Are you tired of the same ol’ boring BBQ chicken sandwich? I know I am! That’s why I’m super excited to share my favorite toppings that’ll transform your ordinary sandwich into something truly special. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week ahead or just looking for a quick weeknight dinner idea, these BBQ chicken sandwich toppings will definitely hit the spot!
At Feel Good Foodie we believe that a great sandwich isn’t just about the chicken – it’s about all those delicious layers that create the perfect bite. I’ve personally tested dozens of combinations over the years and I’m thrilled to share what works best!
The Foundation: Perfectly Prepped BBQ Chicken
Before we dive into the toppings, let’s talk about the star of the show – the BBQ chicken itself For the best results, you’ll want
-
Shredded chicken: Use Instant Pot shredded chicken for convenience, but stovetop poached chicken works too! If you’re really in a time crunch, rotisserie chicken from the store is a fantastic shortcut.
-
BBQ sauce: While store-bought is convenient, homemade BBQ sauce gives you complete control over the flavors. You can adjust the sweetness, spiciness, and tanginess to your liking.
-
Proper heating: Combine your shredded chicken with BBQ sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring often until everything’s well-coated and warmed through (about 5 minutes).
Essential Toppings for the Ultimate BBQ Chicken Sandwich
1. The Classic Coleslaw (My Personal Favorite!)
Nothing complements BBQ chicken better than a crisp, tangy coleslaw. Here’s how to make a quick one:
- 3 cups coleslaw mix (red cabbage, green cabbage, and carrots)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/2 jalapeño, minced (optional for heat lovers)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Simply toss everything together in a bowl, and you’ve got the perfect crunchy topping that balances the sweet and savory BBQ chicken!
2. Pickle Power
Dill pickles add a fantastic crunch and tanginess that cuts through the richness of the BBQ sauce. You can use:
- Classic dill pickle slices
- Bread and butter pickles (for a sweeter option)
- Pickled red onions for a pop of color and flavor
3. Creamy Elements
Adding something creamy creates an amazing texture contrast with the shredded chicken:
- Avocado slices
- Spicy mayo (mix mayo with hot sauce)
- Greek yogurt with herbs
- Ranch dressing
- Blue cheese dressing (especially good with buffalo BBQ sauce)
4. Cheese Please!
Who doesn’t love cheese on their sandwich? These options melt beautifully over warm BBQ chicken:
- Sliced cheddar
- Pepper jack for a bit of heat
- Smoked gouda for extra smokiness
- Monterey jack
- Crumbled blue cheese
More Creative Toppings to Elevate Your BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Crunchy Additions
- Crispy bacon strips
- Fried onion strings
- Potato chips (yes, right in the sandwich!)
- Fried jalapeño slices
- Crushed tortilla chips
Fresh Veggie Options
- Sliced tomatoes
- Lettuce or arugula
- Red onion rings
- Sliced cucumber
- Bell pepper strips
Fruity Twists
- Grilled pineapple rings
- Thinly sliced apples
- Mango salsa
- Peach slices (amazing with BBQ!)
Saucy Additions
Sometimes I like to add an extra sauce alongside the BBQ for more complex flavors:
- Honey mustard
- Garlic aioli
- Hot honey
- Alabama white BBQ sauce
- Chipotle mayo
Building the Perfect BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Now, let’s put it all together! Here’s my step-by-step guide to building the ultimate BBQ chicken sandwich:
-
Start with the bread: Toast your brioche buns for the best texture and flavor. The slight crispiness prevents sogginess when all those juicy toppings come together.
-
Add a spread to the bottom bun: This creates a moisture barrier. Try mayo, butter, or even a thin layer of cream cheese.
-
Layer the BBQ chicken: Add about 1/2 cup of your warm BBQ chicken.
-
Cheese next (if using): Place it directly on the warm chicken so it gets all melty and delicious.
-
Add your crunch elements: Coleslaw, pickles, or any other crunchy toppings.
-
Finish with fresh ingredients: Any greens or delicate veggies should go near the top.
