BEST BBQ CHICKEN SANDWICH EVER

I’ll never forget the summer evenings at my grandpa’s, the smell of charcoal filling the air as he crafted his legendary BBQ. He always had a way of making the simplest things taste extraordinary, and his secret weapon was undoubtedly his Sweet Baby Ray’s Chicken BBQ Chicken Sandwich. I’m thrilled to share a recipe that captures that same down-home deliciousness, promising you a truly unforgettable sandwich experience, one that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Let’s Make the BEST BBQ Chicken Sandwich EVER!

Hey there, friend! I’m so excited you’re here because we’re about to embark on a culinary adventure that ends with the most satisfying BBQ Chicken Sandwich you’ve ever tasted. Seriously. Forget those dry, bland imitations you’ve suffered through before. This is the real deal – juicy, flavorful, and totally customizable to your preferences. I’m going to walk you through every step, sharing all my tips and tricks along the way, so you can confidently create sandwich perfection.

Why This Recipe Works

Okay, let’s be honest. There are a million BBQ Chicken Sandwich recipes out there. So why choose this one? Because this recipe focuses on:

• Flavor: We’re not just slapping some BBQ sauce on chicken. We’re layering flavors to create a truly complex and delicious sandwich.
• Moisture: Dry chicken is a crime. We’ll make sure your chicken stays juicy and tender.
• Customization: I’ll give you a base recipe, but I’ll also encourage you to experiment and make it your own.
• Simplicity: This recipe is easy enough for a weeknight dinner, but impressive enough for a weekend BBQ.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this BBQ Chicken Sandwich dream to life. Don’t worry; most of these are pantry staples!

• Chicken Breasts: About 1.5-2 pounds, boneless, skinless. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor, like in Caramelized Bbq Chicken Thighs Ultimate, just adjust cooking time accordingly.
• BBQ Sauce: Your favorite brand! I’m partial to a smoky, sweet sauce, but feel free to use whatever you love.
• Buns: Brioche buns are my go-to for their soft texture and slightly sweet flavor, but any sturdy bun will work.
• Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken.
• Spices: Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. These will create a flavorful dry rub.
• Optional Toppings: This is where you can get creative! Think coleslaw, pickles, sliced red onion, crispy fried onions, bacon, cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone are great choices), lettuce, tomato.

Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions

Don’t have everything on hand? No problem! Here are a few substitutions you can make:

• Chicken Breasts: Use chicken thighs, pulled rotisserie chicken (for a super quick option!), or even leftover grilled chicken.
• BBQ Sauce: If you’re feeling ambitious, try making your own! There are tons of easy recipes online.
• Spices: Don’t have all the spices listed? Use a pre-made BBQ rub, or simply season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Buns: Use any type of bread you like – sourdough, ciabatta, or even toasted English muffins.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make the best BBQ Chicken Sandwich, step-by-step:

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

First, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear. Then, in a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Generously rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts.

Pro Tip: Let the chicken sit with the dry rub for at least 15 minutes (or even longer, up to overnight in the fridge) to allow the flavors to penetrate.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. Nobody likes undercooked chicken!

Alternative Cooking Methods:

• Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
• Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
• Slow Cooker: For a super easy option, try making Bbq Pulled Chicken Crockpot Perfect.

Step 3: Shred or Slice the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender chicken. Then, you can either shred the chicken with two forks or slice it into thin strips, depending on your preference.

Step 4: Sauce the Chicken

In a bowl, toss the shredded or sliced chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated. Don’t be shy with the sauce – we want every bite to be bursting with flavor!

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches

Lightly toast the buns. Then, pile the BBQ chicken onto the bottom buns. Add your favorite toppings, such as coleslaw, pickles, sliced red onion, crispy fried onions, bacon, and cheese. Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.

