BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches with slaw

When the craving for barbecue hits, there’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into tender, flavorful chicken on a soft bun, topped with a refreshing coleslaw. My recipe for BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches is a game-changer, combining the ease of a dry rub with the rich taste of homemade BBQ sauce.

The secret to these mouth-watering sandwiches lies in the perfect balance between the warm, saucy chicken and the cool, crunchy slaw. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

I’ll guide you through making the ultimate BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches, complete with a complementary slaw that elevates the dish to a whole new level.

The Perfect BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich

The ultimate comfort food: a BBQ pulled chicken sandwich with slaw is a culinary delight that combines tender, flavorful chicken with the crunch of fresh slaw, all held together by a soft bun.

But what’s behind the success of this recipe? Let’s dive into the details.

Why This Recipe Works

This BBQ pulled chicken sandwich recipe stands out due to its balance of textures and flavors. The combination of tender

BBQ chicken with crisp, creamy coleslaw creates a perfect contrast in each bite. The homemade slaw adds a fresh, tangy element that cuts through the richness of the BBQ chicken.

What Makes These Sandwiches Special

Several factors contribute to the excellence of these sandwiches. Firstly, the technique used ensures that the chicken stays moist even after shredding. Secondly, the layering method taught here ensures every bite contains the perfect balance of chicken, sauce, and slaw. This harmony of protein, vegetables, and carbs in one hand makes for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The foundation of great BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches lies in the quality of the ingredients. To make this delicious dish, you’ll need to gather a few essential components.

For the BBQ Pulled Chicken

For the BBQ pulled chicken, you’ll need chicken breasts, BBQ sauce, and a blend of spices. The chicken breasts should be boneless and skinless for the best results. I prefer using a mix of spices that includes paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to give the chicken a rich flavor.

For the Creamy Coleslaw

The creamy coleslaw is a crucial accompaniment to the BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches. To make it, you’ll need a mixture of red and green cabbage, shredded carrots, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a pinch of celery seed. My coleslaw recipe combines both green and red cabbage for a colorful and flavorful slaw. The dressing is made with Greek yogurt and mayonnaise, providing a creamy but lighter alternative to traditional coleslaw. The addition of apple cider vinegar and honey creates a perfect sweet-tangy balance. Fresh carrots add color, nutrition, and a subtle sweetness to the coleslaw mixture. With a teaspoon of celery seed, the slaw gets a distinctive flavor that elevates it above basic recipes.

By using these ingredients, you’ll be able to create a delicious BBQ pulled chicken sandwich with a refreshing coleslaw.

Essential Equipment for Success

Before diving into the recipe, let’s talk about the essential tools you’ll need to make delicious BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches.

When it comes to cooking the chicken, you have a couple of options for equipment that can make the process easier. Let’s explore these options in more detail.

Slow Cooker vs. Instant Pot Options

For cooking the chicken, you can use either a slow cooker or an Instant Pot. Both appliances can produce tender, fall-apart chicken that’s perfect for shredding. If you have a Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer, you can use the ‘flat beater’ attachment to shred the chicken in just minutes.

Alternatively, you can shred the chicken using two forks. Simply hold the meat down with one fork and use the other fork to ‘pull’ it into shreds. This method is a bit more time-consuming but gets the job done.

Other Helpful Tools

In addition to a slow cooker or Instant Pot, there are several other tools that can make preparing BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches easier. These include good quality measuring cups and spoons, a sharp knife, and a cutting board for preparing the coleslaw ingredients.

Having mixing bowls in various sizes can also help keep your workspace organized during preparation. With these tools on hand, you’ll be well-equipped to make delicious BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches with slaw.

Preparing the Chicken

The key to exceptional BBQ pulled chicken lies in the preparation of the chicken itself. Proper preparation ensures that the chicken absorbs the flavors effectively and cooks to tender perfection.

Selecting and Prepping Your Chicken

When it comes to selecting chicken for BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches, I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. The choice between breasts and thighs depends on personal preference; breasts are leaner, while thighs are often more tender and juicy. Regardless of your choice, ensure that the chicken is fresh and of high quality.

Creating the Flavorful Dry Rub

To infuse the chicken with rich BBQ flavor, creating a balanced dry rub is essential. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cumin, paprika, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This blend offers a mix of sweet, savory, and spicy elements that form the foundation of the BBQ flavor.

I create a dry rub that includes brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and a touch of cayenne. The sugar in the rub helps create caramelization during cooking, adding depth to the BBQ flavor profile. To apply the rub, evenly sprinkle it over each piece of chicken, using about 1 teaspoon per side. I recommend letting the rubbed chicken sit for at least 15 minutes before cooking to allow the flavors to begin penetrating the meat.

• A balanced dry rub combines sweet, savory, and spicy elements.
• Applying the rub evenly ensures consistent flavor throughout the chicken.
• The sugar in the rub aids in caramelization, enhancing the BBQ flavor.

Cooking Methods for 2. BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches with Slaw

When it comes to cooking BBQ pulled chicken, the method you choose can significantly impact the final flavor and texture. Different cooking techniques can result in varying levels of tenderness and juiciness, making it crucial to select the right approach for your BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches.

