Oh man, is there anything better than a perfectly messy BBQ chicken sandwich on a warm day? I swear, my mind just drifts to lazy summer afternoons and the amazing smell of smoky goodness. This recipe for Irresistible BBQ Chicken Sandwiches With Coleslaw is my absolute go-to because it’s ridiculously easy and delivers HUGE flavor, thanks to my trusty slow cooker. Forget spending hours slaving away; this method gives you the most tender, fall-apart chicken that’s just begging to be piled high on a bun. Plus, that fresh, tangy coleslaw? It’s the perfect cooling contrast. Seriously, it’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners or when you’re having people over!

Why You’ll Love These Irresistible BBQ Chicken Sandwiches With Coleslaw

Seriously, why are these sandwiches so good? Let me break it down:

Crazy Easy Prep: Toss things in the slow cooker and walk away. My kind of cooking!
Tender, Flavorful Chicken: The slow cooker works magic, making the chicken melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Perfect Flavor Combo: Smoky, sweet BBQ sauce meets zesty, creamy coleslaw. It’s a match made in heaven!
Quick Coleslaw: A simple homemade slaw that’s way better than store-bought.
Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or just a super satisfying weeknight dinner.
Customizable: Easily adjust the spice or add your favorite toppings.

Gather Your Ingredients for Irresistible BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Alright, let’s get down to business! To make these amazing Irresistible BBQ Chicken Sandwiches With Coleslaw, you just need a few simple things. Most of it is probably already in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you’ll need to grab:

For the Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken:

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (the star of the show!)
1 cup of your absolute favorite BBQ sauce (I like a smoky kind, but use what makes you happy!)
1/4 cup water (just to thin things out a bit)
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar (for that little hint of sweetness and caramelization)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (this is KEY for that smoky flavor!)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better, right?)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamy Coleslaw:

1 cup shredded coleslaw mix (easy peasy, store-bought is fine here!)
1/4 cup mayonnaise (creamy goodness!)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for that delightful tang!)
1 teaspoon sugar (just a touch to mellow out the vinegar)
Salt and pepper to taste (always!)

For Serving:

4 good quality hamburger buns (toasted, if you’re feeling fancy!)

See? Nothing too crazy! You can find killer BBQ sauces over at my favorite grilling recipes if you need inspiration. Now, let’s get cooking!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Irresistible BBQ Chicken Sandwiches With Coleslaw

Okay, get ready to impress yourself (and anyone lucky enough to be around when you make these!). Making these irresistible sandwiches is honestly a breeze, especially with the slow cooker doing most of the heavy lifting. We’ll tackle the chicken first, then whip up that amazing slaw. It’s like a two-part harmony of deliciousness!

Preparing the Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

First things first, let’s get that chicken cooking! Pop your chicken breasts right into the slow cooker. In a separate bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, water, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Trust me, that little bit of brown sugar and smoked paprika makes a world of difference! Pour this glorious sauce mixture all over the chicken. Now, cover it up and let the magic happen. I usually cook mine on low for about 4 to 6 hours – this gives you the most tender, shreddable chicken. If you’re in a hurry, go for high for 2-3 hours. Once it’s cooked through and super tender, just grab two forks and shred the chicken right there in the slow cooker. Give it a good mix with all that yummy sauce so every piece is coated. Easy peasy!

Crafting the Perfect Coleslaw

While the chicken is doing its thing, let’s whip up the coleslaw. It’s so simple but SO much better than anything from a deli. Grab a medium bowl and toss in your shredded coleslaw mix. Then, add the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it all up really well until everything is nicely combined and the cabbage is coated. The acidity from the vinegar and the touch of sugar really balance out the creamy mayo. This tastes so fresh and bright, and it’s the perfect cool counterpoint to the rich BBQ chicken. You can totally make this ahead of time and pop it in the fridge – it actually tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to mingle!

Assembling Your Irresistible BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Alright, the final act! Once your chicken is shredded and your slaw is ready, it’s time to build these beauties. If you like to toast your buns, now’s the time to do it – a little golden brown toast adds a nice texture. Spoon a generous amount of that saucy, shredded BBQ chicken onto the bottom half of each bun. Then, top it off with a nice pile of that creamy, tangy coleslaw. Put the top bun on, and BAM! You’ve got yourself an absolutely irresistible sandwich! Be ready for a little bit of delicious mess.