Tips for the BEST BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Want to take your BBQ Chicken Sandwich to the next level? Here are a few tips and tricks:

• Use High-Quality Chicken: The better the quality of the chicken, the better the sandwich will taste. Look for chicken that is free-range and organic, if possible.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken is dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature.
• Toast the Buns: Toasting the buns adds a nice texture and prevents them from getting soggy.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment with Toppings: The possibilities are endless! Try different combinations of toppings to find your perfect BBQ Chicken Sandwich. Consider adding some of the ingredients from Bbq Chicken Quesadillas, like corn or black beans, for a unique twist.
• Make it a Meal: Serve your BBQ Chicken Sandwiches with a side of coleslaw, potato salad, or fries. Or, if you’re feeling extra indulgent, try serving them with Smoky Bbq Chicken Mac And Cheese or Bbq Chicken Mac Heaven.

Variations and Customizations

This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to get creative and make it your own! Here are a few ideas:

• Spicy BBQ Chicken Sandwich: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dry rub or use a spicy BBQ sauce.
• Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwich: Top with grilled pineapple and a teriyaki glaze.
• BBQ Chicken Ranch Sandwich: Add a drizzle of ranch dressing and some crispy bacon.
• BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese: Use Texas toast and add cheddar cheese for a delicious twist on a classic grilled cheese.

Make-Ahead Tips

Want to get a head start on dinner? Here are a few things you can do ahead of time:

• Prepare the Dry Rub: The dry rub can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container.
• Marinate the Chicken: Marinate the chicken in the dry rub for at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight) in the fridge.
• Cook the Chicken: The chicken can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it before shredding and saucing.
• Prepare the Toppings: Chop vegetables, make coleslaw, and cook bacon ahead of time.

Serving Suggestions

BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are perfect for:

• Weeknight Dinners: Quick, easy, and satisfying.
• Weekend BBQs: A crowd-pleasing option that everyone will love.
• Game Day: Perfect for tailgating or watching the game at home.
• Picnics: Easy to pack and transport.

Storage Instructions

Leftover BBQ Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat.

Recipe Card

Here’s a handy recipe card for you to print out or save for later:

BBQ Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1.5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 4 brioche buns, toasted
• Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, sliced red onion, crispy fried onions, bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato

Instructions:

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Generously rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes.
7. Shred or slice the chicken.
8. In a bowl, toss the shredded or sliced chicken with the BBQ sauce.
9. Toast the buns.
10. Pile the BBQ chicken onto the bottom buns.
11. Add your favorite toppings.
12. Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! Your very own, incredibly delicious BBQ Chicken Sandwich. I hope you enjoyed this recipe and that it becomes a new favorite in your kitchen. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. And most importantly, have fun! Happy cooking!

Best BBQ Chicken Sandwich Ever

This recipe provides instructions for making the best BBQ chicken sandwich you’ve ever tasted! Juicy, flavorful chicken is tossed in your favorite BBQ sauce and piled high on toasted buns with your choice of toppings. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or weekend gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 600

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 4 brioche buns
• Optional toppings: coleslaw
• Optional toppings: pickles
• Optional toppings: sliced red onion
• Optional toppings: crispy fried onions
• Optional toppings: bacon
• Optional toppings: cheese cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone
• Optional toppings: lettuce
• Optional toppings: tomato

Equipment

• Large Skillet
• Small bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Paper towels
• Meat thermometer
• Forks (for shredding)
• Knife (for slicing)
• Toaster or oven
• Baking sheet (optional)
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Grill (optional)
• Slow cooker (optional)

Method

 

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Generously rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes.
7. Shred or slice the chicken.
8. In a bowl, toss the shredded or sliced chicken with the BBQ sauce, ensuring it is evenly coated.
9. Toast the buns.
10. Pile the BBQ chicken onto the bottom buns.
11. Add your favorite toppings.
12. Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.

Notes

For a spicier sandwich, add cayenne pepper to the dry rub or use a spicy BBQ sauce. Use high-quality chicken for the best flavor. Don’t overcook the chicken. Toast the buns to prevent them from getting soggy. Experiment with toppings to customize your sandwich. Leftover BBQ chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.