19 Best BBQ Chicken Sandwich Toppings

I love BBQ chicken sandwiches.

There’s something about the combination of juicy, smoky chicken and tangy, sweet sauce that just works for me.

But what I really love is finding new and creative toppings to put on my sandwich.

So I decided to round up the 19 best BBQ chicken sandwich toppings out there.

From slaw and bacon to pineapple and jalapeno, there’s something for everyone!

Read Also: BBQ Chicken Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for BBQ Chicken

19 Best BBQ Chicken Sandwich Toppings

There’s nothing like a good BBQ chicken sandwich.

But what makes a great BBQ chicken sandwich?

It all comes down to the toppings.

Here are the 19 best BBQ chicken sandwich toppings:

1. Bacon

I never make a sandwich without bacon.

I love the crunchy texture and the salty flavor.

It pairs perfectly with BBQ chicken and other savory toppings.

To prepare it, simply cook the bacon until crisp and then add it to your sandwich.

Here are 3 tips to keep in mind when making your next BBQ Chicken Sandwich with bacon:

• Make sure to cook the bacon until it is nice and crisp. No one likes soggy bacon!
• Add other savory toppings to really bring out the flavor of the bacon.
• Use high-quality bacon for the best flavor.

2. Slaw

Oh, slaw, that crunchy, creamy, mayo-based delight.

It’s the perfect topping for BBQ chicken sandwiches, adding both texture and flavor.

I like to use a white cabbage slaw, but you can really use any kind of cabbage you like.

Red cabbage slaw is also nice, and adds a bit of color to your sandwich.

Other ingredients that pair well with slaw are onions, pickles, and cheese.

And of course, don’t forget the BBQ sauce!

To prepare this topping, simply mix together your desired cabbage, mayo, and other ingredients.

Easy peasy!

3. Pickles

Some people love pickles, and some people hate them.

There is no middle ground.

People who love pickles love them for their salty, sour, and slightly sweet taste.

They also love the crunchy texture that pickles add to a dish.

People who hate pickles find them to be too sour and salty.

Pickles are a great topping for a BBQ chicken sandwich because they add a crunchy texture and a burst of flavor.

They pair well with other toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions.

To prepare pickles, simply slice them thinly and add them to your sandwich.

4. Avocado

Now, avocado is an ingredient I can get behind.

It’s creamy and rich, but still has a bit of a bite to it. It’s the perfect topping for a BBQ chicken sandwich.

Other ingredients that pair well with avocado are tomato, bacon, and cheddar cheese.

To prepare avocado, simply remove the pit and skin and slice or dice as desired.

Here are some tips for working with avocado:

• If your avocados are too hard, place them in a paper bag with a banana or an apple overnight. It will soften the avocados.
• To avoid browning, sprinkle lemon or lime juice on avocado after slicing.
• To keep avocado from turning mushy, add it to your sandwich just before serving.

5. Tomato

Tomatoes are basically a must on a BBQ chicken sandwich.

They provide a juicy, acidic contrast to the smoky chicken, and their texture is perfect for soaking up all the delicious flavors.

Plus, they’re super easy to prepare – just slice ’em up and throw ’em on the sandwich.

Here are some tips for preparing tomatoes for your BBQ chicken sandwich:

• Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes – they should be red and firm, but not hard.
• Slice them thick – about 1/4 inch thick slices are perfect.
• Seed them – this will help prevent the sandwich from getting too soggy.
• Season them – a little salt and pepper goes a long way.

6. BBQ Sauce

BBQ sauce – oh, what a surprise – is also a great topping for BBQ chicken sandwiches!

It’s got that perfect balance of sweet and savory, and it’s nice and thick, so it really coats the chicken and keeps it moist.

Plus, it’s got that great smoky flavor that goes so well with BBQ chicken.

If you’re looking for a really easy BBQ sauce, just mix ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and smoked paprika together.

Or, if you want something a little more complex, try this recipe.

Either way, your sandwich is going to be delicious!

7. Cheese

There are many different kinds of cheese that can be used as a topping on a BBQ chicken sandwich, each with its own unique flavor and texture.

Sharp cheddar cheese is a great option for those who want a strong, distinct flavor.

It is also a relatively hard cheese, so it can hold up well to being melted on top of a hot sandwich.

Other popular choices include mozzarella and provolone, which are both softer cheeses with a milder flavor.

These types of cheese can also be easily melted, making them ideal for BBQ chicken sandwiches.

When choosing a cheese to use as a topping, consider what other ingredients will be on the sandwich.

A sharp cheddar cheese may be too much if the sandwich also includes other strong flavors, such as bacon or BBQ sauce.

In this case, a milder cheese like mozzarella or provolone would be a better option.

For a more classic BBQ chicken sandwich, pair cheddar cheese with crispy bacon and tangy BBQ sauce.

8. Fried Onions

God bless fried onions.

They are crispy, savory, and make everything better.

I like to add them to my BBQ chicken sandwiches for a little extra flavor and crunch.

They go well with other sandwich toppings like cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes.

You can either buy them pre-made or fry them up yourself.

If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even caramelize them for an extra special touch.

9. Grilled Onions

You can also grill your onions instead of frying them.

This gives them a bit more of a crunch to them and brings out their sweetness.

They go great with other BBQ toppings like cheese, bacon, and jalapeños.

Just slice them up and throw them on the grill for a few minutes.

10. Jalapeños

How about some spice on your BBQ chicken sandwich?

Jalapeños are the perfect topping for those who like a little heat.

They have a crisp texture and a fiery taste that is sure to wake up your taste buds.

Jalapeños also pair well with other ingredients like cheese, sour cream, and avocados.

To prepare this topping, simply slice the jalapeños into thin rounds.

11. Green Chiles

I had to include green chiles on this list because they are one of my all-time favorite toppings for BBQ chicken sandwiches.

I love the way they add a little bit of spice and flavor to the sandwich without being overwhelming.

They also have a great texture that pairs well with the chicken and other toppings.

Some other great ingredients to pair with green chiles on a BBQ chicken sandwich are cheese, onions, and avocado.

12. Banana Peppers

These little peppers pack a flavorful punch!

They’re a great addition to any BBQ chicken sandwich.

I like to slice them up and add them to the sandwich for a little bit of sweetness and spice.

Other ingredients that pair well with banana peppers include onions, cheese, and lettuce.

13. Roasted Red Peppers

Roasted red peppers are great because they add crunch, sweetness and a slight smokiness to a BBQ chicken sandwich.

They taste amazing with sharp cheddar cheese and aioli.

If you’re looking for something a little different, try pairing roasted red peppers with feta cheese and arugula.

They’re also really easy to prepare. Just slice them up and add them to your sandwich.

14. Caramelized Onions

If you’ve got a few extra minutes, caramelized onions are a fantastic way to top off your BBQ chicken sandwich.

They add a lovely sweetness and depth of flavor that really elevates the dish.

Just be warned, they can be a bit addictive!

To caramelize onions, simply slice them thinly and cook over low heat until they’re a deep golden brown.

This process brings out their natural sugars, making them sweet and delicious.

Pair caramelized onions with a sharp cheese, like cheddar or Gruyere, for a delicious contrast.

A little bit of fresh thyme or rosemary also pairs well with this topping.

15. Guacamole

Mexican cuisine is incomplete without guacamole.

This green, creamy topping is made from mashed avocados, onions, tomatoes, lime juice, and chili peppers.

It is the perfect addition to any BBQ chicken sandwich.

Guacamole is smooth and creamy, with a slight sweetness from the avocado.

The lime juice and chili peppers give it a nice zing.

Other ingredients that pair well with guacamole include sour cream, cheese, and salsa.

To prepare guacamole, simply combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix until smooth.

Serve with your favorite chips or use as a sandwich spread.

16. Arugula

Arugula tastes slightly bitter and peppery, and has a slightly chewy texture.

It pairs well with other strong flavors, such as grilled chicken, BBQ sauce, and cheese.

To prepare arugula, simply wash it and dry it thoroughly.

17. Cilantro

This fresh topping has a bright flavor that really livens up a barbecue chicken sandwich.

It has a bit of a zing to it, so it’s perfect for those who like a little bit of heat.

Cilantro pairs well with other fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and avocado.

It’s also really easy to prepare – simply chop it up and add it to your sandwich.

18. Egg

Now, why not add some extra protein to your sandwich with a fried egg?

This topping is all about texture – it’s got a crispy outer edge and a soft, runny yolk that pairs perfectly with the smoky, juicy chicken.

Just make sure to cook the egg well so that the yolk isn’t too runny.

Other great toppings to pair with a fried egg are avocado, cheese, and bacon.

19. Lettuce

Lastly, how about some lettuce? Lettuce is a great, light topping that adds a bit of crunch to your sandwich.

It’s also great for those who are looking for a healthier option.

It pairs well with other veggies like tomatoes and onions, as well as condiments like ketchup and mustard.

To prep, simply wash and dry your lettuce leaves.