Save to Pinterest Last summer, my neighbor started smoking meat in his backyard every weekend. The smell would drift through our open windows until I finally wandered over with a plate of buns, and he sent me home with this incredible BBQ chicken piled high on a toasted bun. Now it is my go-to when I need something that feels like a celebration but takes almost no effort at all.
I made these for my dad last month when he came over to watch the game. He took one bite, went silent for a full minute, and then asked if I could make them every Sunday from now on. The way the buttery toasted bun soaks up all that barbecue sauce is something you really have to experience for yourself.
Ingredients
- Chicken: Two large boneless skinless chicken breasts work perfectly here, and I have found that shredding them with two forks creates those perfect sauce catching nooks
- Barbecue sauce: One cup of your favorite sauce transforms everything, and I always add a little extra splash of hot sauce for warmth
- Sandwich buns: Four soft buns or brioche buns hold everything together beautifully, and toasting them in butter keeps them from getting soggy
- Slaw mix: One cup of shredded green cabbage with half a cup of carrots brings that essential crunch, and the mayonnaise dressing balances the sweet sauce
- Dressing essentials: Two tablespoons mayonnaise mixed with apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper creates the perfect bright contrast
Instructions
- Prep the chicken:
- Grill or poach your chicken breasts until they reach 74°C internally, then use two forks to shred them into bite sized pieces that will soak up all that sauce
- Make it saucy:
- Toss the warm shredded chicken in a medium bowl with your barbecue sauce until every single piece is coated and glossy
- Mix the slaw:
- Combine your cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then let it sit while you toast the buns
- Toast to perfection:
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and place your buns cut side down until they turn golden and smell amazing, about one minute
- Build your masterpiece:
- Pile that saucy chicken high on the bottom bun, crown it with a heap of slaw, then add pickles or red onion if you are feeling fancy
- Serve it warm:
- Put that top bun on and serve immediately while everything is still warm and the slaw is still crisp
Save to Pinterest My kids started requesting these for their birthday dinners instead of pizza. There is something about the combination of hot saucy chicken and cool crunchy slaw that just works, and watching them attempt to eat these enormous sandwiches without making a mess is half the fun.
Make Ahead Magic
The chicken actually tastes better after sitting in the sauce overnight. I often cook and shred the chicken on Sunday, toss it with sauce, and keep it in the fridge. Then Tuesday night dinner is just about warming everything up and assembling.
Sauce Secrets
Not all barbecue sauces are created equal. I have learned that a sauce with a bit of molasses or brown sugar caramelizes beautifully if you briefly broil the assembled sandwiches, but skip that step if your sauce is already very sweet or it might burn.
Perfect Pairings
These sandwiches are substantial enough to stand alone with just some pickles on the side, but they also pair beautifully with classic summer sides. The key is keeping everything simple since the sandwich is the real star.
- Try them with a cold potato salad for the ultimate cookout feel
- Crispy oven fries or sweet potato fries work perfectly alongside
- A simple corn on the cob with butter rounds out the meal nicely
Save to Pinterest These sandwiches have become my answer to everything from casual weeknight dinners to feeding a hungry crowd. The first time my brother in law tried one, he immediately asked for the recipe, and now he makes them for his own family every weekend.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken shreds easily and cuts your prep time down significantly. Just skip the cooking step and toss the shredded meat directly with the barbecue sauce.
- → What type of barbecue sauce works best?
Any thick, smoky barbecue sauce will deliver great results. Choose your favorite store-bought brand or whip up a homemade version. Look for sauces with hickory or mesquite notes for that authentic smoky flavor profile.
- → Is the slaw necessary?
While optional, the slaw adds essential crunch and acidity that balances the sweet, smoky chicken. If you prefer to skip it, try sliced pickles, fresh lettuce, or thinly sliced red onion for that same textural contrast.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
The saucy chicken actually tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. Store the coated chicken and prepared slaw separately in the refrigerator. Toast the buns fresh and assemble just before serving for the best texture.
- → What sides pair well?
Crispy french fries, potato salad, or corn on the cob are classic accompaniments. A simple green salad with tangy vinaigrette also works nicely to balance the rich, saucy sandwich.