The beauty of making BBQ pulled chicken lies in its versatility. You can use a slow cooker, cook it on the stovetop, or grill it, depending on your preference and the equipment available.

Slow Cooker Method

The slow cooker method is ideal for those who prefer a hands-off approach. Simply season the chicken, place it in the slow cooker, and let it cook for several hours until it’s tender and easily shreds with a fork. This method ensures that the chicken is cooked evenly and retains its moisture. Typically, it takes about 6-8 minutes to shred the chicken after it’s cooked, and it’s ready to be mixed with your favorite BBQ sauce.

Stovetop and Grill Options

For those who prefer a crisper exterior on their chicken, stovetop and grill options are excellent alternatives. When using a stovetop, a heavy grill pan over medium-high heat can achieve beautiful grill marks. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Grilling outdoors over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side yields similar results, with the added benefit of a smoky flavor. Regardless of the method, letting the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before shredding helps retain its juiciness and flavor.

Making the Perfect BBQ Sauce

To take your BBQ pulled chicken to the next level, you need a rich and tangy BBQ sauce. The sauce is a crucial component that brings all the flavors together, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

Homemade BBQ Sauce Ingredients

Creating a homemade BBQ sauce allows you to customize the flavor to your liking. The basic ingredients include a mix of tomato sauce, vinegar, honey, and spices. I simmer these ingredients together to allow the flavors to meld and develop, creating a deep and complex sauce.

Combining and Adjusting Flavors

Tasting and adjusting the BBQ sauce as it cooks is crucial. I may add more vinegar for a tangy taste or honey for sweetness, depending on my preference. The finished sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still be pourable, making it easy to mix with the chicken. After shredding the chicken, I return it to the sauce and let it absorb the flavors for at least 15 minutes, sometimes up to an hour, for maximum flavor infusion.

• Simmering the BBQ sauce ingredients together enhances the flavor.
• Adjusting the sauce’s taste by adding vinegar or honey is key to achieving the desired flavor.
• The ideal BBQ sauce should be thick but still pourable.

Creating the Creamy Coleslaw

Making the perfect coleslaw involves a few simple steps that ensure a delightful contrast to the tender chicken. The key is to maintain the crunchiness of the vegetables while blending them with a creamy dressing.

Preparing the Vegetables

To start, you’ll need to prepare the vegetables for the coleslaw. This involves shredding the cabbage and possibly other vegetables like carrots. When you cut cabbage leaves, the cell walls are exposed, making them prone to moisture loss when mixed with dressing ingredients containing salt and sugar.

Mixing the Dressing

The dressing is a crucial component that brings the coleslaw together. It’s typically made with a combination of mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and spices. The proportions can be adjusted to taste, allowing for a personalized flavor profile.

Timing Tips for Maximum Crunch

For the best results, it’s essential to time the dressing of the coleslaw correctly. Here are some tips to achieve maximum crunch:

• Dress the coleslaw no more than 30 minutes before serving for optimal crunch.
• If preparing components ahead of time, store the vegetables and dressing separately until serving.
• For a make-ahead option, add a little extra vinegar to the dressing as it will mellow over time.
• The coleslaw can be made up to 4 hours ahead, but expect some softening of the cabbage.
• For maximum crunch, sometimes add a tablespoon of water to the cabbage and refrigerate it before dressing.

Assembling Your BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

Now that you have all the components ready, it’s time to build your perfect BBQ pulled chicken sandwich. This is where you bring together the tender BBQ pulled chicken, the creamy coleslaw, and the soft, toasted bun.

Choosing and Toasting the Perfect Buns

Selecting the right bun is crucial. I prefer a soft, slightly sweet bun that can hold up to the juicy chicken and slaw. Toasting the bun adds a nice crunch and enhances the overall

Layering for Maximum Flavor

To assemble, start with a toasted bun, add a generous portion of the BBQ pulled chicken, followed by a dollop of creamy coleslaw on top. Place the other half of the bun on top, and if you’re feeling fancy, add some extra toppings.

Optional Toppings and Add-ins

Some optional toppings can elevate your sandwich. Consider adding:

• Thinly sliced dill pickles for extra tang and crunch.
• Crispy fried onions for added texture and flavor.
• A slice of sharp cheddar cheese melted on the bottom bun for richness.
• Sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Fresh sliced avocado for a creamy element that balances the tangy BBQ sauce.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

Now that you’ve mastered the BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches, let’s talk about serving and storage. To complete your meal, consider classic BBQ sides like baked beans, potato salad, or corn on the cob. These pair perfectly with your BBQ chicken for a delicious family dinner.

Proper storage techniques are essential for enjoying leftovers. Store leftover chicken in barbecue sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for 4-5 days. If possible, store coleslaw sauce separately from the cabbage mixture to maintain its crunch for up to 2-3 days.

These BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches make excellent meal prep options. Prepare the chicken on weekends and assemble sandwiches for quick dinners throughout the week. You can also repurpose leftover pulled chicken into other recipes like quesadillas or BBQ chicken pizza for variety.