Print

Easy Backyard BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches Recipe with Tangy Coleslaw

bbq pulled chicken sandwiches - featured image
Print Recipe

Tender pulled chicken drenched in smoky BBQ sauce paired with a crisp, tangy coleslaw, all nestled in soft sandwich buns for a perfect backyard BBQ meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (smoky, slightly sweet)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 3 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (vegan mayo optional)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 6 soft sandwich buns or brioche buns (toasted or warmed)
  • Optional: pickles or sliced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken dry and season evenly with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place in slow cooker or Instant Pot.
  2. Pour BBQ sauce, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar over the chicken.
  3. Cook: Slow Cooker on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours; Instant Pot on high pressure for 15 minutes with 10 minutes natural release.
  4. Remove chicken and shred with forks or meat claws. Return shredded chicken to sauce and stir to coat.
  5. In a large bowl, whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Add shredded cabbage and carrots, toss to coat evenly.
  6. Toast sandwich buns in a skillet or grill for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
  7. Assemble sandwiches by piling pulled chicken on bottom bun, topping with coleslaw, adding optional pickles or jalapeños, then capping with top bun.
  8. Serve immediately while warm, with extra BBQ sauce if desired.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for juicier meat; shred chicken while warm for best texture. Toast buns just before assembling to avoid sogginess. Let coleslaw sit 10 minutes before serving to marry flavors but keep crisp. Add extra broth if sauce thickens too much during cooking. Can substitute buns with lettuce wraps for low-carb or gluten-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ pulled chicken, pulled chicken sandwiches, backyard BBQ, tangy coleslaw, easy chicken recipe, summer cookout, quick dinner

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/easy-backyard-bbq-pulled-chicken-sandwiches-recipe-with-tangy-coleslaw/