What to Put on BBQ Chicken Sandwich

A barbecue chicken sandwich is a delicious summer favorite that combines smoky, savory chicken with crispy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and tangy barbecue sauce. With so many possible toppings and ingredient combinations, it can be tricky to know what to put on a BBQ chicken sandwich to maximize its flavor. This article will explore the most mouthwatering options for building the ultimate BBQ chicken sandwich.

BBQ Chicken

The star of any barbecue chicken sandwich is, of course, the chicken itself. When choosing chicken, opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Boneless cuts allow for easier eating, while skinless cuts reduce overall fat and calories without sacrificing flavor.

To infuse the chicken with quintessential barbecue taste, marinate or rub the raw chicken with spices before cooking. Some popular options include:

• BBQ dry rub – A homemade or store-bought blend of spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, mustard powder, brown sugar, and kosher salt. Massage the rub evenly into the chicken. Allow to marinate for 30-60 minutes before grilling.
• BBQ sauce – Sweet and tangy sauces lend both flavor and visual appeal. Try marinating chicken in sauce for 2-4 hours before cooking. Reserve some extra sauce for drizzling after cooking.
• Worcestershire sauce – The umami flavor of Worcestershire beautifully seasons chicken. Marinate for just 15-30 minutes.
• Brown sugar and chili powder – This simple marinade of 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 2 tablespoons oil adds sweet and spicy notes.

The cooking method also impacts flavor. For maximum smoky barbecue taste, grill the chicken over indirect heat or smoke on a barbecue until cooked through. Alternatively, bake or pan-fry until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Then let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before assembling sandwiches.

Buns

The foundation of every great sandwich is the bun. For a barbecue chicken sandwich, halves of a soft, pillowy bun work best to soak up any delicious juices and sauces.

Some excellent options include:

• Brioche – Brioche buns have a light sweetness that pairs well with barbecue flavor. The egg and butter enrich the crumb for a soft, cushy texture.
• Martin’s Potato Rolls – These fluffy, potato-based rolls have a just-right balance of heft and tenderness. The potato adds a subtle sweetness.
• King’s Hawaiian Rolls – Sweet, eggy, and buttery, these Hawaiian-style rolls make any sandwich feel like a tropical vacation. Try toasting them for added flavor.
• Ciabatta – Rustic ciabatta has an airy crumb ideal for soaking up juices and sauce. It offers more structure than super soft rolls while still being pliable.
• Pretzel buns – For a play on salty and sweet, use miniature pretzel buns. The pretzel flavor contrasts the barbecue chicken beautifully.

When selecting buns, choose a size that won’t overwhelm the other fillings but will still contain them neatly. Brioche buns around 3-4 inches across work well. Soft potato rolls can be a little smaller at 2-3 inches.

Lettuce

Cool, crisp lettuce adds necessary crunch and freshness to balance the rich chicken and sauce. It also helps keep the bun from getting soggy.

Some excellent lettuce options include:

• Shredded romaine – Romaine’s sturdy leaves hold up well to juicy fillings. The shreds add great texture and absorb moisture.
• Iceberg – Iceberg lettuce is wildly crisp with mild flavor. Shredded or chopped, it provides a refreshing finish.
• Butter lettuce – Sweet and tender butter lettuce almost melts into the sandwich. Use multiple leaves for substance.
• Spinach – Quick-wilting spinach packs vitamins and minerals into each bite. Use a few larger leaves rather than a big handful of shredded spinach.
• Cabbage – For the coleslaw lovers, try swapping mayo-dressed coleslaw for ordinary lettuce. The tangy crunch is hard to beat.

Lettuce is best added in a single compact layer for maximum crunch factor in each bite. Avoid overstuffing with lettuce or using only a few wispy pieces.

Tomato

No great summer sandwich is complete without tomato! When sliced thin, tomatoes add a juicy sweetness that perfectly complements smoky barbecue chicken.

Choose tomatoes at the peak of ripeness for the best flavor, texture, and juice. Beefsteak, heirloom, and roma tomato varieties work especially well. Slice tomatoes about 1/4-inch thick and be sure to seed overly juicy varieties before layering them on.

