BBQ Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these are the main protein for the sandwich.

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

Burger buns: The base of the sandwich, providing a soft and sturdy structure.

Coleslaw: An optional topping that adds a crunchy and creamy texture.

When grilling chicken breasts, ensure they are of even thickness for uniform cooking. If needed, use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness. This prevents overcooking on the edges while the center remains undercooked. Additionally, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier bite. For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the bbq sauce for at least 30 minutes before grilling.

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with boneless, skinless turkey breasts: Turkey breasts are a lean protein similar to chicken and will absorb the bbq sauce well.

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with portobello mushrooms: For a vegetarian option, portobello mushrooms provide a meaty texture and can be grilled or baked with bbq sauce.

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

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

• burger buns - Substitute with whole wheat buns: Whole wheat buns provide more fiber and nutrients compared to regular burger buns.

• burger buns - Substitute with lettuce wraps: For a low-carb option, large lettuce leaves can be used to wrap the bbq chicken.

• coleslaw - Substitute with pickled vegetables: Pickled vegetables add a tangy crunch that complements the sweetness of the bbq sauce.

• coleslaw - Substitute with sliced avocado: Avocado provides a creamy texture and healthy fats, balancing the flavors of the bbq chicken sandwich.

• Allow the grilled chicken breasts to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the chicken soggy.

• Place the cooled chicken breasts in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. This will keep them fresh and prevent any odors from the fridge from seeping in.

• Store the burger buns separately in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container to maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming stale.

• If you have leftover coleslaw, store it in a separate airtight container to keep it crisp and fresh.

• For freezing, wrap each chicken breast individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This makes it easy to thaw only what you need.

• Label the containers or bags with the date to keep track of freshness. Grilled chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months.

• To reheat, thaw the chicken breasts in the fridge overnight if frozen. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be sure to cover the chicken with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

• Toast the burger buns just before assembling the sandwiches to ensure they are warm and slightly crispy.

• Assemble the sandwiches with the reheated chicken breasts, bbq sauce, and coleslaw just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. 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. Toast the burger buns separately in the oven for the last 5 minutes.
• For a quicker option, use a microwave. Place the chicken breasts on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating. Toast the burger buns separately in a toaster.
• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F. Place the chicken breasts in the basket and heat for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. Toast the burger buns in the air fryer for the last 1-2 minutes.
• For stovetop reheating, place the chicken breasts in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of bbq sauce or chicken broth to keep them moist. Cover and heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. Toast the burger buns in a separate skillet or toaster.
• If you prefer a smoky flavor, reheat the chicken breasts on a grill. Preheat the grill to medium heat and place the chicken breasts on the grates. Grill for 3-4 minutes on each side, brushing with additional bbq sauce if desired. Toast the burger buns on the grill for the last 1-2 minutes.

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

• Tongs: Essential for flipping the chicken breasts on the grill and handling the buns without burning your hands.

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

• Meat thermometer: Ensures that the chicken is fully cooked by checking the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F.

• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for seasoning the chicken breasts before grilling.

• Knife: Used to trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and to slice the buns if they are not pre-sliced.

• Mixing bowl: If you are making your own coleslaw, this will be used to mix the ingredients together.

• Spatula: Handy for removing the chicken and buns from the grill.

• Serving platter: A convenient way to present the grilled chicken and buns before assembling the sandwiches.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure out the bbq sauce accurately.

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

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

Grill in batches: If you have a smaller grill, cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and save time.

Toast buns in advance: Toast the burger buns while the chicken is grilling to streamline the process.

Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked quickly by using a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.