BBQ Chicken Sandwich Recipe
This BBQ Chicken Sandwich Recipe is your go-to solution for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that satisfies your craving for flavorful BBQ chicken sandwiches. No grill needed! With just 30 minutes of preparation time, this budget-friendly recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want to enjoy a homemade meal without much fuss.
One of the highlights of this recipe is the homemade BBQ sauce that adds a burst of tangy flavor to the chicken. You can customize the sauce to suit your taste preferences, whether you prefer it smoky or tangy. The combination of savory spices, juicy chicken thighs, and the rich sweetness of the BBQ sauce makes for a mouthwatering filling that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Not only is this BBQ Chicken Sandwich Recipe easy to make, but it also requires simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. Smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper create a flavorful spice mix for the chicken. The boneless chicken thighs are cooked in a skillet with some cooking oil until they are browned and cooked through. Then, they are coated in the homemade BBQ sauce, which adds a sticky and tangy glaze to the chicken.
To add some freshness and crunch to the sandwich, we recommend pairing the BBQ chicken with a creamy ranch slaw. A combination of coleslaw mix, sliced green onions, and ranch dressing creates a refreshing and tangy slaw that balances out the smoky flavors of the chicken.
If you like to get creative with your toppings, there are endless possibilities to customize your BBQ Chicken Sandwich. From classic toppings like pickles and red onions to indulgent additions like cheddar cheese, avocado, bacon, and pineapple slices, you can truly make it your own. Explore different flavors and textures to find your perfect combination.
And when it comes to serving this delicious sandwich, don’t forget to pair it with your favorite side dishes. Whether it’s crispy sweet potato fries, savory steak fries, or a refreshing potato salad, the options are endless. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try serving it with some Cowboy Caviar or Loaded Smashed Potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.
With its simplicity, bold flavors, and versatility, this BBQ Chicken Sandwich Recipe is sure to become a staple in your weeknight meal rotation. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds. So grab your apron and get ready to dig into some seriously delicious BBQ chicken sandwiches!
Ingredients and Preparation
To make this BBQ Chicken Sandwich, you will need a delicious combination of flavors and ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Smoked paprika: Add a smoky and aromatic taste to the chicken thighs.
- Garlic powder: Enhance the savory flavors of the dish.
- Salt and pepper: Season the chicken thighs to perfection.
- Boneless chicken thighs: Choose tender and juicy chicken thighs for the filling.
- Cooking oil: Use a high-heat cooking oil to brown the chicken thighs.
- BBQ sauce: Coat the chicken thighs with your favorite BBQ sauce for that lip-smacking taste.
- Coleslaw mix: Create a creamy and crunchy slaw using a premade coleslaw mix.
- Green onions: Slice them up and mix them into the coleslaw for an extra burst of freshness.
- Ranch dressing: Combine it with the coleslaw mix for a creamy dressing.
- Buns: Choose your favorite type of bun to hold all the delicious ingredients together.
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s start preparing the BBQ Chicken Sandwich!
Preparation:
- In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture onto the boneless chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated on both sides.
- Heat some cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet and cook until they are browned and cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes per side.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
- Next, pour your favorite BBQ sauce into a shallow bowl or pan.
- Place each cooked chicken thigh into the BBQ sauce and coat it generously on both sides.
- In a separate bowl, combine the coleslaw mix with sliced green onions.
- Add ranch dressing to the coleslaw mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Now it’s time to assemble your sandwich! Take a bun and place a BBQ sauce-coated chicken thigh on it.
- Top the chicken with a generous amount of the creamy ranch slaw.
- Place the other half of the bun on top, and your BBQ Chicken Sandwich is ready to be devoured!
Enjoy the mouthwatering combination of tender and flavorful BBQ chicken with the creamy crunch of coleslaw mix. This BBQ Chicken Sandwich is perfect for a casual get-together, a quick weeknight dinner, or even a picnic in the park. It’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more!
Tips and Variations
Looking to add some extra pizzazz to your BBQ Chicken Sandwich? Get creative and customize your sandwich with a variety of delicious toppings. Consider adding pickles for a tangy crunch or French fried onions for an irresistible crispy texture. For cheese lovers, try melting some cheddar cheese on top of the BBQ chicken to take your sandwich to the next level.
If you’re a fan of bold flavors, add slices of red onions for a zesty kick or avocado for a creamy and buttery taste. For the ultimate indulgence, why not sprinkle some crispy bacon pieces on your sandwich? And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding pineapple slices for a touch of tropical sweetness.
When it comes to side dishes, you have plenty of options to choose from. If you’re in the mood for fries, opt for either sweet potato fries for a slightly sweet and savory combination or classic steak fries for a hearty side. Alternatively, you can accompany your BBQ Chicken Sandwich with a refreshing potato salad or the zesty flavors of Cowboy Caviar. And if you’re looking for a rich and indulgent side, Loaded Smashed Potatoes topped with cheese, bacon, and green onions will definitely hit the spot.
With these tips and variations, you can personalize your BBQ Chicken Sandwich to suit your taste preferences and create a mouthwatering meal that’s truly your own.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs for the BBQ Chicken Sandwich?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs for this recipe. However, keep in mind that chicken breasts may require a longer cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.
Can I make the BBQ sauce in advance?
Absolutely! The BBQ sauce can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This allows you to save time when preparing the BBQ Chicken Sandwich.
Can I make the ranch slaw without the green onions?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of green onions, you can omit them from the ranch slaw recipe. The slaw will still have a creamy and tangy flavor from the ranch dressing and coleslaw mix.
Can I use a different type of bread for the sandwich?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite type of bread for the BBQ Chicken Sandwich. Brioche buns, ciabatta rolls, or whole wheat buns are all delicious options that would work well with this recipe.
Can I grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet?
Yes, if you prefer the smoky flavor that grilling imparts, you can certainly grill the chicken thighs instead of cooking them in a skillet. Simply marinate the chicken in the spice mix, grill until cooked through, and then coat with BBQ sauce.
Can I freeze the BBQ Chicken Sandwich?
While the cooked chicken can be frozen for up to three months, it is best to assemble the sandwich with the slaw and sauce just before serving. Freezing the assembled sandwich may compromise the texture and flavor.
Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.