Smoky BBQ Grilled Chicken Sandwiches Recipe: Backyard Magic

Sizzling summer days call for mouthwatering grilled BBQ chicken sandwiches that promise pure flavor delight.

These hearty sandwiches pack an irresistible punch of smoky, tangy goodness between soft, toasted buns.

Juicy chicken marinated in rich barbecue sauce creates a perfect harmony of savory and sweet notes.

Every bite delivers a satisfying blend of tender meat and zesty seasoning that makes taste buds dance with excitement.

The combination of grilled chicken and homemade BBQ sauce turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Quick to prepare and guaranteed to impress, these sandwiches will become your new go-to summer recipe.

Let’s find out this delectable dish and savor the magic of backyard grilling at its finest.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 590 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients That Make Grilled BBQ Chicken Sandwiches Shine

• Mayonnaise, Dill Pickle Juice: Creamy base that adds tangy richness to the slaw with a zesty pickle kick.
• Sugar: Balances the tanginess with a subtle sweetness.
• Green Cabbage: Provides crisp, fresh texture and a light crunch.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the slaw.
• Dill Pickles: Introduces extra pickle flavor and texture complexity.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that absorbs BBQ sauce beautifully; choose fresh, high-quality chicken for best results.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and promotes even grilling with a subtle flavor boost.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural taste.
• BBQ Sauce: Delivers bold, smoky flavor; choose a sauce with balanced sweetness and tanginess.
• Hamburger Buns: Soft carrier for the grilled chicken; look for fresh, slightly sturdy buns that can hold the filling.

• Serrano Peppers, Mayonnaise: Combines creamy base with spicy pepper for a zesty, warming condiment.
• Lime Juice: Adds bright, citrusy freshness that cuts through the richness.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile.

Tools for Assembling Grilled BBQ Sandwiches Easily

• Grill: Essential for cooking chicken with perfect charred flavor and grill marks.
• Whisk: Needed to blend mayonnaise, pickle juice, and sugar smoothly.
• Mixing bowl: Crucial for preparing coleslaw and combining ingredients.
• Tongs: Important for flipping chicken and serrano peppers on the grill.
• Chef's knife: Used for slicing chicken, cutting cabbage, and dicing pickles.
• Cutting board: Provides surface for ingredient preparation.
• Meat thermometer: Helps ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature.
• Basting brush: Helps apply BBQ sauce evenly on chicken while grilling.

Grilling and Building a Perfect BBQ Chicken Sandwich

• Coleslaw Preparation

A zesty slaw that adds crunch and flavor to our sandwich adventure. Mix creamy mayo with a splash of pickle juice and a hint of sweetness. Fold in crisp cabbage, vibrant carrots, and tangy pickle bits until everything is beautifully blended.

• Chicken Preparation

Butterfly the chicken breasts carefully, creating an even cooking surface. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to enhance natural flavors.

• Grilling Magic

Fire up the grill to medium-high heat. Generously coat chicken with rich BBQ sauce, creating a glossy, caramelized exterior. Grill each side for 5-6 minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

• Pepper Accent

For those who love a spicy kick, char serrano peppers briefly on the grill until they develop a beautiful smoky exterior.

• Sandwich Assembly

Slice the perfectly grilled chicken and nestle it between soft buns. Top with the prepared coleslaw and optional charred peppers for a restaurant-worthy backyard meal that’ll impress family and friends.

Tips for Sauce, Crunch, and Balance in BBQ Sandwiches

• Butterfly the chicken breasts to create a thinner, more even cut that helps marinades penetrate deeply and ensures faster, more consistent grilling.
• Prepare the coleslaw up to two days in advance, allowing flavors to meld and intensify, saving you precious prep time on cooking day.
• Adjust the heat by modifying serrano pepper usage – remove seeds for mild warmth or include them for a fiery kick that elevates the sandwich's flavor profile.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken every time, preventing dryness and ensuring food safety with the 165°F internal temperature target.
• Reserve extra BBQ sauce for table-side drizzling, letting guests customize their sandwich's moisture and flavor intensity according to personal preference.

