Pulled Chicken Sandwich with BBQ Sauce

Pulled chicken sandwiches are a hearty and flavorful dish, perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a party snack. This sandwich features tender, shredded chicken breast coated in a tangy and slightly spicy BBQ sauce, all layered between buttery toasted bread. Whether you enjoy it with cheese, pickles, or as-is, this sandwich is easy to customize to your liking.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can make it as simple or elaborate as you want by adding extras like cheese, pickles, or even serving it alongside crispy fries or a salad. The savory, saucy chicken pairs beautifully with toasted bread, making every bite a delightful mix of textures and flavors. This recipe will guide you through the process of making the perfect pulled chicken sandwich, with tips on how to adjust the recipe to suit your preferences.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients (For 4-6 Sandwiches)

For the Chicken:
  • Chicken breast: 1 lb (450g), sliced into thin filets
  • Bread: Enough for 4-6 sandwiches (any kind: buns, white, sourdough, etc.)
  • Butter: 4 tbsp, preferably unsalted (for pan-frying and toasting the bread)
  • Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
  • Optional: Cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella), pickles or pickled jalapeƱos for garnish
For the Sauce:
  • BBQ sauce: 4 tbsp
  • Ketchup: 3 tbsp
  • Soy sauce: 1/2 tbsp
  • Vinegar: 1 tbsp (white vinegar or apple cider vinegar)
  • Hot sauce: 1 tsp (adjust to your heat preference)
  • Water: 1/2 cup

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
  1. Slice the chicken: Start by slicing the chicken breast into thin, even filets. This will help ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and quickly.
  2. Pan-fry the chicken: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and is slightly foamy, add the chicken filets. Cook each side for about 2 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. Be sure not to overcook, as this can make the chicken tough.
  3. Rest the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, making it moist and tender when shredded.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
  1. SautƩ the garlic: In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter along with the minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until the garlic becomes fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. You can add chili flakes at this stage if you want an extra kick of spice.
  2. Simmer the sauce: Add the BBQ sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, hot sauce, and water to the pan. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more hot sauce, soy sauce, or sugar if needed.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
  1. Shred or chop the chicken: After the chicken has rested, use two forks or your hands to shred the chicken into fine strips. Alternatively, you can finely chop the chicken if you prefer a chunkier texture.
  2. Combine the chicken with the sauce: Add the shredded chicken to the simmering sauce. Stir well, making sure each piece of chicken is fully coated in the rich BBQ sauce. Let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Prepare the Bread
  1. Toast the bread: While the chicken simmers, melt a little butter in a clean pan. Toast the bread or buns by placing them butter-side down in the pan until they are golden and crispy. This will add a nice crunch to your sandwich.
  2. Add cheese and pickles (optional): If youā€™re using cheese, place a slice on top of the bottom piece of the toasted bread, then pile the chicken mixture on top. For extra tanginess, add pickles or pickled jalapeƱos over the chicken.
Step 5: Serve the Sandwich
  1. Assemble the sandwich: Once the bread is toasted and the chicken is ready, assemble your sandwiches by layering the pulled chicken onto the toasted bread. Add any additional toppings you like, such as cheese or pickles.
  2. Serve hot: Serve the pulled chicken sandwiches hot, either with sides like fries, a salad, or just as-is. Enjoy the juicy, flavorful goodness of your homemade BBQ chicken sandwich!

Cooking Tips

  • Donā€™t overcook the chicken: To prevent the chicken from becoming chewy, be careful not to overcook it. Chicken breast cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it while frying.
  • Use unsalted butter: Since the sauces contain quite a bit of salt, using unsalted butter helps control the overall saltiness of the dish.
  • Adjust sauce sweetness and tang: Depending on the brand of BBQ sauce you use, you may need to adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding more ketchup or vinegar. Taste as you go and tweak the flavors to your liking.
  • Variations: You can use different types of bread, such as burger buns, sourdough, or ciabatta, to change up the sandwichā€™s texture. Also, feel free to experiment with different sauces or seasonings, such as adding Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard for extra depth.

Nutritional Facts (Per Sandwich)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
  • Sodium: 1000 mg
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Calcium: 150 mg
  • Iron: 3 mg

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different type of meat?
    • Yes, you can use turkey, pork, or even beef for this recipe. The cooking time may vary depending on the meat used.
  2. Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
    • You can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and assemble the sandwiches fresh.
  3. Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
    • Yes, store-bought BBQ sauce works perfectly fine in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning if needed based on the flavor of the sauce you use.
  4. How can I make this recipe healthier?
    • Use whole wheat bread, reduce the butter, and opt for a low-sodium BBQ sauce to make the sandwich healthier. You can also add more veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, or avocado for added nutrients.
  5. Can I freeze the pulled chicken?
    • Yes, you can freeze the pulled chicken mixture for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat before assembling the sandwiches.

Conclusion

This Pulled Chicken Sandwich with BBQ Sauce is an irresistible blend of tender chicken, rich sauce, and crispy toasted bread. Itā€™s an easy and quick recipe thatā€™s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend meal. The versatility of the sandwich allows you to get creative with toppings and sides, making it a hit for any occasion.

With the option to make ahead and customize the ingredients to suit your preferences, this sandwich will become a staple in your kitchen. Whether served with fries, a salad, or eaten on its own, youā€™ll love how simple and satisfying this recipe is.

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