As the summer months approach, there’s nothing quite like firing up the grill and enjoying a delicious barbecue chicken sandwich. And why settle for just any ordinary BBQ chicken sandwich when you can kick it up a notch with some spicy heat? In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 mouth-watering recipes that combine the classic flavors of barbecue with bold spices and unique twists. From sweet and smoky to tangy and fiery, there’s something on this list for every taste bud.
Whether you’re looking for a classic BBQ pulled chicken sandwich or something more adventurous like a jalapeño pineapple BBQ chicken sandwich, we’ve got you covered. So grab your apron, fire up the grill, and get ready to take your summer barbecue game to the next level!
Classic BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich
Classic BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with the tender, juicy, and flavorful pulled chicken sandwich! This classic recipe is a staple for any barbecue lover.
Ingredients:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 hamburger buns
• Coleslaw (optional)
• Pickle slices (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 275°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken breasts to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Remove chicken from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, bone side down (if applicable).
5. Bake for 2-1/2 to 3 hours, or until chicken is tender and falls apart easily.
6. Shred cooked chicken with two forks, then stir in any remaining marinade juices.
7. Assemble sandwiches by placing pulled chicken on hamburger buns. Add coleslaw and pickle slices if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 to 3 hours
Honey Sriracha Barbecue Chicken Sandwich
Elevate your sandwich game with this Honey Sriracha Barbecue Chicken Sandwich recipe! Juicy chicken, sweet honey, spicy sriracha, and tangy barbecue sauce come together to create a mouth-watering masterpiece.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
– 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, and red onion (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, sriracha sauce, barbecue sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
4. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Assemble sandwiches by placing grilled chicken on buns and adding lettuce, tomato, and red onion if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders
Elevate your backyard barbecue with these flavorful sliders that combine the richness of chipotle peppers with the sweetness of BBQ sauce. A perfect combination for a summer gathering!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 8 small hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, and pickles (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together chicken, chipotle peppers, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Form into 8 small patties.
4. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through.
5. Slather with BBQ sauce during the last minute of grilling.
6. Assemble sliders by placing a patty on each bun, topping with lettuce, tomato, and pickles if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tangy Carolina-Style BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Get ready to sink your teeth into a juicy and flavorful sandwich that’s packed with tangy BBQ goodness! This recipe is a twist on the classic Southern favorite, featuring tender chicken, crispy slaw, and a drizzle of spicy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup Tangy Carolina-Style BBQ Sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw mix (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
4. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through.
5. Slather the Tangy Carolina-Style BBQ Sauce on the grilled chicken during the last minute of cooking.
6. Assemble sandwiches by placing a chicken breast on each bun, topping with coleslaw mix and serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Jalapeño Pineapple BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Get ready to elevate your sandwich game with this sweet and spicy fusion! This Jalapeño Pineapple BBQ Chicken Sandwich combines the tender juiciness of grilled chicken, the tangy zip of pineapple, and the slow-cooked depth of BBQ sauce, all wrapped up in a crispy bun.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup Jalapeño pepper slices
– 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, and red onion (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices.
3. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, mix together BBQ sauce and Jalapeño slices in a small bowl.
5. Brush the BBQ-Jalapeño mixture evenly onto the grilled chicken.
6. Assemble sandwiches by placing the chicken on the bun, topping with pineapple chunks, lettuce, tomato, and red onion (if using).
7. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the chicken is caramelized and the pineapple is slightly charred.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Bourbon Glazed BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Elevate your sandwich game with this sweet and tangy Bourbon Glazed BBQ Chicken Sandwich recipe! This mouth-watering twist on a classic BBQ chicken sandwich is perfect for your next backyard barbecue or casual dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles, and any other desired toppings
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together bourbon, BBQ sauce, honey, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
4. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Assemble sandwiches with grilled chicken, lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles, and any other desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Alabama White Sauce Chicken Sandwich
Experience the taste of the South with this classic Alabama White Sauce Chicken Sandwich recipe. A juicy chicken breast filet, smothered in a creamy white sauce and served on a soft bun, is a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast files
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 hamburger buns
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken breast files with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. While the chicken is cooking, combine heavy cream, mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and horseradish in a bowl.