-
Top bun: Give it a gentle press to compact everything slightly.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Complete your meal with these perfect sides:
Potato Options
- Air fryer French fries
- Baked sweet potato fries
- Potato salad (Dijon mustard or Mediterranean style)
- Baked potato chips
Healthier Sides
- Cauliflower potato salad
- Baked kale chips
- Fresh green salad
- Roasted vegetables
Pro Tips for BBQ Chicken Sandwich Success
-
Don’t overload your sandwich: It’s tempting to add EVERYTHING, but too many toppings can make your sandwich fall apart.
-
Watch the heat when warming your chicken: Keep it on medium-low so the chicken absorbs the BBQ sauce without drying out.
-
Serve immediately: These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh when everything is at the perfect temperature and texture.
-
Storage smarts: If meal prepping, store the BBQ chicken and toppings separately. The BBQ chicken will last up to 4 days in the fridge, while the coleslaw is best within 2 days before losing its crunch.
Regional BBQ Chicken Sandwich Inspirations
Take inspiration from different BBQ regions across America:
Carolina Style
- Carolina vinegar-based BBQ sauce
- Coleslaw (vinegar-based, not creamy)
- Pickles
Texas Style
- Bold, smoky BBQ sauce
- Pickled jalapeños
- Crispy onion strings
- Sharp cheddar
Kansas City Style
- Sweet, thick KC BBQ sauce
- Crispy bacon
- Melted provolone
- Fried onion rings
Alabama Style
- White BBQ sauce (mayo-based with vinegar and spices)
- Pickles
- Coleslaw
- Sliced tomato
FAQ: Your BBQ Chicken Sandwich Questions Answered!
Q: Can I make BBQ chicken sandwiches ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the BBQ chicken and store it separately from your toppings. The chicken will last up to 4 days in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before assembling your sandwich.
Q: How do I keep my BBQ chicken sandwich from getting soggy?
A: Toast your buns, add a barrier spread like mayo on the bottom bun, and keep wet ingredients like tomatoes toward the top of the sandwich. If packing for lunch, assemble just before eating.
Q: Can I freeze the BBQ chicken for sandwiches later?
A: Absolutely! The BBQ pulled chicken freezes well for up to 3 months. The brioche buns can also be frozen, but I don’t recommend freezing the coleslaw as it doesn’t thaw well.
Q: What’s the best bread for a BBQ chicken sandwich?
A: Brioche buns are my favorite for their rich, buttery flavor, but potato rolls, pretzel buns, ciabatta rolls, or even thick-cut Texas toast all work wonderfully!
Q: How can I make my BBQ chicken sandwich spicy?
A: Add minced jalapeños to your coleslaw, use pepper jack cheese, include sliced fresh jalapeños, or mix hot sauce into your BBQ sauce before coating the chicken.
Making It Your Own!
Remember, the beauty of a BBQ chicken sandwich is that you can customize it to your heart’s content! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations until you find your perfect match.
For me, my absolute favorite combo is BBQ chicken on a toasted brioche bun with tangy coleslaw, dill pickles, and a touch of spicy mayo. It’s simple but absolutely delicious!
What about you? What are your favorite toppings for a BBQ chicken sandwich? I’d love to hear your creative ideas!
Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the week ahead, these BBQ chicken sandwich ideas will definitely keep things interesting. Happy sandwiching!
More Sandwich Inspiration
If you love this BBQ chicken sandwich, check out these other sammie favorites:
- Easy Grilled Cheese
- Egg Salad Sandwich
- Tuna Salad
- Chicken Caprese Pesto Panini
- Veggie and Hummus Sandwich
Now excuse me while I go make myself a BBQ chicken sandwich with all the fixings!
What goes with BBQ chicken sandwiches?
Here are some awesome side dish ideas for you:
- flavored ridged potato chips
- potato wedges
- pasta salad
- cut up veggies and salad dressing for dipping
- corn on the cob
How to make this recipe:
- Place the cooked, shredded chicken into a large pot on the stove. Add the ketchup, brown sugar, chili powder, apple cider vinegar, and dried minced onion. Stir well and heat to boiling over high heat.
2. Stir again. Reduce the heat to a simmer and continue cooking for 25 minutes.
3. Lay the hamburger rolls facing up on a large cookie sheet. Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each half. Broil for 3 – 5 minutes or just until cheese is melted. Keep a close eye on this in the broiler so the cheese doesn’t burn!
4. Serve the shredded bbq chicken on the rolls with the melted cheese.