If you’re looking to make a smoky backyard bliss sandwich that tastes absolutely amazing, make this Smoky Backyard BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich recipe that you’ll be craving all year long. The recipe’s step-by-step instructions are explained in very simple terms.
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Smoky Backyard BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich Recipe: A Perfect Backyard Bliss
- If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, there’s nothing like a BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich, with shredded chicken drenched in smoky barbecue sauce.
- It’s piled high on soft buns and topped with a creamy coleslaw.
- This classic American backyard barbecue recipe is delicious and simple, packed into a mouthwatering bite.
- If you’re planning a summer meal, cooking outdoors, or just want a cozy dinner, this sandwich is sure to never go out of style.
- All the step-by-step instructions for making this recipe are explained in simple terms. This guide will help you learn the best barbecue pulled chicken recipe at home. It’s delicious, tender, and full of that distinctive smoky sweetness.
- It also offers some special tips on how to make your sandwich perfect every time. Some great serving tips are provided, and questions are answered at the end to help you fix mistakes.
Why this Barbecue Pulled Chicken Sandwich is special:-
- This succulent chicken is unlike store-bought sandwiches, which tend to be too sweet or dry. This homemade sandwich has it all-
- A thick, smoky, sweet barbecue sauce.
- A balance of spicy, salty, and slightly spicy flavors is maintained.
- A perfectly soft, toasted bun is everything.
- This sandwich tastes delicious, like it’s straight from a professional smoker. You can cook this recipe on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.
All the ingredients needed:
All the ingredients for a great smoky backyard barbecue pulled chicken sandwich recipe are listed. Gather the ingredients first, then begin cooking.
Chicken Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- Use 2 pounds of boneless and skinless chicken breast or thighs.
- Pepper and salt to taste
BBQ ingredients, to make at home:
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke, optional for extra smokiness
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional – for spiciness
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- Salt to taste
Serving ingredients:
- 1 cup coleslaw, optional – but very disciplined
- 5 to 6 brioche buns
- Onion slices or pickles, optional
- Butter, to toast the buns
Step-by-step instructions:
To make this classic and delicious chicken sandwich recipe, follow these steps.
1. Seasoning and Roasting the Chicken
- First, pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any excess water.
- Use a small bowl and add the ingredients in the appropriate quantities:
- garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, chili powder, and pepper, and mix thoroughly.
- Now, thoroughly rub the prepared seasoning mixture over all the chicken pieces.
- Use a Dutch oven or large skillet and heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Now, sear the chicken on both sides for 3 to 4 minutes, turning until golden brown. This helps preserve the flavor and enhances the meat’s beautiful color.
2. Cooking and Finely Chopping
- Use a skillet or pot and add the chicken broth.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is tender or cooked through.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Use two forks and cut the chicken into small pieces.
Tips: If using a slow cooker, combine the marinated chicken and broth and cook on low heat for 5 to 6 hours, or on high heat for 3 hours, then chop finely.
3. Making the Barbecue Sauce
While your chicken is cooking in the slow cooker, prepare your homemade barbecue sauce.
- Use a saucepan. In a pan, add:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Ketchup
- Brown sugar
- Molasses
- Dijon mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- Liquid smoke
- Salt and cayenne pepper and mix well.
- Cook over medium heat for 11 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- After cooking, taste lightly and adjust:
- Use more vinegar for spiciness,
- Sugar for sweetness, or cayenne pepper for spiciness.
- Homemade barbecue sauce gives the chicken a unique flavor that’s spicy, thick, and perfectly balanced.
4. Mixing the Chicken and Sauce
- Now, use a mixing bowl and return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Pour barbecue sauce over the top and cook over low heat for 8 to 10 minutes to combine.
- This step is crucial and ensures that your homemade pulled chicken absorbs the deep, smoky barbecue flavor.
5. Toasting the Buns
- Cut hamburger buns or brioche in half and brush a little butter on both sides.
- Now grill them for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly crisp and golden brown.
- When you test the bun, it doesn’t get soggy and prevents it from becoming soggy, giving it a wonderful crispness.
6. Assembling the Sandwich
- This is the fun part, creating a masterpiece—
- Place a generous scoop of barbecue pulled chicken on the bottom of the bun.
- Place a dollop of creamy coleslaw on top for a refreshing and crunchy texture.