5. Once the chicken is done, place each filet on a bun and top with the white sauce.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spicy Mango Habanero BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Get ready to level up your backyard barbecue game with this bold and flavorful sandwich! Sweet and spicy mango habanero BBQ sauce brings together juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh cilantro for a taste sensation that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup mango habanero BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 4 hamburger buns
– 6 slices of bacon
– 2 cups mixed greens
– 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
3. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, cook bacon in a pan until crispy.
5. Assemble sandwiches by spreading mango habanero BBQ sauce on the bottom bun, followed by grilled chicken, crispy bacon, mixed greens, and crumbled cheese (if using).
6. Top with top bun and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Maple Bacon BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Elevate your backyard barbecue game with this sweet and savory sandwich recipe. Moist chicken, crispy bacon, and a tangy maple BBQ sauce come together for a mouthwatering treat.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, and red onion (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, cook bacon slices until crispy.
5. Assemble sandwiches by placing grilled chicken on hamburger buns, topping with crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and red onion (if using).
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Korean Gochujang BBQ Chicken Sandwich
This recipe combines the bold flavors of gochujang with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh slaw for a mouth-watering sandwich that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp gochujang paste
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 4 hamburger buns
– Slaw (mix of shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions with a drizzle of soy sauce and rice vinegar)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and sesame oil.
3. Brush the mixture on both sides of the chicken breasts; cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Assemble sandwiches by placing grilled chicken on buns, topping with crumbled bacon and slaw.
5. Cook time: 15-20 minutes.
Serve: Enjoy your spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich immediately!
Peach BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Coleslaw
Elevate your sandwich game with the sweet and tangy combination of peach BBQ chicken, crispy coleslaw, and soft buns.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup peach BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw ingredients:
+ 2 cups shredded cabbage
+ 1 cup shredded carrots
+ 2 tbsp mayonnaise
+ 1 tsp cider vinegar
+ Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together peach BBQ sauce and 1 tbsp water.
3. Brush both sides of chicken breasts with the peach BBQ mixture.
4. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, toast buns on grill or in toaster.
6. Assemble sandwiches by placing grilled chicken on toasted buns.
7. Top with coleslaw (see below) and serve immediately.
Coleslaw:
1. In a bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir until well combined and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Buffalo BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Blue Cheese
Get ready to level up your sandwich game with this spicy and tangy recipe that combines the bold flavors of buffalo chicken, sweet BBQ sauce, and pungent blue cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce
– Tomato
– Blue cheese crumbles (about 1/4 cup)
– Mayonnaise or ranch dressing (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together buffalo wing sauce and BBQ sauce.
3. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Brush the buffalo-BBQ sauce mixture on the chicken during the last minute of grilling.
5. Assemble sandwiches by spreading mayonnaise or ranch dressing on the bun, then adding a few slices of grilled chicken, lettuce, tomato, and blue cheese crumbles.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Guacamole BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Get ready for a flavorful twist on classic chicken sandwiches! This recipe combines tender grilled chicken, creamy guacamole, and sweet BBQ sauce all piled high on a toasted bun.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together diced avocado, garlic, and a pinch of salt.
3. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Spread guacamole on the bottom bun, followed by a piece of grilled chicken.
5. Drizzle BBQ sauce over the top of the chicken, then add lettuce, tomato, and cheese (if using).
6. Top with remaining bun half.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pesto BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Mozzarella
A flavorful twist on a classic chicken sandwich, this Pesto BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Mozzarella combines the creamy richness of pesto with the sweetness of BBQ sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup pesto
– 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
– 4 hamburger buns
– 8 slices mozzarella cheese
– Lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together pesto and BBQ sauce.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
4. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster.
