Craving a meal that’s equal parts easy, flavorful, and totally satisfying? Let’s talk about the magic of a bbq pulled chicken sandwich with slaw—the definition of an easy meal that’s bursting with juicy, smoky goodness and a crunch you’ll crave long after lunch is over. Whether you’re a meal-prep ninja or just looking for something fun to serve your family, this is a sandwich that delivers every time. And yes, the “bbq pulled chicken, sandwich, slaw, easy meal” keywords are in here because this one seriously ticks every box.
Trust me, this isn’t just any sandwich. This is the meal you whip up when you want comfort food that’s not going to leave you feeling sluggish. It’s picnic-perfect, weeknight-friendly, and—best of all—so simple you’ll wonder why you don’t make it every week.
Why You’ll Love BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches (With Slaw!)
Let’s get straight to the point—what makes this bbq pulled chicken sandwich an easy meal worth repeating?
- Packed with flavor: The sweet, tangy bbq sauce hugs every piece of shredded chicken for a bite that’s always juicy.
- Great textures: The slaw brings crisp, creamy contrast. (Pro tip: it also prevents soggy buns!)
- Quick to assemble: Once you have the chicken and slaw ready, you can build these sandwiches in seconds.
- Ideal for meal prep: Cook the chicken ahead, store the slaw in the fridge, and you’re always 5 minutes away from lunch.
- Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for game day, backyard BBQs, or weekday dinners when you’re tired of takeout.
I’ve made these for work potlucks, family get-togethers, and lazy summer picnics. They always disappear fast.
The Best BBQ Pulled Chicken: Ingredients & Prep
What You’ll Need:
For the BBQ Pulled Chicken:
- 2–3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 cup of your favorite bbq sauce (smoky, sweet, spicy, or classic)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
For the Slaw:
- 2 cups shredded green or purple cabbage (or coleslaw mix)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup mayo (or Greek yogurt for a lighter twist)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or sugar
- Salt, black pepper
- Optional: celery seed, chopped parsley
For Serving:
- 4–6 soft sandwich buns (brioche or whole wheat are excellent)
- Pickle chips (for that extra zing)
- Extra bbq sauce for drizzling
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How to Make BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches the Easy Way
Step 1: Cook the Chicken (Your Way!)
Option 1: Slow Cooker (My lazy favorite)
- Add chicken, broth, half the bbq sauce, and seasonings to your slow cooker.
- Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
- Shred the chicken with two forks and stir in the remaining bbq sauce.
Option 2: Instant Pot
- Place all chicken, broth, and spices in the pot. Pressure cook for 10 minutes.
- Let it naturally release for 5 minutes, then shred and sauce it up.
Option 3: Stovetop
- Simmer chicken, broth, and spices covered on low for 25–30 minutes.
- Shred and toss with bbq sauce.
Pro Tip:
Shred chicken while it’s hot so it soaks up every drop of sauce. Don’t skimp on the sauce—you want this sandwich messy (in a good way).
Step 2: Toss Together the Slaw
- Combine cabbage and carrots in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk mayo, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage, toss, and let chill for at least 15 minutes (longer is even better).
- Taste and adjust the seasoning. Want a little heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or some jalapeño slices.
Side Note:
Store-bought coleslaw mix is totally fine. Life’s too short to shred everything by hand unless you’re feeling zen.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
- Toast the Buns: (Optional, but highly recommended for texture and anti-sogginess.)
- Pile on the Chicken: Heap bbq pulled chicken onto the bottom bun.
- Add the Slaw: Scoop a generous pile of slaw on top.
- Top with Pickles: Totally optional, but highly encouraged.
- Add the Bun Top: Press down gently—things are about to get deliciously messy.
Side Note: The Sandwich Ratio
The best bbq pulled chicken sandwich has:
- Plenty of chicken for flavor and juiciness.
- Enough slaw to add crunch but not overpower the chicken.
- A sturdy bun that won’t fall apart (but is still soft enough to bite into).
Nutrition Table: What’s in Your Easy Meal?
Ingredient | Calories | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) | Fat (g) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Chicken breast (1/2) | 70 | 0 | 13 | 1 |
BBQ sauce (1/4 cup) | 60 | 15 | 0 | 0 |
Sandwich bun (1) | 140 | 27 | 4 | 2 |
Slaw (1/2 cup) | 60 | 5 | 1 | 5 |
Pickles | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Total per sandwich | 335 | 48 | 18 | 8 |
Nutrition Key Takeaway:
Each bbq pulled chicken sandwich with slaw is packed with lean protein, plenty of crunch, and a nice balance of carbs and healthy fats—making it a top pick for a satisfying lunch or dinner that won’t slow you down.
Why This Is an Easy Meal for All Occasions
Need a dish that works for lunch, dinner, parties, or even meal prep? This sandwich has you covered.
Examples:
- Picnic: Pack chicken and slaw separately, assemble at the park.
- Work lunch: Store everything in containers, assemble at your desk (be prepared for jealous looks).
- Family dinner: Everyone builds their own—the kids love it!
- Meal prep: Make extra chicken and slaw, store in the fridge for quick meals all week.
Rhetorical question: Have you ever seen a sandwich vanish from a potluck tray faster? (Didn’t think so.)
Real-Life Analogy: “Imagine You…”
Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy bun, smoky-sweet chicken practically dripping with sauce, and cool, crunchy slaw balancing every bite. It’s like a backyard BBQ in your hands—without needing to clean the grill or get smoke in your eyes. (Unless you’re into that sort of thing, I won’t judge.)
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes
Pro Tips:
- Shred chicken while hot for maximum sauciness.
- Toast buns to prevent sogginess.
- Let slaw sit for at least 15 minutes—flavors develop better.
- Add extra bbq sauce for messy, finger-lickin’ goodness.
Easy Swaps:
- Swap chicken for turkey or pork.
- Use whole wheat buns for extra fiber.
- Try a vinegar-based slaw for a lighter twist.
Common Mistakes:
- Overcooking the chicken (keep it juicy!).
- Too little sauce—don’t be shy.
- Skipping the slaw—trust me, you’ll miss the crunch.
Quick “Side Note” for the Busy Bees
Store chicken and slaw separately for meal prep.
Microwave chicken to reheat (not the slaw), then build your sandwich fresh for the best texture and taste.
FAQ: BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich with Slaw
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Absolutely! Just shred and warm with bbq sauce.
Q: How long will the chicken and slaw keep?
A: Both keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge (separately, please).
Q: Can I freeze the pulled chicken?
A: Yes—freeze in portions for easy meals later.
Q: Best bun for the sandwich?
A: Brioche, potato rolls, or sturdy whole wheat buns.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free or gluten-free?
A: Totally—just use dairy-free mayo for slaw and gluten-free buns.
Recommended Links for More Inspiration
- Best BBQ Chicken Sandwich Recipes (Food Network)
- Easy Coleslaw Recipe (Serious Eats)
- Meal Prep Chicken Guide (EatingWell)
Conclusion: Sandwiches That’ll Make You Famous
A bbq pulled chicken sandwich with slaw isn’t just an easy meal—it’s a way to make everyday lunch (or dinner, or even a party tray) feel special, no matter what. You get all the big BBQ flavors without the hassle, and you can prep almost everything ahead.
Try it out and tell me: Are you team extra sauce or team extra slaw? Got a wild add-on (jalapeños, anyone?) or a secret bun recommendation? Drop your thoughts, hacks, and stories in the comments below—let’s swap sandwich secrets! 🥪🔥