Tips for Success and Variations

You know, even with a super simple recipe like this, a few little tricks can make these BBQ chicken sandwiches even better. Here are some of my favorite ways to ensure they’re perfect every time, plus a few fun twists!

Spice it Up (or Down!)

If you like a little kick, don’t be shy with the heat! You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce mixture when you’re making it. Or, for a different kind of sweet heat, try drizzling my hot honey over the chicken *after* it’s on the bun. If things are too spicy for the kiddos, just pull some plain shredded chicken aside before mixing in all the sauce, or use a milder BBQ sauce.

Bun Brilliance

While hamburger buns are classic, don’t feel limited! Soft brioche buns are amazing and add a touch of sweetness. Even sturdy Kaiser rolls or sturdy sourdough slices work great if you’ve got them on hand. And to toast or not to toast? I’m a big fan of lightly toasting mine on a griddle or under the broiler. It gives them just enough structure to hold up to all that yummy chicken and slaw without getting soggy. It’s a small step that makes a big difference!

Make-Ahead Magic

This recipe is fantastic for making ahead. The BBQ chicken is even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store the shredded chicken in its sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. The coleslaw can also be made a day in advance, although I think it’s freshest on day one. Just mix the dressing and the slaw mix right before serving for the best crunch.

Serving Suggestions

These sandwiches are practically a meal in themselves, but who says no to an awesome side? They’re fantastic with some crunchy, salty homemade french fries – you know, the crispy kind! And you absolutely can’t go wrong with some sweet, smoky grilled corn on the cob, especially when it’s in season. A simple potato salad or even some baked beans would be right at home on the plate too. Anything that screams summer picnic is a winner in my book!

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about these irresistible BBQ chicken sandwiches? I’ve got answers!

Can I make the BBQ chicken ahead of time?

Oh, absolutely! In fact, I think the chicken is even tastier the next day. Once it’s shredded and mixed with the sauce, just let it cool completely, then pop it into an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to 3-4 days, and you can just reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready for sandwiches.

What other types of buns can I use?

While classic hamburger buns are fantastic, feel free to get creative! Soft brioche buns add a lovely richness and sweetness that pairs beautifully with the BBQ flavors. Sturdy Kaiser rolls are also a great choice, or even thick slices of toasted sourdough if you’re looking for something a little different. Just make sure whatever you choose can hold up to that delicious, saucy chicken!

How long does the coleslaw last?

The homemade coleslaw is best enjoyed fresh for that super crisp texture. However, if you have leftovers, they’ll stay good in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days. Just be aware that the cabbage will soften a bit over time as the dressing continues to work its magic.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

You bet! If you prefer dark meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute. They are naturally more flavorful and foolproof in the slow cooker, meaning they’re almost impossible to overcook. Just follow the same steps – they might even get a little more tender than breasts!

Nutritional Information

Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for these Irresistible BBQ Chicken Sandwiches With Coleslaw is an estimate, okay? It can totally change depending on the brands you use and how much of that glorious sauce you pile on. But generally, one sandwich comes in around 550 calories, with about 25g of fat, 35g of protein, and 45g of carbs. Enjoy!

Irresistible BBQ Chicken Sandwiches With Coleslaw

Author: faironplay.com
Total Time: 4 hours 15 min
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A simple recipe for delicious BBQ chicken sandwiches topped with fresh coleslaw.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup BBQ sauce
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 hamburger buns
1 cup shredded coleslaw mix
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Place chicken breasts in a slow cooker.
In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, water, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken.
Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until chicken is cooked through and tender.
Shred the chicken with two forks directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the sauce.
While the chicken cooks, prepare the coleslaw. In a medium bowl, combine shredded coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Toast the hamburger buns if desired.
Serve the shredded BBQ chicken on the buns, topped with coleslaw.

Notes

You can adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to your preference.
For a spicier sandwich, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce mixture.
The coleslaw can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 550
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 1200mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 19g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: BBQ chicken sandwich, coleslaw, slow cooker chicken, easy sandwich recipe, summer meal