There’s no need to go to a favorite restaurant for a tasty barbecue chicken sandwich when it’s really simple to make one at home. Our barbecue chicken sandwich recipe features a delicious homemade barbecue sauce that features onion, celery and garlic in it for added flavor. Lovely notes of brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce and apple cider vinegar make this an extra tasty treat. As an added bonus, this recipe uses shredded cooked chicken, so it’s an ideal dish to make with leftovers!
Barbecue Chicken Sandwich Ingredients
- Onion and celery: Chopped onion adds flavor to the sauce after the onion and celery are sauteed together. Dice the celery into small pieces; it adds color and a little crunch to the dish.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds umami to the barbecue chicken.
- Butter: Butter is used as the fat to saute the onion, celery and garlic. It also adds a slight buttery flavor.
- Salsa: Salsa adds a little zing to the barbecue sauce, plus more texture in the form of tomato and pepper chunks.
- Ketchup: Ketchup adds more tomato flavor to the sauce without watering it down.
- Brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a hint of molasses flavor to the barbecue sauce.
- Apple cider vinegar: This gives a tangy flavor to the barbecue sauce, and just a hint of apple essence.
- Worcestershire sauce: This ingredient adds complexity and depth to the flavor of the sauce.
- Seasonings: Chili powder, salt and pepper add more flavor to the barbecue sauce. The chili powder adds a nice smoky note.
- Shredded cooked chicken: Cooking the chicken in advance saves time in this recipe. This is also a great opportunity to use up some leftover chicken!
- Hamburger buns: Open up the buns and toast the insides ahead of time.
- Dill pickles (optional): Pickle slices bring that lovely sour dill flavor that pairs well with barbecue sauce. Pickle spears served alongside the sandwiches offer another way to enjoy the pucker.
Directions
Step 1: Saute the onion and celery
In a large saucepan, saute the onion, celery and garlic in butter until they’re all tender.
Step 2: Make the sauce
Stir in the salsa, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt and pepper.
Step 3: Add the chicken
Stir in the chicken and bring the liquid to a boil. Reduce the heat; cover the pan and let the ingredients simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Assemble the sandwiches
Serve about 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture on each bun, along with a few pickle slices, if desired.
Barbecue Chicken Sandwich Variations
- Use pulled pork: Cooked pulled pork also tastes delicious in this homemade barbecue sauce. Substitute pork for the chicken in the same proportions, and follow the recipe as directed.
- Get a little cheesy: Add sliced cheddar cheese, smoky cheddar or pepper jack to each sandwich for added flavor that pairs well with the chicken.
- Stir in some mustard: Prepared mustard adds a tangy note to the barbecue sauce. Add about 2 tablespoons to the sauce, or more to taste.
- Add molasses: If you enjoy the flavor of molasses, add a couple tablespoons to the barbecue sauce. It’ll thicken it up slightly and add more flavor than the brown sugar. (If necessary, add a little more brown sugar as well to sweeten things up.)
- Bring home the bacon: Add crispy bacon strips to the sandwiches for a deluxe version.
- Add lettuce and tomato: Lettuce and tomato on the sandwich serve as raw elements to balance out the barbecue.
How to Store a Barbecue Chicken Sandwich
Once the chicken cools, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep for three to four days, assuming the shredded chicken was cooked the same day. Reheat the chicken in a saucepan, then add it to freshly toasted buns.
Can you freeze barbecue chicken sandwiches?
Yes, but freeze the barbecue chicken without the buns; the buns may be frozen separately in zippered freezer bags. When the barbecue chicken cools, transfer it to an airtight freezer container. It’ll keep in the freezer for about three months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using it again. Reheat it in a saucepan, adding a little water, as needed.
Barbecue Chicken Sandwich Tips
Can I make this lower in sodium?
Sure, you can make this pulled barbecue chicken sandwich with a no-salt-added ketchup, and omit the salt as one of the seasonings. Also look for reduced-sodium Worcestershire sauce and compare sodium content on jars of salsa before purchase.
Could I make this with leftover turkey?
Absolutely! Shred leftover cooked turkey breast into small pieces, then use it in place of the chicken, following the recipe as directed. Leftover rotisserie chicken is another option.
What could I use in place of basic hamburger buns?
Choose other buns or rolls that hold their shape well, even when moistened with barbecue sauce. Hawaiian buns or sweet rolls work really well and impart a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with barbecue. Hoagie rolls and smaller slider buns are also fun choices. Try these onion mustard buns for something really special!
