Craving a juicy, flavorful sandwich that screams summer? Look no further! This BBQ chicken sandwich recipe is the perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and savory goodness. It's incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, or a casual weekend lunch. Get ready to elevate your sandwich game with this delicious homemade recipe. This quick dinner idea is a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
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For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade!)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
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For the Sandwich:
- 6 hamburger buns
- 1 cup coleslaw (store-bought or homemade – recipe below!)
- Optional: Pickled red onions, cheese slices
Homemade Coleslaw (Optional):
- 1/2 head of green cabbage, shredded
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp celery seed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preparing the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts and toss to coat evenly.
- Place the chicken in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding with two forks.
- Stir in half the BBQ sauce, reserving the rest for serving.
Assembling the Sandwiches:
- Lightly toast the hamburger buns if desired.
- Spread a generous amount of the remaining BBQ sauce on both halves of each bun.
- Add the shredded chicken to the bottom bun.
- Top with coleslaw and any other desired toppings (pickled red onions, cheese, etc.).
- Cover with the top bun and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Sandwich:
- Marinate the chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the safe internal temperature.
- Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different toppings like bacon, avocado, or jalapenos to customize your sandwich.
- Make your own BBQ sauce: Homemade BBQ sauce is easy to make and allows you to control the ingredients and sweetness.
Variations:
- Spicy BBQ Chicken Sandwich: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
- Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken Sandwich: Use a sweet and spicy BBQ sauce for a unique flavor combination.
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich: Grill the chicken instead of baking it for a smoky flavor.
Nutritional Information (per sandwich, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 500-600 (depending on ingredients and portion size)
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 20-30g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
This delicious and easy BBQ chicken sandwich recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Enjoy this healthy meal and remember to share your creations with us! Let us know in the comments what your favorite BBQ chicken sandwich variations are.