Best BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich
Best BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich
Treat your entire family to the ultimate lunch or dinner experience with this sensational Best BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich. Bursting with bold BBQ flavors and a tantalizing hint of spice, this sandwich is crafted between two delectably buttery brioche buns, providing a quick and effortless way to satisfy your cravings in no time. It's the perfect chicken sandwich! Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a satisfying dinner/lunch. The whole family will love this! Gluten-free option.
The Best Pulled Chicken Sandwich
I'm thrilled to share this Best BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich recipe with you all. My childhood love for chicken, especially chicken wings, has influenced my passion for creating delicious chicken dishes. I have fond memories of enjoying well-seasoned, crispy chicken from Popeyes with my Grandmother.
Now, on my healthier food journey, I take pleasure in making my own flavorful chicken recipes, especially using this Easy Shredded Chicken recipe. Creating the perfect pulled chicken sandwich has been a long-time goal, and if you've been following Orchids + Sweet Tea, you know I have a deep appreciation for all things chicken, including these mouthwatering Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders and these Sticky Gochujang Chicken Wings or this Easy KFC Mac + Cheese Bowl [Copycat].
These BBQ-pulled chicken sandwiches make for the perfect summer dinner or lunch option. They are super easy to make and don't require many ingredients + they use the softest, most delicious Vegan Everything Bagel Brioche Bread. And if y'all are into meatless and spicy foods, then I'd recommend taking a peek at this Vegan Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich.
What is Pulled Chicken?
Basically, pulled chicken (aka shredded chicken) is just the process of ripping chicken apart into a shred-like texture which works in many recipes like sandwiches, salads, appetizers, and more!
How to Make BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich
The awesome thing about this BBQ-pulled chicken recipe is that most of the ingredients are household staples. Plus, it’s easy to mix and match ingredients with whatever you have on hand, so there’s no need to make an extra trip to the store. Instead, embrace the laid-back nature of this healthy meal when it comes to the toppings.
INGREDIENTS
Here’s what I like to make these chicken sandwiches:
- Chicken breasts. Choose organic chicken for this recipe. If you have time, I recommend marinating them overnight before you prepare the pulled chicken.
- Seasonings. You'll need salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme.
- Brioche buns. I love to use brioche buns when it comes to eating them. You can use your fave sandwich bun.
- Toppings. In the summer, I like to keep these sandwiches simple by adding
- BBQ sauce. I like to offset the heat of the jerk flavors by adding a bit of BBQ sauce for a sweetness factor.
How to Best Shred Chicken
When it comes to creating pulled chicken, there are two most effective ways to do so. Firstly, you would need to ensure that your chicken is fully cooked and cooled, and then you shred the chicken in one of the following ways:
Forks: For this method, you would need two forks. If using this method, place your cooked chicken breast onto a plate or cutting board and use both forks to separate the chicken meat and 'shred' as you separate. Continue doing this until all of your chicken is shredded.
Stand Mixer: If you're looking to avoid using arm strength, then the method of a stand mixer might be just for you. This is by far the fastest and easiest way to shred chicken, and you simply place all of your cooked chicken breasts in the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the paddle attachment and mix on low. In just 15-20 seconds, you’ll have shredded chicken. That easy!
BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich in 3 Steps
To make these BBQ-pulled chicken sandwiches, there are only 3 main components:
- Tender chicken breasts, shredded and coated in a delicious BBQ sauce.
- Freshly chopped jalapeños and dill pickles for a soft crunch
- Toasted buns---brioche buns.
How to Cook BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich
Cooking BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich is generally an easy process—in total, about 40-45 minutes.
- You first start by cleaning and washing your chicken pieces to ensure that they are clean and ready to be seasoned. I like to wash my chicken with both vinegar and lemon to help keep things clean and sanitized.
- Once your chicken is clean, then it’s seasoning time! I’m all about seasoning every “layer” of my food, therefore, the chicken gets direct seasoning and so does the sauce. Let everything marinate for 5-10 minutes or overnight tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for the best results.
- Once marinated, remove from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature before baking the chicken breasts in the oven.
- On the stovetop, stir the BBQ sauce, red pepper flakes, chicken, and honey together until coated.
- Assemble chicken sandwiches-------wallah!