To keep the bun from getting soggy, limit the sandwich to just 1-2 tomato slices. Any more and the juice will overwhelm the other ingredients. For extra tomato flavor, also consider adding sundried tomatoes, roasted tomato spreads, or tomato jam.

Bacon

Smoky, salty bacon can take a BBQ chicken sandwich to the next level. The crispy pork flavor and fatty crunch pair amazingly with tender barbecue chicken.

To prepare bacon for a sandwich, fry strips until browned and crispy. Drain on paper towels before assembly to remove excess grease. Cut or break strips in half to make them fit the bun better. Limit to just 1-2 half-strips of bacon so the chicken remains the star.

Turkey bacon can provide a leaner alternative to regular pork bacon. Prosciutto or serrano ham also supply salty pork flavor if you want to change it up.

Cheese

Melty cheese raises the cozy comfort factor of any grilled sandwich. For a barbecue chicken sandwich, opt for cheeses with enough boldness to shine through the other robust ingredients.

Some top-rated cheese choices include:

• Cheddar – Sharp cheddar has a tang that contrasts the sweet barbecue sauce. Use thick slices so it melts thoroughly. White vs. yellow cheddar is a personal preference.
• Pepper jack – With a mild kick of heat and melty texture, pepper jack cheese perfectly complements the chicken and sauce.
• Blue cheese – The crumbles of pungent blue cheese add a zesty flavor bomb within each bite. A little goes a long way.
• Provolone – Nutty, mellow provolone has enough presence to add cheesy goodness without overpowering other flavors.

For even gooier cheese, try spreading the inside of the buns with cheese sauce or cheese spread before adding slices. Just take care not to overdo it.

Onions

Onions provide a flavor foundation for any sandwich. Their sharp zing cuts through the rich ingredients beautifully. Caramelized onions add even more sweet complexity.

When raw, red onions have the mildest onion flavor. Thin slices add a pleasant crunch. Vidalia and other sweet varieties are great choices too.

For caramelized onions, cook sliced yellow, white, or red onions with a little oil or butter on low heat until browned and softened. The natural sugars will turn the onions almost jammy.

You can layer both raw and caramelized onions to get the best of both! But use a light hand so their strong flavor doesn’t dominate the sandwich.

Pickles

Briny, sour pickles are a classic barbecue sandwich companion. They cut through the richness with puckery tartness.

Great options include:

• Dill pickle chips – The most iconic choice, with timeless bread-and-butter flavor.
• Bread and butter pickle chips – Extra-tangy for contrasting the sweetness of barbecue sauce.
• Dilly beans – Dill pickled green beans have audible crunch.
• Okra – Pickled okra pods have a unique texture and robust flavor.
• Jalapeño – For spice lovers, slices of pickled jalapeño chilies pack heat.

Use pickle slices or chips rather than whole spears or large pieces. This avoids unwieldy bites and distributes the briny flavor throughout the sandwich. A couple slices are all you need for the right acid punch.

Sauces and Spreads

No barbecue sandwich is complete without sauce! Slathering the bun with extra sauce adds essential sticky sweetness and moisture. Beyond classic barbecue sauce, get creative with other zesty condiments and spreads.

• BBQ sauce – The namesake, your favorite tomato-based, sweet and smoky barbecue sauce is a must for slathering and dipping.
• Spicy mayo – Add 1 part Sriracha or other hot sauce to 2-3 parts mayo for a creamy, spicy spread.
• Pimento cheese – This Southern staple blend of cheese, mayo, and pimentos makes a decadent, flavor-packed spread.
• Chipotle mayo – Smoky chipotles in adobo and mayo pair perfectly with grilled meats.
• Honey mustard – Sweet honey and tangy mustard lend the iconic flavors of classic barbecue side dishes.

Don’t be afraid to layer on multiple sauces and spreads, like spicy mayo with extra barbecue sauce for a flavor explosion.

