These BBQ Chicken Sammies are juicy, tender, and coated in a rich, sweet-and-tangy sauce that makes every bite irresistible. This easy comfort-food recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These BBQ Chicken Sammies are packed with bold flavor while staying simple to prepare. The shredded chicken is incredibly tender, the sauce is perfectly balanced between sweet and savory, and the soft buns make them family-friendly and satisfying. It’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together with everyday ingredients.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 6–8 slices sweet bread and butter pickles, chopped
- 6 soft sandwich buns or burger rolls, split
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 large sour deli pickle, chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons grill seasoning blend
- 1 cup non-alcoholic apple juice (instead of beer)
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
Instructions
- In a medium skillet, combine chicken stock and apple juice, then bring to a gentle simmer. Add the chicken breasts and poach for about 10 minutes, turning once halfway through.
- While the chicken cooks, heat olive oil in another skillet over medium-low heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing gently until soft and fragrant.
- In a bowl, mix tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, grill seasoning, and chopped sweet pickles.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, transfer a couple of ladles of the poaching liquid into the sauce mixture and stir well.
- Remove the chicken, slice it, then shred it using two forks. Add the shredded chicken to the sauce mixture and toss to coat.
- Transfer the sauced chicken into the skillet with onions and garlic. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until thick and flavorful.
- Mix the sour pickle with the sweet pickles to create a quick relish.
- Fill each bun with the shredded BBQ Chicken Sammies mixture and top with pickle relish. Serve warm.
Tips & Tricks
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar.
- For a smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Toast the buns lightly for better texture and flavor.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly
Notes
- Apple juice replaces beer while keeping a subtle sweetness.
- Serve with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Add cheese slices if you want a richer sandwich variation.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 12g
FAQ
Can I make BBQ Chicken Sammies ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the shredded chicken and store it in the fridge, then reheat before serving.
Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
You can, but the homemade sauce gives a richer and fresher flavor.
How do I make it less spicy?
Reduce or skip the hot sauce to control the heat level.
Can I freeze the shredded chicken?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 2 months in an airtight container.
What buns work best?
Soft burger buns or brioche rolls are ideal for these sandwiches.
Storage
Store leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist. Freeze for longer storage and thaw overnight before reheating.
Similar Recipes
BBQ Chicken Sammies
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 6 –8 slices sweet bread and butter pickles chopped
- 6 soft sandwich buns or burger rolls split
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 large sour deli pickle chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons grill seasoning blend
- 1 cup non-alcoholic apple juice instead of beer
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
Instructions
- In a medium skillet, combine chicken stock and apple juice, then bring to a gentle simmer. Add the chicken breasts and poach for about 10 minutes, turning once halfway through.
- While the chicken cooks, heat olive oil in another skillet over medium-low heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing gently until soft and fragrant.
- In a bowl, mix tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, grill seasoning, and chopped sweet pickles.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, transfer a couple of ladles of the poaching liquid into the sauce mixture and stir well.
- Remove the chicken, slice it, then shred it using two forks. Add the shredded chicken to the sauce mixture and toss to coat.
- Transfer the sauced chicken into the skillet with onions and garlic. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until thick and flavorful.
- Mix the sour pickle with the sweet pickles to create a quick relish.
- Fill each bun with the shredded BBQ Chicken Sammies mixture and top with pickle relish. Serve warm.
Notes
- Apple juice replaces beer while keeping a subtle sweetness.
- Serve with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Add cheese slices if you want a richer sandwich variation.
Conclusion
These BBQ Chicken Sammies are the perfect mix of comfort and flavor. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, they’re sure to become a go-to recipe for family meals or casual gatherings.