BBQ Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these are the main protein for the sandwich.

Bbq sauce: Adds a tangy and sweet flavor to the grilled chicken.

Burger buns: Soft buns that hold the sandwich together.

Coleslaw: Optional, but adds a crunchy and creamy texture to the sandwich.

For an extra layer of flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of bbq sauce and a splash of apple cider vinegar for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This will help tenderize the chicken and infuse it with a deeper, tangy taste.

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with boneless, skinless turkey breasts: Turkey breasts are a lean protein similar to chicken and will absorb the bbq sauce well.

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with portobello mushrooms: For a vegetarian option, portobello mushrooms have a meaty texture and can hold up to grilling and bbq sauce.

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

• bbq sauce - Substitute with buffalo sauce: For a spicier alternative, buffalo sauce adds a tangy and spicy kick to the chicken breasts.

• burger buns - Substitute with whole wheat buns: Whole wheat buns offer a healthier option with more fiber and nutrients.

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

• coleslaw - Substitute with pickled vegetables: Pickled vegetables add a tangy and crunchy element that pairs well with the bbq chicken.

• coleslaw - Substitute with sliced avocado: Avocado adds a creamy texture and healthy fats, complementing the flavors of the bbq chicken sandwiches.

• Allow the chicken breasts to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the chicken soggy.
• Place the cooled chicken breasts in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will keep them fresh and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.
• Store the burger buns separately in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container to maintain their freshness and prevent them from becoming stale.
• If you have leftover coleslaw, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep it crisp and flavorful.
• For freezing, wrap each chicken breast individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a resealable freezer bag. This double layer of protection helps prevent freezer burn.
• Label the freezer bags with the date to keep track of how long they’ve been stored. Chicken breasts can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.
• When ready to use, thaw the chicken breasts in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor of the chicken.
• Reheat the chicken breasts in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them on the grill for a few minutes on each side.
• Toast the burger buns on the grill or in the oven for a few minutes to refresh their texture before assembling the sandwiches.
• Assemble the sandwiches with the reheated chicken breasts, burger buns, and coleslaw just before serving to ensure the best taste and texture.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Wrap the chicken breasts in aluminum foil to retain moisture. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Toast the burger buns separately for 5 minutes.

• For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the chicken breasts on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating. Toast the burger buns in a toaster or toaster oven for a minute or two.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F. Place the chicken breasts in the basket and heat for 5-7 minutes. The burger buns can be added in the last 2 minutes to get a nice crisp.

• On the stovetop, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pan and cover with a lid. Heat the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally. Toast the burger buns in a separate dry skillet for a minute or two.

• For a smoky flavor, reheat the chicken breasts on a grill. Preheat the grill to medium heat and place the chicken breasts on the grates for 5-7 minutes, turning halfway through. Toast the burger buns on the grill for the last 1-2 minutes.

• Grill: used to cook the chicken breasts to perfection, giving them a smoky flavor and beautiful grill marks

• Tongs: essential for flipping the chicken breasts on the grill without piercing the meat and losing juices

• Basting brush: used to apply the bbq sauce evenly on the chicken during the last few minutes of grilling

• Meat thermometer: helps ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F

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

• Knife: used to trim any excess fat or uneven parts of the chicken breasts

• Small bowl: holds the bbq sauce for easy access while grilling

• Grill spatula: useful for toasting the burger buns on the grill

• Plates: for assembling the sandwiches and serving them

• Serving spoon: used to add coleslaw to the sandwiches if desired

Pre-marinating the chicken: Marinate the chicken breasts in bbq sauce the night before to save time on grilling day.

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

Pre-make coleslaw: Prepare the coleslaw in advance and store it in the fridge to quickly assemble the sandwiches.

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

Batch grilling: Grill extra chicken breasts and store them for quick meals throughout the week.