Why You Will LOVE This BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich
- It's a flavor explosion-- Tangy, smoky, and downright addictive!
- Tender melt-in-your-mouth chicken
- Crowd-pleasing--perfect for gatherings!
- Textural bliss, the perfect balance of soft and crunchy.
- Happiness wrapped between two buns
- The perfect chicken sandwich
WHAT TO SERVE WITH BBQ PULLED CHICKEN SANDWICHES
Although these pulled chicken burgers are AMAZING all on their own--These additions really elevate this meal to the next level.
FRIES - Add Spicy Honey Sweet Potato Wedges or Seasoned Crinkle Cut Fries for a classic and satisfying side.
Creamy Coleslaw- Provides a refreshing and crunchy contrast.
Grilled Corn- On the cob for a summery and charred side dish or try this Easy Loaded Corn Salad
Salad- Adds another element of freshness! Try the Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad
Macaroni + Cheese - Because who can resist the combination of cheesy goodness with BBQ? Try one of my many Mac + Cheese Recipes HERE
Cornbread- Add a touch of sweetness to the side with this Vegan Sweet Potato Maple Herb Cornbread
DRINKS - Don't forget refreshing beverages like Southern Peach Iced Tea or this Mango Lemonade Kombucha Mocktail.
How to Best Use Pulled Chicken
Not making these BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches? No worries----pulled chicken is so versatile that you can definitely add it to many other dishes.
Shredded chicken can be incorporated into the following foods:
Pizza-- Try atop of this Best Homemade Vodka Pizza
Sandwiches-- You can never go wrong with sandwiches in all their beautiful forms. This Baked BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a sure-fire winner!
Pasta-- Like this Easy Weeknight Creamy Tuscan Ravioli.
Baked ziti-- It's an amazing addition to this Meatless Baked Ziti with Ricotta
Soup-- Is there anything better than a nourishing soup? Add pulled chicken to this Creamy Lemon Broccoli Tortellini Soup
Best BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich Q + A's
While the sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare certain components in advance to make assembly easier. For example, you can make + shred the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Assemble the sandwich just before serving to maintain its freshness and texture!
Yes! To make these sandwiches entirely GF, simply ensure that the bread is GF-Friendly + opt for GF BBQ sauce.
Absolutely! The sandwich can be personalized according to individual tastes. Whether you prefer a spicier kick or a sweeter flavor, you have the freedom to experiment and add your own twist.
More Delicious Chicken Recipes
- Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup
- Jerk Whole Roast Chicken
- Spicy Gochujang Chicken Tenders
- Jamaican Pineapple Jerk Chicken
Best BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients
BBQ CHICKEN:
SANDWICHES:
- 4 brioche burger buns
- Dill pickles
- Sliced jalapenos
Instructions
TO MAKE THE SHREDDED CHICKEN:
- To make the shredded chicken for these sandwiches, see my Easy Shredded Chicken recipe!
ASSEMBLY:
- In a medium skillet (10-inch) over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon butter until melted. Add the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, red pepper flakes, and honey, mixing everything together until combined and the chicken is fully coated. Remove form heat.
- To assemble, prepare your burger buns ( See Notes!), top with spoonfuls of shredded BBQ chicken, dill pickles, and jalapeños. Serve with your favorite side----fries, sweet potato fries, salad, or whatever.
- Bon Appetit!
Tips & Tricks
- STORAGE: Any leftovers can be kept in a separate tightly sealed container and refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
- BBQ SAUCE: If you choose to use a store-bought version, my favorite brand is Stubb’s BBQ Sauce. However, see my Homemade BBQ Sauce recipe for a delicious option!
- TOPPINGS: You can always add your favorite toppings such as greens, tomatoes, pineapple, etc.
Nutrition
DID YOU MAKE THIS recipe?
Tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea
LOVE THIS RECIPE?
LET US KNOW!
I'm excited to try this tonight!
Hi Maria! I'm so excited to hear how they turned out! 🙂
The chicken without the sauce already tastes great, i paired it with red vietnamese rice. My picky husband love your recipes! I am glad I found your page, I'm obsessed!
Best BBQ chicken sandwich I’ve ever had!
Hi Melissa! Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try! 🙂