What are the best side dishes to serve with BBQ chicken sandwiches?

Popular side dishes that pair well with BBQ chicken sandwiches include baked beans, mac and cheese, potato salad, and corn on the cob. These options complement the smoky flavors of the chicken and add variety to your meal. For a lighter choice, consider a fresh green salad or pickles to balance out the richness.

Can I freeze BBQ chicken and coleslaw for later use?

You can freeze the BBQ pulled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. However, coleslaw does not freeze well because it loses its crisp texture when thawed. It’s best to prepare coleslaw fresh when ready to serve. To thaw frozen chicken, place it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently.

What cut of chicken is recommended for BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches?

Boneless skinless chicken breasts and thighs are the top choices for pulled chicken. Chicken breasts are leaner but can dry out if overcooked, so monitor the cooking time closely. Thighs have more fat, which helps keep the meat moist and tender, making them a forgiving and flavorful option.

How should I store leftover BBQ chicken sandwich ingredients?

Store the BBQ chicken and coleslaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. BBQ chicken lasts up to 4 days, while coleslaw stays fresh for about 2 days before losing its crunch. Keep buns separate to prevent sogginess. Assemble sandwiches just before serving for best texture.

How can I keep BBQ chicken moist when making sandwiches?

Cooking the chicken directly in BBQ sauce helps maintain moisture and flavor, reducing the risk of dryness. Using chicken thighs also adds juiciness due to their higher fat content. Avoid overcooking and consider shredding the chicken while warm to coat it evenly with sauce for a tender, juicy sandwich filling.

Easy Bbq Chicken Sandwich With Coleslaw Recipe

Name: Bbq Chicken Sandwich With Coleslaw
Prep time: PT-487446H16S
Cook time: PT-487447H45M16S
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts offers lean protein and tender texture, serving as the hearty base that absorbs the BBQ flavors in your BBQ chicken sandwich; 1 large diced onion adds sweetness and depth, enhancing the overall sauce while providing a subtle crunch to the pulled chicken mixture; 2 cups barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade; mix 1 cup ketchup, ½ cup unsalted chicken stock, 4 tablespoons melted butter, 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon hot sauce, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder, 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt) creates the signature tangy, smoky glaze that makes the BBQ chicken sandwich irresistible and ties all flavors together; ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt) forms the creamy dressing for the coleslaw, with Greek yogurt offering a lighter, tangier alternative for a healthier twist; 2 tablespoons honey brings a touch of sweetness to the coleslaw, balancing acidity and making your BBQ chicken sandwich more dynamic; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar adds tang and zest to the coleslaw, aiding digestion with its natural probiotics and pairing well with the BBQ sauce; ½ teaspoon salt seasons the coleslaw perfectly, enhancing the fresh veggies and ensuring every bite of the BBQ chicken sandwich pops; Fresh ground pepper to taste provides a mild spice that complements the BBQ elements without overpowering the sandwich’s fresh profile; 2 cups shredded green cabbage contributes crunch and nutrients like vitamin C, as noted in coleslaw benefits, adding balance to the rich chicken in your BBQ chicken sandwich; 1 cup shredded purple cabbage brings color and additional fiber, boosting the coleslaw’s health appeal and textural contrast in the sandwich; ½ large shredded carrot adds sweetness and vitamins, like those that support eye health, for a nutritious crunch in the coleslaw; Fresh cilantro to taste (optional; add ¼ cup chopped cilantro, ½ minced jalapeño, and juice from 1 lime for extra kick) infuses herbal freshness and a citrusy note, elevating the coleslaw’s flavor in your BBQ chicken sandwich; Hamburger buns or gluten-free buns (about 8 buns) acts as the vessel, with toasting adding extra texture and making the BBQ chicken sandwich more enjoyable; Sliced dill pickles (about 4-8 slices) offers a tangy, crisp garnish that cuts through the richness and enhances the overall taste

Description

🍗 This BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Coleslaw Slow Cooker Recipe offers tender, juicy chicken slow-cooked in rich BBQ sauce for an easy, flavorful meal.
🥗 The crisp, tangy coleslaw complements the savory chicken perfectly, making it a satisfying and balanced dish for quick dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts offers lean protein and tender texture, serving as the hearty base that absorbs the BBQ flavors in your BBQ chicken sandwich

1 large diced onion adds sweetness and depth, enhancing the overall sauce while providing a subtle crunch to the pulled chicken mixture

2 cups barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade; mix 1 cup ketchup, ½ cup unsalted chicken stock, 4 tablespoons melted butter, 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon hot sauce, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder, 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt) creates the signature tangy, smoky glaze that makes the BBQ chicken sandwich irresistible and ties all flavors together

½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt) forms the creamy dressing for the coleslaw, with Greek yogurt offering a lighter, tangier alternative for a healthier twist

