Bbq Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Prepare and season

Trim excess fat from chicken thighs. Pat dry with paper towels. In a bowl, combine salt (1 tsp), black pepper (1/2 tsp), smoked paprika (1/2 tsp), and garlic powder (1/2 tsp). Rub the spice mix over both sides of the chicken. Drizzle with olive oil (1 tbs) and rub to coat evenly.

Cook the chicken

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add the chicken and sear 4-5 minutes on the first side without moving to develop color. Flip and cook 4-5 minutes more until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) or juices run clear. If using a grill, cook similarly over direct medium heat.

Glaze with BBQ sauce

Lower heat to medium, brush both sides of the cooked chicken with about half of the BBQ sauce (use roughly 1/4 cup), then cook 1 minute per side to set the glaze. Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes. Slice or shred chicken to desired thickness and toss lightly with remaining BBQ sauce (about 1/4 cup) so pieces are coated but not dripping.

Make dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (1/4 cup), apple cider vinegar (1 tbs), honey (1 tsp), Dijon mustard (1/2 tsp), salt (1/4 tsp), and black pepper (1/8 tsp) until smooth.

Combine slaw

In a medium bowl, combine shredded green cabbage (2 cups), shredded red cabbage (1/2 cup), and shredded carrot (1/2 cup). Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Chill briefly (10–15 minutes) or serve immediately for crunchier texture.

Toast the buns: Spread butter (1 tbs) evenly on the cut sides of the buns. Place buns, butter-side down, in a hot skillet or on a griddle over medium heat. Toast until golden, about 1–2 minutes.

Build the sandwich: Place a generous portion of BBQ chicken (about half the cooked chicken per sandwich) on the bottom bun. Top with 2–3 tablespoons of the quick coleslaw, a few pickle slices (about 2–4 per sandwich depending on size), and optional sliced red onion if using. Crown with the top bun and press gently.

Serve: Serve warm. Provide extra BBQ sauce on the side if desired.