6. Assemble the sandwiches by placing a grilled chicken breast on each bun, topping with mozzarella cheese and desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet and Smoky BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Sweet and Smoky BBQ Chicken Sandwich Recipe
A classic summer sandwich gets a sweet and smoky twist with this BBQ chicken recipe. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and tangy slaw creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup Sweet & Smoky BBQ Sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 6 slices of bacon
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
– Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, cook bacon in a pan until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
4. Slather BBQ sauce on the grilled chicken during the last minute of cooking.
5. Assemble sandwiches by placing chicken on buns, topping with bacon, slaw, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles (if using).
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
BBQ Ranch Chicken Sandwich with Fried Onions
Satisfy your cravings with this mouthwatering sandwich featuring juicy chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and crispy fried onions.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup BBQ ranch dressing
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, cheese (optional)
– 1 large onion, sliced into rings
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a shallow dish, whisk together BBQ ranch dressing and 2 tablespoons of water.
3. Dip each chicken breast in the sauce, coating evenly.
4. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, fry onion rings in hot oil (350°F) for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Assemble sandwiches with grilled chicken, lettuce, tomato, cheese (if using), and fried onions.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pineapple Teriyaki BBQ Chicken Sandwich
This sweet and savory sandwich combines the flavors of grilled chicken, tangy teriyaki sauce, and caramelized pineapple for a mouthwatering twist on classic BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 ripe pineapple, sliced
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, and pickles (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, honey, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
4. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, grill the pineapple slices for 1-2 minutes per side, or until caramelized.
6. Assemble sandwiches by placing grilled chicken and pineapple on hamburger buns.
7. Add lettuce, tomato, and pickles if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
BBQ Chicken Philly Sandwich with Peppers
Elevate your sandwich game with this mouthwatering combination of tender chicken, sweet peppers, and creamy cheese, all wrapped up in a toasted Philly roll.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 4 hoagie rolls
– 8 slices of cheddar cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce and 1 tsp water. Brush both sides of chicken with the mixture.
3. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, grill bell peppers for 3-4 minutes per side, or until tender.
5. Assemble sandwiches by placing grilled chicken on hoagie rolls, followed by sliced peppers and cheese.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Blackened BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Avocado
Get ready to elevate your chicken sandwich game with this bold and creamy recipe. A crispy blackened crust, tender chicken, and a refreshing avocado slaw come together for a flavorful twist on the classic.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup blackening seasoning
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 lime, juiced
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce and tomato (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken breasts with blackening seasoning.
3. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, mix diced avocado, red onion, and lime juice in a bowl.
5. Assemble sandwiches by spreading BBQ sauce on the bottom bun, followed by a grilled chicken breast, a spoonful of avocado slaw, and finishing with the top bun.
6. Serve immediately and customize with lettuce and tomato if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this sweet and savory twist that combines the comfort of melted cheese with the tanginess of BBQ chicken.
Ingredients:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 2 slices of cheddar cheese
– Lettuce and tomato for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices.
3. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. While the chicken is cooking, butter one side of each slice of bread.
5. Assemble the sandwiches by placing a piece of cheese on the unbuttered side of one slice, followed by a grilled chicken breast, and finishing with the second slice of bread (buttered side up).
6. Grill the sandwiches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
7. Serve immediately, topped with lettuce and tomato if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Get ready for summer grilling with these 20 spicy barbecue chicken sandwiches! From classic BBQ pulled chicken to innovative combinations like honey Sriracha and jalapeño pineapple, there’s something for every taste. Try smoky chipotle sliders or tangy Carolina-style sandwiches, or opt for sweet and smoky or Korean gochujang flavors. Don’t forget about international twists like maple bacon and pesto mozzarella. Whether you’re in the mood for spicy or sweet, these mouth-watering recipes are sure to please.