2 tablespoons honey brings a touch of sweetness to the coleslaw, balancing acidity and making your BBQ chicken sandwich more dynamic

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar adds tang and zest to the coleslaw, aiding digestion with its natural probiotics and pairing well with the BBQ sauce

½ teaspoon salt seasons the coleslaw perfectly, enhancing the fresh veggies and ensuring every bite of the BBQ chicken sandwich pops

Fresh ground pepper to taste provides a mild spice that complements the BBQ elements without overpowering the sandwich’s fresh profile

2 cups shredded green cabbage contributes crunch and nutrients like vitamin C, as noted in coleslaw benefits, adding balance to the rich chicken in your BBQ chicken sandwich

1 cup shredded purple cabbage brings color and additional fiber, boosting the coleslaw’s health appeal and textural contrast in the sandwich

½ large shredded carrot adds sweetness and vitamins, like those that support eye health, for a nutritious crunch in the coleslaw

Fresh cilantro to taste (optional; add ¼ cup chopped cilantro, ½ minced jalapeño, and juice from 1 lime for extra kick) infuses herbal freshness and a citrusy note, elevating the coleslaw’s flavor in your BBQ chicken sandwich

Hamburger buns or gluten-free buns (about 8 buns) acts as the vessel, with toasting adding extra texture and making the BBQ chicken sandwich more enjoyable

Sliced dill pickles (about 4-8 slices) offers a tangy, crisp garnish that cuts through the richness and enhances the overall taste

Instructions

First Step: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients Start by organizing everything on your counter for a smooth process, taking about 10 minutes to measure and chop. Place 2 pounds of chicken breasts in the slow cooker, dice 1 large onion, and mix up 2 cups of BBQ sauce if making it fresh combine 1 cup ketchup, ½ cup chicken stock, and other seasonings as listed. For vegan swaps, have plant-based chicken ready, and prep coleslaw veggies like 2 cups shredded green cabbage and ½ shredded carrot. This step sets up your BBQ chicken sandwich with coleslaw for success, ensuring all components are handy before cooking begins.

Second Step: Cook the Chicken Pour the 2 cups BBQ sauce into the slow cooker, add the diced onion, and stir to blend, which takes under 2 minutes. Toss in the chicken breasts to coat evenly, cover the cooker, and set it to high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours until tender. Using chicken thighs here can add moisture for low-calorie versions, and the slow heat keeps flavors rich without constant monitoring. Once done, remove and shred the chicken with forks, letting it soak in the sauce for extra juiciness this part makes the BBQ chicken sandwich irresistible and adaptable for gluten-free preferences by prepping fillings separately.

Third Step: Prepare the Coleslaw While the chicken cooks, mix the coleslaw in a large bowl, stirring ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, ½ teaspoon salt, and fresh ground pepper until smooth this takes about 5 minutes. Add 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 cup purple cabbage, ½ shredded carrot, and optional cilantro or jalapeño, tossing well for that crunchy contrast. For variations, incorporate 4 tablespoons Dijon mustard or some BBQ sauce into the mix if you want a tangier coleslaw, adapting for tastes like a lighter Greek yogurt base to keep your BBQ chicken sandwich fresh and healthy.

Fourth Step: Assemble the Sandwich Toast 8 buns with a bit of butter in a pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side for added crunch, then layer ½ cup shredded chicken on each bottom bun. Top with a generous scoop of coleslaw and 4-8 sliced dill pickle slices, pressing gently this assembly is quick, about 5 minutes total. If going gluten-free, use gluten-free buns, or for vegan diners, assemble with plant-based fillings to maintain the BBQ chicken sandwich’s appeal for everyone at the table.

Fifth Step: Finish and Serve Cut the sandwiches in half for easier eating and serve warm to capture the best texture, perhaps with sides like a fresh salad for balance this final step takes under 2 minutes. For picnics or meals, add extras like arugula if desired, ensuring your BBQ chicken sandwich with coleslaw is ready to impress. With about 700 words, this guide helps you master the recipe, turning simple prep into a flavorful, adaptable meal that suits any occasion.

Notes

🔥 Serve pulled chicken over grains like rice or quinoa for a lighter meal option.
🍗 Using chicken thighs adds extra moisture and richer flavor.
🥬 Toast buns with butter to prevent sogginess and add texture and flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3-4 hours (high) or 6-8 hours (low)
Cook Time: 3-4 hours (high) or 6-8 hours (low)
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 508 kcal
Sugar: 40 g
Sodium: 1483 mg
Fat: 19 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
Trans Fat: 0.1 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 34 g
Cholesterol: 105 mg

Keywords: BBQ Chicken Sandwich, Slow Cooker Chicken, Coleslaw Sandwich, Easy Meals