Ingredients
Scale
For the BBQ Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 2 ½ cups shredded rotisserie chicken)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
For the Sandwich:
- 4 brioche buns (or your choice of burger buns)
- 4 slices cheddar or smoked gouda cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting buns)
For the Coleslaw (Optional, but Recommended!):
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or mix of green & purple)
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings:
- Pickles
- Red onion slices
- Crispy fried onions
- Jalapeños
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the BBQ Chicken
- Slow Cooker Method: Place chicken breasts in a slow cooker. Add barbecue sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until tender.
- Grill Method: Season chicken with spices. Grill over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side or until cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Brush with barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and mix with additional barbecue sauce for a rich, juicy texture.
Step 2: Make the Coleslaw
- In a bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 3: Toast the Buns
- Heat a pan or grill over medium heat. Spread butter on the inside of each bun and toast for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich
- Place a slice of cheese on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
- Pile on the shredded BBQ chicken, followed by a generous scoop of coleslaw.
- Add optional toppings like pickles or crispy onions.
- Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately!
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce.
- Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper to the seasoning or drizzle sriracha over the chicken.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Shredded BBQ chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Healthier Alternative: Swap out the brioche bun for a whole wheat bun or lettuce wrap.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (Slow Cooker) / 15 minutes (Grill)
- Category: Sandwiches, Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker, Grilling
- Cuisine: American, BBQ
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 90mg