulled chicken with some fresh corn on the cob and skip the buns entirely for a lighter, gluten-free option. The tender, flavorful chicken, simmered in a rich blend of spices and your favorite BBQ sauce, is a winning dish at any summer event, family dinner, or casual get-together.
You can even serve them as delightful sliders, perfect for appetizers or party platters. For this recipe, we’ve used a classic store-bought Hickory Smoked BBQ Sauce for its deep, smoky flavor, but feel free to experiment with any kind you love – sweet, spicy, tangy, or a homemade blend!
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
Crafting these mouthwatering sandwiches requires just a handful of fresh ingredients and pantry staples. The quality of your ingredients, especially the chicken and BBQ sauce, will significantly impact the final flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- **Chicken Breasts:** Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are our go-to for their lean protein and ease of shredding.
- **Good Quality BBQ Sauce:** This is the star of the show! A hickory smoked variety offers a classic taste, but choose a sauce that suits your preference.
- **Onion:** A small onion, finely diced, provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic base.
- **Fresh Garlic:** Minced fresh garlic adds an irresistible depth of flavor.
- **Spices for Seasoning:**
- **Paprika:** Adds color and a mild, peppery warmth.
- **Granulated Garlic:** Enhances the garlic flavor in a convenient form.
- **Onion Powder:** Complements the fresh onion and adds a savory note.
- **Oregano:** Brings an earthy, aromatic touch.
- **Salt and Pepper:** Essential for seasoning the chicken to perfection.
- **Olive Oil:** For sautéing the aromatics.
- **Toasted Buns:** Crucial for holding all that deliciousness! Brioche, potato rolls, or classic hamburger buns work wonderfully.
- **Coleslaw:** (Optional, but highly recommended!) A creamy, crunchy coleslaw adds a fantastic textural contrast and tangy brightness.
Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Pulled Chicken
Can I make these BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches in the Instant Pot?
Absolutely! While chicken breasts cook incredibly quickly on the stovetop, an Instant Pot (or pressure cooker) offers an even more hands-off approach. Simply follow the recipe steps for seasoning and sautéing, then pressure cook the chicken with the BBQ sauce for 8-10 minutes with a quick release. The result will be equally tender and juicy pulled chicken.
What type of BBQ sauce should I use for pulled chicken?
The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability to your favorite BBQ sauce. We highly recommend a **Hickory Smoked BBQ Sauce** for its classic, balanced flavor that appeals to most palates. Many people find overly sweet or intensely spicy BBQ sauces to be overwhelming, especially when cooking for a diverse crowd. A plain or mildly smoky sauce provides a great foundation that can be customized with additional spices or hot sauce at the table if desired. Feel free to use a homemade sauce, a Carolina vinegar-based sauce, or a Kansas City-style sweet and smoky sauce based on your preference.
What other toppings besides coleslaw can I use?
The possibilities for toppings are endless! While coleslaw offers a fantastic cool, crunchy contrast, you can certainly get creative. Here are some popular options:
- **Cheddar Cheese:** Melty cheddar (or provolone, pepper jack) adds a rich, savory layer.
- **Jalapeños:** Fresh or pickled jalapeños provide a welcome kick and bright flavor.
- **Pickles:** Dill pickle slices offer a tangy, briny crunch that cuts through the richness of the BBQ sauce.
- **Crispy Fried Onions:** For an extra layer of texture and savory goodness.
- **Thinly Sliced Red Onion:** Adds a sharp, fresh bite.
- **Avocado Slices:** Creamy avocado can mellow out the flavors and add healthy fats.
- **Hot Sauce:** A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for those who like it extra spicy.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you absolutely can use chicken thighs! Chicken thighs are an excellent choice because they tend to be more forgiving and stay incredibly juicy during cooking due to their higher fat content. If you opt for thighs, especially when cooking for a crowd, make sure to remove any excess fat while shredding the chicken. For many years, I avoided pulled chicken sandwiches because some versions can be quite fatty. If you enjoy the extra richness, by all means, leave some fat in! Just keep in mind that chicken thighs may require a slightly longer cooking time (usually an extra 5-10 minutes) to reach peak tenderness and shreddability.
Can I make BBQ Pulled Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe is fantastic for meal prep. You can cook the pulled chicken entirely ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or extra BBQ sauce if it seems a bit dry. This makes assembly quick and easy for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings.
How to Make BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Making these BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches is super easy, and the entire process takes less than 30 minutes! Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to prepare this delicious meal:
- **Season the Chicken:** Begin by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, granulated garlic, onion powder, dried oregano, and paprika. Ensure an even coating for maximum flavor.
- **Sauté Aromatics:** Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 1-2 minutes until they start to soften and become translucent. This step builds a foundational layer of flavor for your sauce.
- **Add Garlic:** Stir in the minced fresh garlic and cook for an additional 20 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- **Cook the Chicken:** Place the seasoned chicken breasts directly into the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Pour your chosen good quality barbecue sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
- **Simmer to Perfection:** Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer for 25 minutes. This slow cooking allows the chicken to absorb all the delicious BBQ flavors and become incredibly tender. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- **Shred and Combine:** Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the skillet. Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the pan, or on a cutting board, until it’s in bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the skillet, mixing it thoroughly with the remaining BBQ sauce. Let the chicken simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to soak up more sauce.
- **Serve:** Generously spoon the warm BBQ pulled chicken onto toasted buns. Top with fresh coleslaw, pickles, or your favorite cheese if desired. Enjoy your homemade, flavorful BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches immediately!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches are fantastic on their own, but they truly shine when paired with complementary sides. For a classic BBQ experience, consider serving them alongside:
- **Creamy Coleslaw:** The perfect crunchy, tangy counterpoint.
- **Potato Salad:** A creamy, savory side that always hits the spot.
- **Baked Beans:** Sweet and smoky baked beans are a BBQ staple.
- **Corn on the Cob:** Fresh, buttery corn is a simple and delicious addition.
- **Macaroni Salad:** Another classic potluck favorite.
- **Crispy French Fries or Onion Rings:** For a satisfying crunch.
Beyond traditional sides, don’t limit yourself to just buns! The pulled chicken can also be served:
- **As a topping for Nachos:** Just like our BBQ Chicken Nachos!
- **In Lettuce Wraps:** A low-carb alternative.
- **Over Rice or Quinoa:** For a complete meal.
- **As a pizza topping:** For a unique BBQ chicken pizza.
- **Loaded onto Baked Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes:** A hearty and comforting meal.
More Delicious Sandwich Recipes to Explore
If you loved these BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches, you’re in for a treat! We have a wide array of other fantastic sandwich recipes that are perfect for any meal, from quick lunches to satisfying dinners. Explore these other mouth-watering options:
- Meatball Parmesan Sandwich
- Crispy Chicken Sandwich
- Egg Salad Sandwiches
- Grilled Shrimp Po’Boy Sandwich
BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
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Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 2 cups BBQ Sauce
- 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 small onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Toasted Buns
- 2 cups coleslaw, optional
Instructions
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Season the chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, granulated garlic, and onion powder.
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Add the olive oil and onions to a large skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes.
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Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 20 seconds.
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Add the chicken and BBQ sauce to the skillet, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
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Remove the chicken from the skillet and shred with two forks, place the shredded chicken back into the skillet and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
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Serve on toasted buns if desired.
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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