BBQ Chicken with Slaw (Printable version)

Smoky shredded chicken with crisp slaw on a soft bun for a flavorful handheld meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded or grilled and sliced (approx. 1.1 lbs)

→ Barbecue Sauce

02 - 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade, 8 fl oz)

→ Sandwich

03 - 4 soft sandwich buns or brioche buns
04 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for toasting buns)

→ Slaw (optional but recommended)

05 - 1 cup shredded green cabbage (about 3 oz)
06 - 1/2 cup shredded carrots (about 1.4 oz)
07 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
08 - 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Toppings (optional)

11 - Sliced pickles
12 - Red onion rings

# How-To Steps:

01 - Grill or poach chicken breasts until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F), then shred with two forks.
02 - In a bowl, toss the shredded or sliced chicken with barbecue sauce until evenly coated.
03 - In a small bowl, mix cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
04 - Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place buns cut side down and toast for about 1 minute until golden brown.
05 - Pile barbecue chicken onto the bottom half of each bun, add slaw, pickles, and red onion as desired, then cover with the top half of the bun.
06 - Serve sandwiches immediately while warm.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The combination of warm, saucy chicken and cold, crisp slaw creates this incredible temperature contrast that hits every pleasure point
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like something from a proper barbecue joint
02 -
  • Don't skip toasting the buns, that one minute creates a structural barrier that keeps your sandwich from falling apart
  • Let the chicken rest in the sauce for at least five minutes, otherwise the sauce just slides off instead of coating
03 -
  • Line your baking sheet with parchment before toasting buns for zero cleanup afterward
  • Mix your slaw ingredients in a mason jar, shake to combine, then store right in the same container
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