Extras and Accents

To take your barbecue chicken sandwich to the next level, consider these small additions for big flavor, texture, and presentation:

• Fried onions – For next-level crunch, top with French’s fried onions or homemade onion rings.
• Jalapeños – Fresh sliced jalapeño adds a spicy kick. Or try pickled jalapeño for sour heat.
• Avocado – For creaminess, slice half an avocado and fan it out across the sandwich.
• Cilantro – Fresh cilantro leaves give a burst of herbal flavor and color contrast.
• Sliced radish – Thinly sliced radishes have a peppery crunch that livens up each bite.
• Cornbread croutons – Crumbled cornbread croutons bake up crispy and mesh perfectly with the barbecue theme.
• Coleslaw – For crunch, try topping the sandwich with a small scoop of zesty coleslaw.

Don’t overcomplicate things with too many additions. A few complementary textures and flavors are all you need to accent the core ingredients.

Putting It All Together

Constructing the ultimate barbecue chicken sandwich is all about layering the ingredients for maximum flavor in each bite:

• 1. Toast the buns or rolls if desired. Try brushing with melted butter or olive oil before toasting for extra richness.
• 2. Slather the bottom bun with your desired sauces and spreads, like barbecue sauce, spicy mayo, etc. Avoid drowning the bun.
• 3. Add lettuce in a compact layer, then tomato slices. The lettuce protects the bun from sogginess.
• 4. Add chicken layered or in chunks to cover the vegetables. Resist overstuffing.
• 5. Top with cheese slices if using. Place them edge to edge for thorough melting.
• 6. Add desired toppings like pickled onions, bacon, avocado, etc. in moderation.
• 7. Crown with the top bun and press down gently to compress fillings.
• 8. Spread sauce over the top bun and add any final garnishes like cilantro.

Wrap tightly in foil or parchment paper to help hold structure if eating on-the-go. Best enjoyed with plenty of napkins nearby!

The beauty of a barbecue chicken sandwich is that you can customize and tweak the basic formula to match your tastes. Not a fan of tomatoes or blue cheese? Swap them out for sprouts or provolone. Want extra zing? Double up on spicy mayo and pickled jalapeños. Make this summer favorite your own with your favorite flavors.

FAQs about Building the Ultimate BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Still hungry for more tips on constructing the best possible barbecue chicken sandwich? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Should I use breast or thigh meat for barbecue chicken?

Both have benefits! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs have more fat, making them extra juicy and flavorful. Chicken breasts are leaner with a tender, mild flavor. Mixing a little of both is ideal, but breasts alone work well too.

What’s the best way to add barbecue sauce – marinate or drizzle on after?

For maximum flavor, do both! Marinating before cooking allows the sauce to deeply penetrate and season the chicken. Drizzling extra after construction adds sticky sweetness in every bite without making the bun soggy.

How do I prevent my barbecue chicken sandwich from getting soggy?

Use a sauce barrier – lettuce, pickles, and tomatoes touching the bun directly will protect it from moisture. Limit juicy ingredients like tomato to just a couple slices. Toast buns for extra structure. Keep sauces and mayo spread thin.

Should barbecue chicken sandwiches be grilled?

Grilling adds the most authentic, smoky flavor. However, baking, pan-frying, or smoking the chicken are all delicious cooking methods too. You can even grill just the buns after construction for a quick smoky infusion.

How can I up the flavor without overcomplicating my BBQ chicken sandwich?

Stick to just 1-2 extra ingredients beyond the classics for maximum impact. Things like bacon, avocado, caramelized onions, spicy mayo, pickles, and slaws are easy upgrades.

What’s the best pairing for a barbecue chicken sandwich?

Fries, chips, coleslaw, watermelon slices, and cornbread all make excellent barbecue chicken sandwich sidekicks! Iced tea, lemonade, or cold beer are great beverage choices too.

A Sandwich Worth Savoring

With so many possibilities for ingredients between the bun, the options for barbecue chicken sandwiches are practically endless. No matter how you build it, taking the time to grill or smoke flavorful chicken, layer in vegetables at their peak, and lather on sauces will result in a mouthwatering sandwich that’s worth savoring. Sink your teeth into this juicy, saucy, soul-satisfying specialty soon for a taste of summer!