Serving Ideas for Grilled Chicken Sandwiches

• Picnic Perfect Plating: Arrange the grilled BBQ chicken sandwiches on a rustic wooden board with extra pickles and fresh herbs scattered around for a stunning presentation.
• Cool Coleslaw Companion: Serve the homemade tangy coleslaw alongside the sandwich or directly on top for an extra crunch and zesty flavor burst that complements the smoky chicken perfectly.
• Spicy Sidekick Option: Chop the grilled serrano peppers and sprinkle them over the sandwich for heat lovers, or create a quick pepper sauce by blending them with some extra BBQ sauce for a bold condiment.
• Drink Pairing Delight: Pair the sandwich with a cold craft beer, crisp white wine, or refreshing iced tea to balance the rich BBQ flavors and cut through the smoky grilled chicken.

Best Way to Store BBQ Chicken Sandwiches Overnight

• Smart Advance Prep: Craft the coleslaw up to two days before your meal, keeping it fresh in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for maximum flavor development.
• Chicken Batch Cooking: Grill extra chicken breasts and store them in sealed containers for quick meal transformations during the week, perfect for salads, wraps, or quick sandwich remakes.
• Sauce and Pepper Storage: Keep leftover BBQ sauce and grilled serrano peppers in separate sealed containers in the refrigerator, which will stay good for 5-7 days and add zesty punch to future dishes.
• Sandwich Assembly Tricks: Wrap unassembled sandwich components separately to maintain crispness – keep coleslaw, grilled chicken, and buns apart until right before serving to prevent soggy bread and maintain optimal texture.

Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Succulent BBQ chicken sandwiches pack bold flavors between perfectly toasted buns, promising a mouthwatering meal. Crisp coleslaw and tangy sauce elevate this classic sandwich, ensuring you’ll savor each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lb (pounds) boneless skinless chicken breasts, butterflied
• 1 to 1.5 cups Hank’s Kansas City BBQ sauce or store-bought
• 1.5 cups mayonnaise
• 8 hamburger buns
• ½ green cabbage, thinly shredded (about 4 cups)
• 2 medium carrots, grated (about 1 cup)
• 2 tbsps (tablespoons) olive oil
• ¼ cup dill pickle juice
• ¼ cup dill pickles, chopped
• Juice from ½ lime
• ½ tsp (teaspoon) kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 to 3 grilled serrano peppers, seeds removed
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Coleslaw Preparation: Whisk mayonnaise, pickle juice, and sugar until smooth, then fold in shredded cabbage, grated carrots, and chopped pickles. Taste and season accordingly, then refrigerate to allow flavors to meld.
2. Chicken Preparation: Butterfly chicken breasts, maintaining one connected edge. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, reserving barbecue sauce for glazing.
3. Grilling Process: Preheat grill to medium-high (375-400°F/190-204°C). Place chicken on grates, immediately brushing with barbecue sauce. Grill 5-6 minutes per side, rotating and applying additional sauce, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Optional Pepper Char: Simultaneously grill serrano peppers for 2-3 minutes per side until charred, allowing them to cool briefly after removal.
5. Resting and Assembly: Let chicken rest 3-4 minutes to redistribute juices. Slice or chop as desired. Build sandwiches by layering grilled chicken on toasted buns, topping with prepared coleslaw and optional charred serrano peppers for a spicy kick.

Notes

• Meat Temperature Check: Use a reliable meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption and optimal juiciness.
• Butterfly Technique: Slice chicken breasts horizontally with a sharp knife, maintaining one connected edge for even cooking and preventing dry edges.
• Sauce Application Strategy: Brush barbecue sauce gradually during grilling to prevent burning and create delicious caramelized layers of flavor.
• Resting Matters: Allow grilled chicken to rest 3-4 minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute internal juices and keeps meat tender and succulent.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg