BBQ Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

Chicken breasts: The main protein for the sandwich, providing a juicy and tender bite.

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

Burger buns: The base of the sandwich, holding all the ingredients together.

Coleslaw: An optional topping that adds a crunchy texture and a creamy contrast to the BBQ chicken.

To ensure your chicken breasts remain juicy and flavorful, consider marinating them in a mixture of bbq sauce and a bit of olive oil for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This not only infuses the chicken with extra flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat. Additionally, when grilling, avoid pressing down on the chicken with your spatula, as this can squeeze out the juices and make the meat dry.

• chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breasts: Turkey breasts offer a similar texture and can be just as juicy when cooked properly.

• chicken breasts - Substitute with portobello mushrooms: For a vegetarian option, portobello mushrooms provide a meaty texture and absorb flavors well.

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

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

• burger buns - Substitute with whole wheat buns: Whole wheat buns provide more fiber and nutrients, making the sandwich a bit healthier.

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

• coleslaw - Substitute with pickled vegetables: Pickled vegetables add a tangy crunch and can enhance the overall flavor of the sandwich.

• coleslaw - Substitute with sliced avocado: Sliced avocado provides a creamy texture and healthy fats, adding richness to the sandwich.

• Allow the chicken breasts to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the burger buns soggy.
• Wrap each grilled chicken breast individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped chicken breasts in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. Label the container with the date to keep track of storage time.
• Store the burger buns separately in a resealable bag or airtight container to keep them from becoming stale. If freezing, wrap them in plastic wrap first.
• If you have leftover coleslaw, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Note that coleslaw does not freeze well due to its high water content.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the chicken breasts in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat them on the grill or in the oven until warmed through.
• Toast the burger buns on the grill or in a toaster oven to restore their crispness.
• Assemble the sandwiches by placing the reheated grilled chicken on the toasted burger buns and topping with fresh or leftover coleslaw if desired.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the chicken breasts in aluminum foil to keep them moist. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. For the burger buns, wrap them in foil and place them in the oven for the last 5 minutes of reheating the chicken.

• If you prefer using a microwave, place the chicken breasts on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly heated. For the burger buns, wrap them in a slightly damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds.

• For a stovetop method, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pan to create steam, then place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Cover with a lid and heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. Toast the burger buns in a separate dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. For the burger buns, place them in the air fryer for the last 2 minutes of reheating the chicken.

• To reheat the coleslaw, it's best to keep it cold and fresh. If it has been stored in the refrigerator, simply give it a good stir before adding it to your sandwich. If you prefer it slightly warm, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

• Grill: Used to cook the chicken breasts to perfection, giving them a smoky flavor.

• Tongs: Essential for flipping the chicken breasts on the grill without piercing the meat.

• Basting brush: Used to apply the BBQ sauce evenly on the chicken during the last few minutes of grilling.

• Meat thermometer: Ensures that the chicken is fully cooked by checking the internal temperature.

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

• Knife: Used to trim any excess fat or unwanted parts from the chicken breasts.

• Mixing bowl: If you decide to make your own coleslaw, this will be used to mix the ingredients.

• Spatula: Handy for toasting the burger buns on the grill.

• Plate: Used to hold the grilled chicken breasts and toasted buns before assembling the sandwiches.

• Serving platter: Ideal for presenting the assembled BBQ chicken sandwiches.

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

Use pre-made coleslaw: Buy coleslaw from the store to skip the step of making it from scratch.

Grill in batches: If your grill is small, cook the chicken breasts in batches to ensure even cooking.

Toast buns together: Toast all burger buns simultaneously to save time.

Use a meat thermometer: Quickly check the doneness of the chicken breasts with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.