BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Yumna Jawad

Updated Aug 08, 2025

5 from 1 review

Shredded BBQ chicken sandwich with homemade coleslaw on a bun. Use pre-shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken, which takes 15 minutes to prep and serve!

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Servings 4 sandwiches
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Homemade bbq shredded chicken sandwich with coleslaw on a plate with chips.
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Make BBQ chicken sandwiches for dinner!

Whenever I make shredded chicken, I always set aside enough to make some BBQ chicken sandwiches later in the week. I just toss the chicken in the sauce, let it simmer until everything’s warm and well-coated, and it’s good to go. Plus, it takes all of 15 mins to prep!

When I am feeling up to it I do love to add a fresh slaw on top! I mix lime juice, Greek yogurt, and a bit of minced jalapeño with coleslaw mix, giving it a nice crunch and a little kick.

Happy Cooking!
– Yumna

BBQ Chicken Sandwich Ingredients

Ingredients to make recipe: shredded chicken, bbq sauce, lime, greek yogurt, coleslaw mix, cilantro, jalapeno, salt and pepper, plus buns and pickles.
  • Shredded chicken: This recipe is best with my Instant Pot shredded chicken, but if you don’t have an Instant Pot, check out my post on how to make shredded chicken or how to poach chicken on a stovetop. You can also use a store-bought rotisserie chicken or any leftover chicken that you can shred into small pieces.
  • BBQ sauce: I recommend my homemade BBQ sauce. Store-bought sauce is convenient, but making your own lets you control the flavor!
  • Coleslaw mix: Look for a coleslaw mix with a combination of red cabbage, green cabbage, and shredded carrots. I like using a coleslaw mix because it saves time on prep and cleanup, but you can cut cabbage at home.
  • Greek yogurt: Adds light creaminess to the coleslaw. For extra heat, use spicy mayo instead.
  • Lime: Fresh is bet, but you can used bottled.
  • Cilantro: Here’s a quick tutorial on how to chop cilantro.
  • Jalapeño: It’s optional, but if you like heat, I recommend adding minced jalapeño to the coleslaw.
  • Spices: Just salt and pepper to taste.
  • Dill pickles: Pickles are optional, but I highly recommend them! You can also make pickled red onions.
  • Brioche buns: These rich and buttery buns, but any bun will work!

How to Make BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Make the Chicken

Bbq sauce on top of shredded chicken before combining.
Step 1: In a large saucepan, combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce.
Shredded chicken and bbq sauce in a pot.
Step 2: Heat, stirring often, until the chicken is well coated in the sauce and warmed through.

Make the Coleslaw

Ingredients for slaw in a bowl.
Step 1: Add the coleslaw mix, cilantro, jalapeño, Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, and pepper to a large bowl.
Slaw after mixing.
Step 2: Toss until well combined.
BBQ chicken sandwich on a plate with chips.

BBQ Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Author: Yumna Jawad
5 from 1 review
Easy shredded BBQ chicken sandwich with homemade coleslaw on a brioche bun. Use pre-shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken, which takes 15 minutes to prep and serve!
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Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Servings4 sandwiches
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Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

For the Slaw:

  • 1 lime juiced
  • 1 tablespoons Greek yogurt
  • 3 cups coleslaw mix
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
  • ½ jalapeño minced (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Assembly:

  • 4 Brioche buns toasted
  • sliced dill pickles optional

Instructions

  • Make the chicken: In a large saucepan, combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, until the chicken is well coated in the sauce and warmed through, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.
  • Make the slaw: Add the coleslaw mix, cilantro, jalapeño, Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, and pepper to a large bowl. Toss until well combined.
  • To assemble, add about a heaping ½ cup of chicken to the bottom of each brioche bun. Top with a heaping pile of slaw and pickles, if desired. Add the top bun and serve warm.

Equipment

Notes

The nutrition label includes the brioche buns.
Storage: Store the BBQ shredded chicken and the coleslaw in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The BBQ shredded chicken will last up to 4 days, and the coleslaw will last up to 2 days before it starts losing its crunchy texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwich, Calories: 652kcal, Carbohydrates: 80g, Protein: 29g, Fat: 25g, Saturated Fat: 12g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 196mg, Sodium: 1514mg, Potassium: 491mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 32g, Vitamin A: 1096IU, Vitamin C: 27mg, Calcium: 118mg, Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.

Did You Make This Recipe?
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Recipe Tips

  1. Watch the heat. Keep the heat on medium-low while you warm the chicken so it absorbs the BBQ sauce without overcooking. If the heat is too high, the chicken could dry out.
  2. Toast the buns. Toasting the brioche buns adds flavor and a touch of crispiness that may help prevent the sandwiches from becoming soggy when assembled.
  3. Serve immediately. Enjoy the BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches while they’re still warm and freshly assembled. If you’re making them ahead of time, keep the components separate until you’re ready to serve so the buns don’t get soggy.
Shredded bbq chicken in a pot for sandwiches.

Serving Ideas

FAQs

How do I store and reheat the BBQ chicken sandwich?

Store the BBQ shredded chicken and the coleslaw in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The BBQ shredded chicken will last up to 4 days, and the coleslaw will last up to 2 days before it starts losing its crunchy texture. To reheat, warm the BBQ chicken in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until warmed through, or in the microwave until heated through.

Can I freeze the BBQ chicken sandwich?

You can freeze the BBQ pulled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. The brioche buns are also freezer-friendly, but I don’t recommend freezing the coleslaw, as it doesn’t thaw well. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until warmed through, or in the microwave until heated through. The brioche buns will thaw at room temperature in under an hour.

Four bbq chicken sandwiches on a platter, topped with a homemade coleslaw.

More Sandwich Recipes:

5 from 1 vote

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Comments

  1. freyja says:

    So yummy and juicy, definitely Mediterranean vibes. Love this new recipe and so does my family! I’m only 13 years old and I honestly love these recipes I make them for me and my family (if I want to) haha

    Reply
    1. Yumna J. says:

      Aww, so sweet of you to make new recipes for your family!! Thank you so much, Freyja!!

      Reply