Bbq Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Make Bbq Chicken Sandwich Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Chicken & Marinade
BBQ Sauce
Sandwich Build
Method
Chicken & Marinade
- 1
Prepare and marinate
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. In a small bowl whisk together olive oil and apple cider vinegar and drizzle over the seasoned chicken, rubbing to coat evenly. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- 2
Cook the chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat (or preheat a grill) until hot. Add a small amount of oil or spray the grill. Sear the chicken thighs 4–5 minutes per side, until nicely browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C). If thighs are thick, reduce heat to medium and cover for a few minutes to finish cooking through. Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes.
BBQ Sauce
- 3
Combine sauce
While chicken rests, combine the barbecue sauce, honey, and hot sauce in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Warm gently over low heat on the stovetop for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until the honey is incorporated and sauce is slightly loosened. Taste and adjust: add more honey for sweetness or more hot sauce for heat.
- 4
Coat the chicken
Slice or pull the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces or shred with two forks. Toss the warm chicken with about half to two-thirds of the warmed barbecue sauce until well coated. Reserve remaining sauce for serving.
Sandwich Build
- 5
- 6
Assemble sandwiches
On the bottom half of each bun, pile an even amount of the sauced chicken. Top each with about 1/4 cup coleslaw, two pickle slices (or more to taste), and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or parsley if using. Spoon a little reserved barbecue sauce over the coleslaw if you want extra saucy sandwiches. Cap with the bun tops and press gently.
- 7
Serve warm
Serve the sandwiches immediately while warm, with extra barbecue sauce on the side. Leftover chicken can be refrigerated up to 3 days.