BBQ Chicken Sandwich Delight (Printable version)

Smoky barbecue chicken with a crisp cabbage-carrot slaw tucked inside soft toasted buns.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.1 lbs), cooked and shredded or grilled and sliced

→ Barbecue Sauce

02 - 1 cup (8 fl oz) barbecue sauce, store-bought or homemade

→ Sandwich

03 - 4 soft sandwich buns or brioche buns
04 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for toasting buns)

→ Slaw

05 - 1 cup shredded green cabbage (approximately 2.8 oz)
06 - 1/2 cup shredded carrots (approximately 1.4 oz)
07 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
08 - 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Toppings

11 - Sliced pickles (optional)
12 - Red onion rings (optional)

# How To Make:

01 - If uncooked, grill or poach chicken breasts until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, then shred with two forks.
02 - In a medium bowl, thoroughly toss shredded or grilled chicken with barbecue sauce until evenly coated.
03 - In a small bowl, mix shredded cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until combined.
04 - Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, then toast bun halves cut-side down until golden, about 1 minute.
05 - Layer barbecue chicken on the bottom half of each bun, add slaw if desired, then optional pickles and red onion; top with remaining bun half.
06 - Serve sandwiches immediately while warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in thirty minutes flat, perfect for those nights when you want something substantial but your energy is low.
  • The contrast between smoky sauce, tender chicken, and crisp slaw creates layers of texture that keep you coming back for another bite.
02 -
  • Don't skip toasting the buns; a cold, soft bun will absorb sauce and fall apart, but a lightly toasted one holds everything together.
  • The slaw tastes better after sitting for ten minutes, so make it while your chicken cooks if you have the time.
03 -
  • If your barbecue sauce tastes too sweet, stir in a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to add depth and balance.
  • Brioche buns are softer than regular sandwich bread, but regular buns work fine; just toast them a bit longer so they don't get soggy.
Return