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A delicious BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich with Coleslaw, dripping with sauce on a rustic bun, served on parchment paper.
Maryam

Smoky BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Slaw

A flavorful and easy-to-make BBQ pulled chicken sandwich, featuring tender chicken simmered in a smoky homemade sauce, piled high on a toasted bun with a refreshing, creamy coleslaw. Perfect for a casual weeknight meal or a summer gathering.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the BBQ Pulled Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1/2 medium Onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 cup Ketchup
  • 1/4 cup Apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Brown sugar packed
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion powder
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper or to taste
  • 1/4 cup Chicken broth optional, for thinning sauce
For the Creamy Coleslaw
  • 4 cups Green cabbage shredded (approx. 1/2 medium head)
  • 1/2 cup Carrot grated
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp Celery seed optional
  • 1/4 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/8 tsp Black pepper or to taste
For Serving
  • 4 Hamburger buns brioche or potato recommended
  • 1 tbsp Butter melted (for toasting buns)
  • Dill pickle slices optional

Equipment

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Mixing bowl (large)
  • Whisk
  • Tongs or two forks
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

For the BBQ Pulled Chicken
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
  4. Add the chicken breasts/thighs to the simmering sauce. Ensure the chicken is mostly submerged. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreddable with a fork.
  6. Remove chicken from the skillet and place on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  7. Return the shredded chicken to the skillet with the BBQ sauce. Stir to coat completely. Let it simmer uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
For the Creamy Coleslaw
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and grated carrot.
  2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, Dijon mustard, celery seed (if using), salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture. Toss well to ensure all vegetables are evenly coated.
  4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the coleslaw to chill.
Assemble the Sandwiches
  1. Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly brush the cut sides of the hamburger buns with melted butter.
  2. Place the buns cut-side down on the hot skillet/griddle and toast for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and slightly crispy.
  3. To assemble, place a generous scoop of BBQ pulled chicken onto the bottom half of each toasted bun.
  4. Top the pulled chicken with a spoonful of creamy coleslaw. Add dill pickle slices if desired.
  5. Place the top half of the bun on top and serve immediately.

Notes

For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce.
The BBQ pulled chicken can be made ahead of time and reheated gently. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
The coleslaw is best made fresh but can be prepared a few hours in advance. If making ahead, toss again before serving.
Use chicken thighs for a moister, richer pulled chicken.