There is something incredibly satisfying about a BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Cilantro Slaw and Pickles Recipe that hits all the right notes: smoky, tangy, creamy, and crunchy all in one glorious bite. This sandwich is an absolute showstopper, combining tender chicken drenched in a luscious homemade BBQ sauce with a bright and zesty cilantro slaw that adds freshness and a touch of spice. The pickles bring that perfect punch of acidity, balancing the rich flavors beautifully. Whether you’re whipping this up for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual get-together, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Cilantro Slaw and Pickles Recipe lies in how simple, fresh ingredients come together to create a flavor explosion. Each component plays a crucial role in the overall taste, texture, and balance, from the creamy Greek yogurt in the slaw to the sweet and tangy barbecue sauce coating the chicken.
- 2 cups shredded chicken: Use cooked chicken to save time and ensure tender, juicy bites.
- 1 ¼ cups homemade BBQ sauce: A flavorful blend that binds the chicken with a smoky, tangy richness.
- 1 lime (juiced): Adds a bright, zesty freshness to the slaw, cutting through richness.
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt: Provides creaminess and a slight tang in the cilantro slaw.
- 3 cups coleslaw mix: A crisp, crunchy base full of cabbage and carrots that keep the slaw light and refreshing.
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro: Brings herbaceous brightness to the slaw.
- ½ jalapeño (minced, optional): Adds a subtle kick of heat to balance the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other ingredients without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Offers a mild warmth and spice.
- 4 Brioche buns (toasted): Soft, slightly sweet buns that cradle the sandwich perfectly.
- Sliced dill pickles (optional): Provide a crisp, tangy bite that cuts through the richness.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Cilantro Slaw and Pickles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Chicken
Start by warming the shredded chicken over medium-low heat in a large saucepan, combining it with your homemade BBQ sauce. This step ensures that every bit of chicken is lovingly coated with that rich, smoky sauce, sealing in flavor and moisture. Stir frequently for about 5 minutes until the chicken is heated through and saucy perfection is achieved. Once ready, take it off the heat and get ready for the next component.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cilantro Slaw
Grab a large bowl and toss together the coleslaw mix, chopped cilantro, and minced jalapeño if you’re feeling adventurous with spice. Add the Greek yogurt, freshly squeezed lime juice, salt, and black pepper to this colorful mix. Stir everything thoroughly until each vegetable strand gleams with a creamy, zesty coating. This slaw provides crunch, brightness, and a cooling contrast to the warm, smoky chicken.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
Now comes the fun part—assembling your sandwich! Toast the brioche buns lightly so they have just enough firmness to hold all the fillings without becoming soggy. Spoon about a heaping ½ cup of the warm BBQ chicken onto the bottom bun, then pile on a generous handful of cilantro slaw. If you love pickles, layer a few slices on top for that classic tangy crunch. Finally, cap it with the top bun and give it a gentle press to hold everything together.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Cilantro Slaw and Pickles Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of extra fresh cilantro or a few jalapeño slices on top can take these sandwiches from great to unforgettable. These simple garnishes not only brighten the presentation but also reinforce the fresh and vibrant flavors in the slaw. A light drizzle of extra BBQ sauce or a dash of smoked paprika can also enhance the smoky vibe.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs beautifully with crispy sweet potato fries, a simple garden salad, or classic kettle-cooked chips. If you want to keep the meal light, fresh corn on the cob or grilled veggies bring sweet, smoky flavors that complement the sandwich perfectly. For a comforting meal, consider creamy mac and cheese on the side, which meshes wonderfully with the tangy slaw and BBQ chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive twist, turn this BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Cilantro Slaw and Pickles Recipe into sliders for parties or picnics. Serve them on mini brioche buns for easy handling and sharing. Another idea is to deconstruct the sandwich into a bowl—layers of BBQ chicken, slaw, and pickles served over a bed of mixed greens for a lighter, fork-friendly option that’s just as delightful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover BBQ chicken and cilantro slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. The chicken keeps well for about 3-4 days, while the slaw is best consumed within 1-2 days for peak crunch.
Freezing
You can freeze the BBQ chicken in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing the slaw, as the fresh vegetables and yogurt dressing don’t hold up well to freezing and thawing. Just thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the BBQ chicken gently in a saucepan over low heat or microwave it briefly, stirring occasionally to warm it evenly. Assemble with freshly made or leftover slaw and pickles to keep the texture vibrant and satisfying when served.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a perfect shortcut and works wonderfully in this BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Cilantro Slaw and Pickles Recipe. Just shred the meat and proceed as directed for quick, delicious results.
Is the jalapeño necessary in the slaw?
Nope, it’s entirely optional. The jalapeño adds a touch of heat that complements the creamy slaw, but if you prefer a milder sandwich, you can skip it without losing any of the other fantastic flavors.
What if I don’t have brioche buns?
While brioche buns add a lovely sweetness, you can use any sturdy sandwich roll or bun you have on hand. Pretzel buns, potato rolls, or classic hamburger buns all work well and change the character slightly to your liking.
Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the shredded chicken for grilled or smoked jackfruit, which absorbs BBQ sauce beautifully. The cilantro slaw and pickles remain the perfect crunchy, tangy companions for a satisfying vegetarian version.
How spicy is the sandwich?
The spice level is mild to moderate, mainly coming from the optional jalapeño in the slaw. You can adjust the amount of jalapeño or omit it completely to keep things gentle. The BBQ sauce also typically has a sweet, smoky profile rather than heat.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the harmony of flavors and textures in this BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Cilantro Slaw and Pickles Recipe. Each bite delivers a balance of smoky, creamy, fresh, and tangy that feels like a warm hug wrapped in a bun. Give this recipe a try the next time you want to impress your family or friends with something easy yet incredibly flavorful. It just might become your new favorite go-to sandwich!
PrintBBQ Chicken Sandwich with Cilantro Slaw and Pickles Recipe
This BBQ Chicken Sandwich recipe features tender shredded chicken smothered in homemade BBQ sauce, served on toasted brioche buns with a zesty lime and Greek yogurt coleslaw. Perfect for a quick, flavorful lunch or dinner that combines smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Chicken and BBQ Sauce
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 1 ¼ cups homemade BBQ sauce
Slaw
- 3 cups coleslaw mix
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- ½ jalapeño, minced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
- 1 lime, juiced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Additional
- 4 Brioche buns, toasted
- Sliced dill pickles (optional)
Instructions
- Make the chicken: In a large saucepan, combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, until the chicken is well coated in the sauce and warmed through, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.
- Make the slaw: Add the coleslaw mix, chopped cilantro, minced jalapeño (if using), Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, and black pepper to a large bowl. Toss everything together until well combined and evenly coated.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Spoon about a heaping ½ cup of the BBQ chicken onto the bottom half of each toasted brioche bun. Top with a generous amount of the prepared slaw and add sliced dill pickles if desired. Place the top bun on and serve the sandwiches warm.
Notes
- For added heat, feel free to add more jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce to the slaw.
- Homemade BBQ sauce can be substituted with your favorite store-bought brand.
- To keep the buns from getting soggy, toast them well before assembling the sandwich.
- This recipe can be easily doubled to serve a larger group.
- Leftover chicken mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.