Saucy bbq chicken sandwiches are the perfect comfort food, bringing together the best of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors. I remember my grandma making these for our summer picnics, and the smell alone would make my mouth water. Her secret was always simmering the chicken in the homemade barbeque sauce until it was melt in your mouth tender. Today, I’m sharing my updated version of her classic recipe for saucy bbq chicken sandwiches. Get ready for a taste of pure nostalgia!
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Why You Will Love This saucy bbq chicken sandwiches Recipe
This recipe is more than just a sandwich; it’s a warm hug in every bite. What I love most is how easy it is to make, even on a busy weeknight. The juicy pulled bbq chicken is incredibly flavorful, and the sweet and tangy sauce is simply irresistible.
Another bonus is its versatility. You can serve this pulled bbq chicken on slider buns or even over a bed of creamy mac and cheese. It’s always a crowd pleaser for potlucks, picnics, and family dinners.
But really, the simplicity of this dish is what makes it a winner. Minimal effort, maximum flavor!
Ingredients Needed for This saucy bbq chicken sandwiches Recipe
For the Pulled BBQ Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For the Saucy BBQ Chicken Sandwiches:
- 6 hamburger buns or brioche buns
- Coleslaw (optional, for topping)
How to Make This saucy bbq chicken sandwiches Recipe
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium high heat. Sear the chicken thighs on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the BBQ Sauce: Stir in the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if desired). Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer the Chicken: Return the chicken thighs to the pot, making sure they are submerged in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir in sauce, ensuring all the chicken is nicely coated for that trademark saucy bbq chicken flavor. Let simmer for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld making super delicious pulled bbq chicken.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spoon the pulled bbq chicken onto hamburger buns. Top with coleslaw, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the magic of saucy bbq chicken sandwiches.
Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious recipe inspiration! And be sure to check out our article on slow cooker pulled pork for another easy and delicious meal idea.
How to Serve This saucy bbq chicken sandwiches Recipe
These saucy bbq chicken sandwiches are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of sides.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of classic coleslaw for a cool, crunchy contrast.
- Offer potato salad or macaroni salad for a classic picnic feel.
- Consider serving the sandwiches with sweet potato fries or onion rings.
To elevate the flavor profile of these pulled bbq chicken sliders include a variety of toppings, such as pickles, sliced onions, jalapenos for a little boost of flavor, or even a drizzle of your favorite gourmet bbq sauce.
How to Store This saucy bbq chicken sandwiches Recipe
Refrigeration: Store leftover pulled bbq chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the pulled bbq chicken in a freezer safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the pulled bbq chicken in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if the chicken seems dry. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
Tips to Make This saucy bbq chicken sandwiches Recipe
- Ingredient Swaps: Use bone in chicken for a richer flavor and even more tender pulled bbq chicken. Simply remove the bones before shredding.
- Success Tip: Don’t skip the searing step. It adds a深度 layer of flavor to the chicken.
- Common Mistake to Avoid: Be careful not to overcook the chicken. Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough.
- Pro Tip: For a smoky flavor, use liquid smoke by adding it to the sauce. Start with a teaspoon and add more to taste.
Helpful Notes for This saucy bbq chicken sandwiches Recipe
- Chicken Thighs vs Chicken Breast: I prefer to use chicken thighs because they are more flavorful and stay more moist during the long simmering process, yielding better flavor for the pulled bbq chicken. However, chicken breast can be used. Just be sure to reduce the cooking time to prevent it from drying out.
- BBQ Sauce Variations: Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more brown sugar or honey. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Buns: Brioche buns add a nice richness, or classic is always a good bun!
Variation of This saucy bbq chicken sandwiches Recipe
- Spicy BBQ Chicken Sandwiches: Add a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for a fiery kick.
- Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches: Top the sandwiches with grilled pineapple slices for a tropical twist.
- BBQ Chicken Sliders: Use slider buns instead of hamburger buns for a party friendly appetizer.
What is the best way to shred chicken for saucy BBQ chicken sandwiches?
The easiest way to shred chicken is by using two forks to pull the meat apart after it’s been cooked and is still warm. You can also use a stand mixer on low speed to shred the chicken quickly and efficiently.
What kind of BBQ sauce is best for saucy BBQ chicken sandwiches?
The best BBQ sauce is a matter of personal preference. You can use a store-bought sauce or make your own. Consider the level of sweetness, tanginess, and spiciness that you prefer. A homemade BBQ sauce with a balance of these flavors is often a great choice.
What are some good toppings for saucy BBQ chicken sandwiches?
Popular toppings include coleslaw, pickled onions, dill pickles, and extra BBQ sauce! You can also add some heat with jalapeños or a sprinkle of hot sauce. Cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, is a welcome addition as well.
Can I make saucy BBQ chicken sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes, the chicken can be cooked and shredded ahead of time. Simply store it in the refrigerator and reheat it with BBQ sauce before serving on sandwiches. This is a great way to meal prep for a quick and easy dinner or lunch.
Conclusion
These saucy bbq chicken sandwiches are always a hit, no matter the occasion. With their irresistible flavor and easy preparation, they’re sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, put on some good music, crank out some killer pulled bbq chicken for saucy bbq chicken sandwiches, and enjoy the deliciousness that awaits! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how much you loved this recipe!
Saucy BBQ Chicken Sandwiches: The BEST Easy Pulled Chicken!
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
An easy to make saucy bbq chicken sandwiches recipe with melt in your mouth tender chicken simmered in a sweet, tangy, and smoky homemade BBQ sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 6 hamburger buns or brioche buns
- Coleslaw (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium high heat. Sear the chicken thighs on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if desired). Bring to a simmer.
- Return the chicken thighs to the pot, making sure they are submerged in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is easily shredded with a fork.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Let simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Spoon the pulled bbq chicken onto hamburger buns. Top with coleslaw, if desired. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: bbq chicken, pulled chicken, sandwiches, bbq