- If you like onions or pickles, add slices.
- Cover it evenly with the top bun and press it down slightly.
- Now your Smoky Backyard Barbecue Pulled Chicken Sandwich recipe is ready. Serve hot with chips or beans if you want a true American barbecue experience.
Some tips for the perfect barbecue pulled chicken sandwich:
- For the most succulent, use darker meat or thighs.
- For the best flavor and texture, roasting is essential.
- For easy shredding, cook the chicken over low heat, which will tenderize it.
- If you make barbecue sauce at home, it tastes even better than bottled sauce.
- It’s important to let the chicken rest for a while after cooking, as resting before slicing keeps every piece juicy.
Storage and Reheat:
- To store leftover barbecue pulled chicken for 3 to 4 days, use an airtight container and refrigerate.
- Refrigerate: This recipe can be refrigerated for up to 2 months and can be reheated on the stovetop by adding a little broth or water for moisture.
- Reheat:
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
How to Serve a Barbecue Pulled Chicken Sandwich –
- This sandwich is great with:
- with beans
- corn on the cob
- classic potato salad
- coleslaw and pickles
- or mac and cheese, and it’s a great comfort food.
- Leftover pulled chicken can be used to top tacos, wraps, sliders, or pizza.
Some Variations: Try these twists:
- For honey barbecue – add two tablespoons of honey to the sauce.
- For spicy barbecue pulled chicken – add hot sauce or extra cayenne pepper.
- Asian fusion – for a sweet-savory twist, try teriyaki or hoisin sauce. Be sure to avoid barbecue sauce.
- For Buffalo style – for a spicy flavor, mix half Buffalo sauce and half barbecue sauce.
Reasons to Love:
Everyone loves this Smoky Backyard BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich recipe because:
- It’s made with very simple pantry ingredients
- It’s very easy to make, making it perfect for beginners.
- You can customize the recipe to your taste preferences
- The recipe can be stored in the freezer and ready to eat
- This recipe is perfect for a summer party or even a family dinner.
- It’s not a sandwich; it’s a sandwich with the flavor of American barbecue tradition in every bite.
FAQ, Smoky BBQ Barbecue Pulled Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Questions based on this recipe are answered, and you can learn how to correct mistakes.
Q. Which bun is best?
A soft brioche bun is ideal because it’s buttery and slightly sweet, which complements the smoky barbecue sauce so well, and it’s even more amazing with potato buns or Kaiser rolls.
Q, Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Shred store-bought rotisserie chicken and toss it with homemade barbecue sauce, making it a great way to make this recipe for a delicious and quick shortcut on busy days.
Q. What is pulled chicken and pulled pork?
It has much less fat than pulled chicken and pulled pork, so it cooks much faster. It has a milder flavor, so it pairs well with spicy sauces like barbecue, Buffalo, or honey mustard.
Q. Can I prepare pulled chicken sandwiches ahead?
Yes! You can make pulled chicken two days in advance and reheat it with a little water or broth before serving, which will keep it moist.
Q. How to make a barbecue pulled chicken sandwich healthier?
You should avoid using thighs; instead, use whole-wheat buns, sugar-free barbecue sauce, and grilled chicken breast. For a lighter meal, you can add a side salad or grilled vegetables, which is incredibly delicious and healthy.
Q. Can this recipe be made in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Add a marinated chicken and a cup of broth to your Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 10 to 12 minutes, then cook on natural release for 5 to 7 minutes, then shred. Then, toss in a generous amount of barbecue sauce and cook on sauté mode for another 5 to 6 minutes.
Q. How can I make this recipe more smoky without a smoker?
Use smoked paprika in your seasoning or add a few drops of liquid smoky sauce, and briefly sauté the shredded chicken in a pan to get a smoky flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Smoky BBQ Barbecue Pulled Chicken Sandwich recipe is a warm and memorable take on classic American comfort food, spicy, juicy chicken, barbecue sauce, a toasted bun, and a creamy coleslaw.
It all comes together to create an easy, indulgent, and delicious meal. (Barbecue Sandwich)
You can make this and enjoy it with your family and friends, so get your stove or slow cooker started and grab some buns and make a great barbecue sauce pulled chicken sandwich. Once you try homemade, you won’t be able to go back to takeout.