Think tender pulled chicken, drenched in homemade BBQ sauce, topped with creamy coleslaw, and served warm on toasted buns. This BBQ chicken sandwich recipe brings together smoky, tangy, and crunchy flavors in every bite.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or need something quick and easy for your weeknight dinners, this recipe will become your go-to.
As someone who’s worked in recipe testing and food writing for years, I’ve tried dozens of variations and this one hits all the marks: saucy, smoky, tender, and perfectly balanced.
Let’s make one that’ll have you licking your fingers and craving more!
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
- For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- For the BBQ Sauce:
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- For Assembly:
- 4-6 hamburger buns (toasted)
- Pickle slices
- Coleslaw (optional, store-bought or homemade)
Barbecue Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Step-by-Step
1. Cook the Chicken
Slow Cooker Method: Place chicken thighs in a slow cooker. Add chicken broth, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours until tender and shreddable.
Air Fryer Method: Season chicken with the same spices. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
2. Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker or air fryer, discarding the broth (or reserve for another use). Shred the chicken using two forks. If using the slow cooker, it should fall apart easily.
3. Make the BBQ Sauce
In a saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne (if using). Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring until thickened. Adjust sweetness or heat to taste.
4. Combine and Assemble
Toss the shredded chicken in the BBQ sauce until thoroughly coated. Toast the buns in the broiler or a skillet for 1-2 minutes. Pile the saucy chicken on the bottom buns, then add pickle slices and a tablespoon of coleslaw, if desired, before topping with the second half.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your BBQ chicken sandwich hot, with extra napkins handy for the delicious mess!
What Goes Good with BBQ Chicken Sandwiches?
- Sweet potato fries
- Classic coleslaw or vinegar slaw
- Corn on the cob or grilled street corn
- Garlic Parmesan roasted potatoes
- Dill pickles or fried pickles
- Watermelon slices in summer
- Macaroni and cheese
Tips from Renowned Chefs
“Always toast your buns lightly; it adds a delightful crunch and prevents sogginess.” Chef Michael Symon
“A dash of apple cider vinegar in your BBQ sauce can brighten up the flavors remarkably.” Chef Carla Hall
“Don’t shy away from adding a slice of sharp cheddar; it introduces a new layer of flavor.” Chef Bobby Flay
Variations to Try
- Spicy BBQ Chicken Sandwich – Add jalapeños or pepper jack
- BBQ Chicken Sliders – Serve on Hawaiian rolls for party bites
- Pulled BBQ Chicken – Slow-cooked in the crockpot
- Open-Faced BBQ Sandwich – Melt cheese on top and broil
Final Thoughts
This barbecue chicken sandwich recipe is so versatile it can be part of your meal prep, your picnic menu, or a lazy Sunday night meal. It’s also perfect for feeding a crowd just double the ingredients and let your slow cooker do the work!
Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
FAQS
Q1. What is a Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich?
It’s a crispy chicken strip sandwich topped with sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce.
Q2. Can I make a Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich at home?
Yes, it’s easy to make with fried or baked chicken strips and homemade or bottled honey BBQ sauce.
Q3. What toppings go best with this sandwich?
Cheese, lettuce, pickles, and onions pair perfectly with the sweet BBQ flavor.
Q4. Is a Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich spicy?
No, it’s usually sweet and smoky, but you can add jalapeños or spicy BBQ sauce for heat.
Q5. What’s the best bread for a Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich?
A toasted bun, hoagie roll, or Texas toast works great for this sandwich.
