BBQ Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

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

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

Burger buns: These will hold all the delicious components of the sandwich together.

Coleslaw: Provides a crunchy, tangy contrast to the smoky chicken.

To ensure your chicken breasts remain juicy and flavorful, consider marinating them in a mixture of bbq sauce and a bit of olive oil for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat. Additionally, when grilling, resist the urge to constantly flip the chicken; let it cook undisturbed for the recommended time on each side to achieve those perfect grill marks and even cooking.

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with boneless, skinless turkey breasts: Turkey breasts have a similar texture and can absorb the flavors of the bbq sauce well.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce provides a sweet and savory flavor that can complement the chicken similarly to bbq sauce.

• burger buns - Substitute with ciabatta rolls: Ciabatta rolls offer a sturdy and slightly chewy texture that can hold up well to the fillings.

• coleslaw - Substitute with pickled vegetables: Pickled vegetables add a tangy crunch that can balance the richness of the bbq chicken.

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

• For short-term storage, place the grilled chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• To freeze, wrap each chicken breast individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This method helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the chicken moist.

• When ready to use, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor.

• For the burger buns, store them in a bread box or a sealed plastic bag at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze the buns in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

• To reheat the chicken, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.

• If you prefer using a microwave, place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

• For the coleslaw, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you plan to make the sandwiches later, it's best to prepare fresh coleslaw for the best texture and flavor.

• When assembling the sandwiches after storage, re-toast the burger buns on a grill or in a toaster oven for a few minutes to restore their crispness.

• Finally, assemble your BBQ chicken sandwiches by placing the reheated chicken on the toasted buns and topping with fresh or stored coleslaw. Enjoy your delicious meal!

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 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 method, use a microwave. Place the chicken breasts on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating. Toast the burger buns in a toaster or toaster oven.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken breasts in the basket and heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway 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 chicken broth or water to the pan and cover with a lid. Heat for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally. Toast the burger buns in a separate skillet or toaster.

• To reheat the coleslaw, it's best to keep it cold. Simply assemble the sandwich with the reheated chicken breasts and freshly toasted burger buns, then top with the chilled coleslaw.

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

• Tongs: Essential for flipping the chicken breasts on the grill without piercing the meat.

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

• Meat thermometer: Ensures the chicken is fully cooked by checking the internal temperature.

• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface to season the chicken breasts before grilling.

• Knife: Used to trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts before cooking.

• Mixing bowl: Can be used to hold the coleslaw before assembling the sandwiches.

• Spatula: Handy for toasting the burger buns on the grill.

• Serving platter: Used to assemble and serve the BBQ chicken sandwiches.

• Oven mitts: Protects your hands when handling hot items from the grill.

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: Purchase coleslaw from the store instead of making it from scratch to cut down on prep time.

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

Toast buns together: Toast all burger buns at once on the grill to speed up the process.

Preheat the grill: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before you start cooking to reduce overall cooking time.