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Looking for a quick and delicious dinner that satisfies your cravings? This Easy Pulled Chicken Sandwich with Barbecue Sauce is the answer. Tender, shredded chicken is smothered in rich barbecue sauce, piled high on a fluffy sesame seed bun, and topped with crunchy onions. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with this pulled chicken sandwich that brings bold flavors without the fuss. Perfect for any day of the week, it’s quick to prepare and mouthwateringly tasty.
- Quick prep and cook time
- Flavor-packed pulled chicken
- Customizable toppings
- Great for meal prep
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 4 sesame seed hamburger buns
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: ¼ cup mayonnaise
How to Make Pulled Chicken Sandwich
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, shred the chicken using two forks or your hands.
- In the same skillet, add the barbecue sauce and shredded chicken. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- While the chicken is simmering, toast the sesame seed buns in a separate pan or under the broiler until golden brown.
- Assemble your sandwiches: spread mayonnaise on the bottom half of each bun (if using), then top with the pulled chicken mixture and a generous portion of sliced onions.
- Place the top half of the bun on the sandwich and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Results
- For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in barbecue sauce for a few hours before cooking.
- Use a slow cooker for an even easier option: cook the chicken with barbecue sauce on low for 6-8 hours, then shred.
- Adjust the sweetness of the barbecue sauce to your liking; you can mix in some hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Easy Variations
- Swap out shredded chicken for pulled pork or beef for a different flavor profile.
- Add toppings like pickles, jalapeños, or coleslaw for extra crunch and flavor.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free buns to accommodate dietary preferences.
What to Serve With It
- Crispy sweet potato fries
- Classic coleslaw
- Corn on the cob
- Potato salad
- Pickle spears
Storage and Reheating
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Store any leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through. You can also freeze the pulled chicken for up to 3 months; just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield/Servings: 4 sandwiches
Ingredients:
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
4 sesame seed hamburger buns
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: ¼ cup mayonnaise
Instructions:
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken until browned and cooked through.
3. Shred the chicken and mix with barbecue sauce in the skillet.
4. Toast the sesame seed buns.
5. Assemble sandwiches with mayonnaise, pulled chicken, and onions.
6. Serve immediately.
Notes: For extra flavor, marinate chicken in barbecue sauce prior to cooking.
