Best BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich

Treat your entire family to the ultimate lunch or dinner experience with this sensational Best BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich. Bursting with bold BBQ flavors and a tantalizing hint of spice, this sandwich is crafted between two delectably buttery brioche buns, providing a quick and effortless way to satisfy your cravings in no time. It's the perfect chicken sandwich! Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a satisfying dinner/lunch. The whole family will love this! Gluten-free option.

The Best Pulled Chicken Sandwich

I'm thrilled to share this Best BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich recipe with you all. My childhood love for chicken, especially chicken wings, has influenced my passion for creating delicious chicken dishes. I have fond memories of enjoying well-seasoned, crispy chicken from Popeyes with my Grandmother.

Now, on my healthier food journey, I take pleasure in making my own flavorful chicken recipes, especially using this Easy Shredded Chicken recipe. Creating the perfect pulled chicken sandwich has been a long-time goal, and if you've been following Orchids + Sweet Tea, you know I have a deep appreciation for all things chicken, including these mouthwatering Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders and these Sticky Gochujang Chicken Wings or this Easy KFC Mac + Cheese Bowl [Copycat].

These BBQ-pulled chicken sandwiches make for the perfect summer dinner or lunch option. They are super easy to make and don't require many ingredients + they use the softest, most delicious Vegan Everything Bagel Brioche Bread. And if y'all are into meatless and spicy foods, then I'd recommend taking a peek at this Vegan Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich. 

What is Pulled Chicken?

Basically, pulled chicken (aka shredded chicken) is just the process of ripping chicken apart into a shred-like texture which works in many recipes like sandwiches, salads, appetizers, and more!

How to Make BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich

The awesome thing about this BBQ-pulled chicken recipe is that most of the ingredients are household staples. Plus, it’s easy to mix and match ingredients with whatever you have on hand, so there’s no need to make an extra trip to the store. Instead, embrace the laid-back nature of this healthy meal when it comes to the toppings.

INGREDIENTS

Here’s what I like to make these chicken sandwiches:

• Chicken breasts. Choose organic chicken for this recipe. If you have time, I recommend marinating them overnight before you prepare the pulled chicken. 
• On Everything All-Purpose Blend. This is my go-to for building deep flavor with ease. You can purchase my signature On Everything All-Purpose blend for that bold, well-rounded taste—or use my Homemade BBQ Dry Rub instead.
• Brioche buns. I love to use brioche buns when it comes to eating them. You can use your fave sandwich bun.
• Toppings. In the summer, I like to keep these sandwiches simple by adding Bread & butter pickles or dill pickles, Sliced jalapeños, Coleslaw, or Pickled onions.
• BBQ sauce. If you choose to use a store-bought version, my favorite brand is Stubb’s BBQ Sauce. However, see my Homemade BBQ Sauce recipe for a delicious option!

How to Best Shred Chicken

When it comes to creating pulled chicken, there are two most effective ways to do so. Firstly, you would need to ensure that your chicken is fully cooked and cooled, and then you shred the chicken in one of the following ways:

Forks: For this method, you would need two forks. If using this method, place your cooked chicken breast onto a plate or cutting board and use both forks to separate the chicken meat and 'shred' as you separate. Continue doing this until all of your chicken is shredded.

Stand Mixer: If you're looking to avoid using arm strength, then the method of a stand mixer might be just for you. This is by far the fastest and easiest way to shred chicken, and you simply place all of your cooked chicken breasts in the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the paddle attachment and mix on low. In just 15-20 seconds, you’ll have shredded chicken. That easy!

BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich in 3 Steps

To make these BBQ-pulled chicken sandwiches, there are only 3 main components:

• Tender chicken breasts, shredded and coated in a delicious BBQ sauce.
• Freshly chopped jalapeños and dill pickles for a soft crunch
• Toasted buns---brioche buns.

How to Cook BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich

Cooking BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich is generally an easy process—in total, about 40-45 minutes.

• You first start by cleaning and washing your chicken pieces to ensure that they are clean and ready to be seasoned. I like to wash my chicken with both vinegar and lemon to help keep things clean and sanitized. 
• Once your chicken is clean, then it’s seasoning time! I’m all about seasoning every “layer” of my food, therefore, the chicken gets direct seasoning and so does the sauce. Let everything marinate for 5-10 minutes or overnight tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for the best results.
• Once marinated, remove from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature before baking the chicken breasts in the oven. 
• On the stovetop, stir the BBQ sauce, chicken, and honey together until coated.
• Assemble chicken sandwiches-------wallah!

