BBQ Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the main protein for this sandwich, providing a lean and tender base.

BBQ sauce: A smoky, tangy sauce that adds depth of flavor to the grilled chicken.

Burger buns: Soft, fluffy buns that hold the sandwich together and provide a satisfying bite.

Coleslaw: An optional topping that adds a refreshing crunch and creamy texture to the sandwich.

To ensure your chicken breasts remain juicy and flavorful, consider marinating them in a mixture of bbq sauce and a bit of olive oil for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This not only infuses the meat with extra flavor but also helps to tenderize it. Additionally, when grilling, avoid pressing down on the chicken with a spatula, as this can squeeze out the juices and make the meat dry. Instead, let the grill do the work and turn the chicken only once to achieve those perfect grill marks. Finally, for an added layer of flavor, you can lightly butter the burger buns before toasting them on the grill. This gives them a golden, crispy texture that complements the smoky bbq chicken beautifully.

• chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breasts: Turkey breasts offer a similar texture and can be just as juicy when cooked properly.

• chicken breasts - Substitute with portobello mushrooms: For a vegetarian option, portobello mushrooms provide a meaty texture and absorb flavors well.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce offers a sweet and savory flavor profile that complements grilled meats.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with buffalo sauce: For a spicier alternative, buffalo sauce adds a tangy heat to the sandwich.

• burger buns - Substitute with whole wheat buns: Whole wheat buns provide more fiber and a slightly nutty flavor.

• burger buns - Substitute with lettuce wraps: For a low-carb option, lettuce wraps offer a fresh and crunchy alternative.

• coleslaw - Substitute with pickled vegetables: Pickled vegetables add a tangy crunch and can cut through the richness of the sandwich.

• coleslaw - Substitute with sliced avocado: Avocado adds creaminess and a healthy dose of fats, making the sandwich more filling.

• Allow the chicken breasts to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the burger buns soggy.
• Wrap each grilled chicken breast individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps maintain moisture and flavor.
• Place the wrapped chicken breasts in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This ensures they stay fresh and prevents any unwanted odors from seeping in.
• Store the burger buns separately in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container to keep them from becoming stale.
• If you have coleslaw, store it in a separate airtight container to keep it crisp and fresh.
• Label each container or bag with the date to keep track of freshness.
• For freezing, place the wrapped chicken breasts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer the chicken breasts to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. This saves space and keeps them organized.
• To reheat, thaw the chicken breasts in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the grill, in the oven, or in a microwave until warmed through.
• Toast the burger buns just before assembling the sandwiches to ensure they are fresh and crispy.
• Assemble the sandwiches with the reheated chicken breasts, bbq sauce, and coleslaw just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Wrap each BBQ chicken sandwich in aluminum foil to keep the bread from drying out.
  3. Place the wrapped sandwiches on a baking sheet.
  4. Heat in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through.
  5. If you prefer a crispier bun, open the foil for the last 5 minutes of heating.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the BBQ chicken sandwich on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If the chicken is not hot enough, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Lightly butter the skillet or use a small amount of olive oil.
  3. Place the BBQ chicken sandwich in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure even warming.
  5. For a crispier bun, remove the lid for the last minute of heating.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Wrap the BBQ chicken sandwich in aluminum foil.
  3. Place the wrapped sandwich in the air fryer basket.
  4. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. For a crispier bun, open the foil for the last 2 minutes of heating.

• Grill: Used to cook the chicken breasts to perfection, giving them a smoky flavor.

• Tongs: Essential for flipping the chicken breasts on the grill without piercing them.

• Basting brush: Used to apply the BBQ sauce evenly on the chicken during the last few minutes of grilling.

• Meat thermometer: Ensures the chicken is fully cooked by checking its internal temperature.

• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface to season the chicken breasts before grilling.

• Knife: Used to trim any excess fat or unwanted parts from the chicken breasts.

• Plate: Holds the grilled chicken breasts before assembling the sandwiches.

• Spatula: Useful for toasting the burger buns on the grill.

• Mixing bowl: If you decide to make your own coleslaw, this will be used to mix the ingredients.

• Serving platter: Perfect for presenting the assembled BBQ chicken sandwiches.

Pre-marinate the chicken: Marinate the chicken breasts in bbq sauce the night before to save time and enhance flavor.

Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked without overcooking by using a meat thermometer.

Pre-make coleslaw: Prepare the coleslaw in advance and store it in the fridge.

Opt for store-bought buns: Save time by using pre-made burger buns instead of baking your own.

Batch grill: Grill extra chicken breasts to use in other meals throughout the week.