Why You Will LOVE This BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich

• It's a flavor explosion-- Tangy, smoky, and downright addictive!
• Tender melt-in-your-mouth chicken
• Crowd-pleasing--perfect for gatherings!
• Textural bliss, the perfect balance of soft and crunchy.
• Happiness wrapped between two buns
• The perfect chicken sandwich

WHAT TO SERVE WITH BBQ PULLED CHICKEN SANDWICHES

Although these pulled chicken burgers are AMAZING all on their own--These additions really elevate this meal to the next level.

Fries - Add Spicy Honey Sweet Potato Wedges or Seasoned Crinkle Cut Fries for a classic and satisfying side.

Creamy Coleslaw- Provides a refreshing and crunchy contrast.

Grilled Corn- On the cob for a summery and charred side dish or try this Easy Loaded Corn Salad

Salad- Adds another element of freshness! Try the Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad

Macaroni + Cheese - Because who can resist the combination of cheesy goodness with BBQ? Try one of my many Mac + Cheese Recipes HERE

Cornbread- Add a touch of sweetness to the side with this Vegan Sweet Potato Maple Herb Cornbread

Drinks - Don't forget refreshing beverages like Southern Peach Iced Tea or this Mango Lemonade Kombucha Mocktail.

How to Best Use Pulled Chicken

Not making these BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches? No worries----pulled chicken is so versatile that you can definitely add it to many other dishes.

Shredded chicken can be incorporated into the following foods:

• Pizza-- Try atop of this Best Homemade Vodka Pizza 
• Sandwiches-- You can never go wrong with sandwiches in all their beautiful forms. This Baked BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a sure-fire winner!
• Pasta-- Like this Easy Weeknight Creamy Tuscan Ravioli.
• Baked ziti-- It's an amazing addition to this Meatless Baked Ziti with Ricotta
• Soup-- Is there anything better than a nourishing soup? Add pulled chicken to this Creamy Lemon Broccoli Tortellini Soup

Best BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich Q + A's

More Delicious Chicken Recipes

• Creamy Blackened Chicken with Tortellini
• Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts
• Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup
• Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken
• Delicious Southern Smothered Chicken
• Jerk Whole Roast Chicken
• Spicy Gochujang Chicken Tenders
• Jamaican Pineapple Jerk Chicken
• Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken
• Crispy Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken
• Takeout Orange Chicken

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried my Best BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag me @shanikagrahamwhite on Instagram. I love hearing from you!

Best BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich

July 22, 2022 •

By Shanika

5 from 5 votes

Add some delicious flavor to your lunch or dinner meal with the Best BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich made from shredded chicken topped with simple ingredients.

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 30 minutes mins

Total Time: 40 minutes mins

Serves: 4 sandwiches

Units:

US Customary|Metric

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Ingredients

BBQ CHICKEN:

• 8 cups Easy Shredded Chicken (That's about 3 ½ lbs. of chicken breasts)
• 4 cups BBQ sauce, store-bought or homemade
• 2 Tbsps organic raw honey (You can substitute with maple syrup or Agave as well)
• 2 Tbsps unsalted butter, for cooking

SANDWICHES:

• 4 buns (brioche, potato, or hamburger buns work!)
• Bread & butter pickles or dill pickles
• Sliced jalapeños
• Coleslaw
• Pickled onions

Instructions

TO MAKE THE SHREDDED CHICKEN:

• To make the shredded chicken for these sandwiches, see my Easy Shredded Chicken recipe!

ASSEMBLY:

• In a medium skillet (10-inch) over medium-high heat, add the butter until melted. Add the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, and honey, mixing everything together until combined and the chicken is fully coated. Remove from heat.
• To assemble, prepare your burger buns ( See Notes!), top with spoonfuls of shredded BBQ chicken, and your favorite toppings like dill pickles, coleslaw, pickled onions, and/or jalapeños. Serve with your favorite side----fries, sweet potato fries, salad, or whatever. 
• Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

• STORAGE: Any leftovers can be kept in a separate tightly sealed container and refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• BBQ SAUCE: If you choose to use a store-bought version, my favorite brand is Stubb’s BBQ Sauce. However, see my Homemade BBQ Sauce recipe for a delicious option!
• TOPPINGS: You can always add your favorite toppings such as greens, tomatoes, pineapple, etc. 

Nutrition

Calories: 715kcal | Carbohydrates: 149g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 3239mg | Potassium: 665mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 99g | Vitamin A: 816IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 102mg | Iron: 12mg

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