Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Sandwich Recipe
I’m about to share my go-to solution for those nights when you’re craving something indulgent but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This BBQ chicken sandwich hits that perfect sweet spot between comfort food satisfaction and weeknight practicality, and honestly, it’s become my secret weapon against takeout temptation. The combination of smoky barbecue sauce, melted cheese, and buttery garlic bread creates something that’ll make you wonder why you ever bothered with complicated recipes.
Why You’ll Love this Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Listen, I’m about to tell you why this BBQ chicken sandwich will become your new obsession.
First off, it’s ridiculously simple. You’re basically just grilling chicken, toasting bread, and slapping everything together.
Yet somehow, the combination of tangy barbecue sauce, melty mozzarella, and that garlic butter creates pure magic.
I love how customizable this recipe is. Want more sauce? Go wild. Prefer crispy chicken? Add some breadcrumbs before cooking.
Plus, it’s way cheaper than ordering takeout, and you control exactly what goes into your sandwich.
Win-win in my book.
What Ingredients are in Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Sandwich?
You know what’s beautiful about this BBQ chicken sandwich? The ingredient list is so short, you won’t need to make a special grocery store trip. Most of these items are probably hanging out in your kitchen right now, just waiting for their moment to shine.
I’m talking about basic pantry staples that transform into something absolutely delicious when combined. No fancy ingredients, no hard-to-pronounce items, just simple stuff that creates maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 sandwich buns
- 4 tablespoons barbecue sauce (give or take)
- 2-4 tablespoons butter or margarine
- Garlic powder
- 2 slices mozzarella cheese
Ingredient Considerations
The chicken breasts are your star player here, so grab ones that are roughly the same size if possible. This way they’ll cook evenly, and you won’t end up with one perfectly done piece and one that’s still doing its chicken impression.
For the barbecue sauce, use whatever makes your taste buds happy. Sweet, tangy, smoky – they all work. That “give or take” measurement means you’re the boss of your sauce situation. Some people like a light drizzle, others want their sandwich swimming in sauce.
The mozzarella is doing the heavy lifting in the cheese department because it melts beautifully and doesn’t overpower the barbecue flavors. You could swap it for cheddar or provolone if that’s what’s living in your fridge, but mozzarella just has that perfect stretch factor.
Don’t stress too much about the butter versus margarine debate. Either one will give you that golden, garlicky toasted bun that makes this sandwich special. The garlic powder sprinkled on before toasting creates this amazing aromatic layer that hits you before you even take a bite.
How to Make this Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Making this BBQ chicken sandwich is like assembling a small flavor orchestra where every instrument knows exactly when to come in. The beauty lies in the timing, and trust me, once you nail it, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for boring sandwiches.
Start with the Chicken
First things first, get those 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cooking. Whether you’re firing up the grill or sliding them into the oven, this is your longest step, so it gets priority.
If you’re baking, aim for 375°F and give them about 20-25 minutes, depending on thickness. For grilling, medium heat works perfectly, and you’re looking at roughly 6-8 minutes per side.
The key here isn’t to overthink it. Chicken is done when it hits 165°F internally, but if you don’t have a thermometer, look for juices that run clear when you poke the thickest part. No pink, no worries.
Prep Those Buns
While your chicken is doing its thing, grab those 2 sandwich buns and let’s give them some love. Take 2-4 tablespoons of butter or margarine and spread it generously on each cut side of the rolls.
Don’t be stingy here – this buttery base is what’s going to create that golden, crispy surface that makes your mouth happy.
Now comes the magic touch: sprinkle garlic powder over each buttered surface. You don’t need to measure this part, just give each side a good dusting. The garlic powder will toast along with the bread, creating this incredible aromatic layer that hits different than raw garlic ever could.
Toast to Perfection
Pop those buttered, garlicky buns into a skillet over medium heat, or slide them under the broiler for just a minute or two. You want them lightly toasted – think golden brown, not charcoal black.
The butter should be bubbling slightly, and you’ll smell that amazing garlic aroma filling your kitchen.
Keep a close eye on them because bread goes from perfectly toasted to “oops, time to start over” faster than you can say barbecue. Once they’re golden and gorgeous, pull them off the heat and set them aside.
Assembly Time
Here’s where everything comes together like a beautiful, saucy symphony. Take your 4 tablespoons of barbecue sauce and spread it evenly on the toasted sides of both buns.
Some people like more sauce, some like less – this is your sandwich, so adjust accordingly.
Once your chicken is fully cooked and has had a minute to rest, place one breast on the bottom bun.
Top it with a slice of that mozzarella cheese while the chicken is still warm. The residual heat will start melting the cheese slightly, which is exactly what we want.
Place the top bun on, give it a gentle press to help everything settle together, and there you have it. A BBQ chicken sandwich that looks like it came from a restaurant but took about as much effort as making a really good peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
The warm chicken, melty mozzarella, tangy barbecue sauce, and that garlicky toasted bun create this perfect balance of flavors and textures that somehow feels both simple and special at the same time.
Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Sandwich Substitutions and Variations
Flexibility transforms this already amazing BBQ chicken sandwich into whatever your pantry, dietary needs, or wild cravings demand.
I swap mozzarella for sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or even creamy gouda depending on my mood. Turkey or pork work beautifully if chicken isn’t available.
Can’t find barbecue sauce? I mix ketchup with brown sugar and a splash of vinegar. For crunch, I add crispy onions or pickles.
Brioche buns elevate everything, though ciabatta works too. Want healthier options? I use whole wheat buns and Greek yogurt-based sauces.
The beauty lies in making it yours.
What to Serve with Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Perfect pairings make this BBQ chicken sandwich sing even louder, and honestly, I’m a firm believer that the sides matter just as much as the star of the show.
I always reach for crispy sweet potato fries first. They’ve got that perfect balance of sweet and salty that plays beautifully with tangy barbecue sauce.
Classic coleslaw works magic too, cutting through all that rich, saucy goodness.
Want something lighter? A simple pickle spear adds the perfect acidic punch.
For heartier appetites, I’d suggest creamy mac and cheese or baked beans. Both complement the smoky flavors without competing for attention.
Final Thoughts
When I think about this BBQ chicken sandwich, I can’t help but smile at how something so wonderfully simple can bring such satisfaction to a weeknight dinner.
The juicy chicken paired with tangy barbecue sauce and melted mozzarella creates pure comfort food magic.
What makes this recipe special? It’s foolproof.
Even if you’re the type who burns water, you’ll nail this sandwich. The garlic butter adds that extra layer of flavor that transforms ordinary rolls into something memorable.
Trust me, this sandwich will become your go-to meal when you need something delicious without the fuss.
BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 sandwich buns
- 4 tablespoons barbecue sauce
- 2-4 tablespoons butter or margarine
- Garlic powder to taste
- 2 slices mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F or prepare grill for medium-high heat.
- Season chicken breasts and bake for 18-20 minutes or grill for 6-8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- While chicken cooks, spread butter evenly on both cut sides of each sandwich bun.
- Sprinkle garlic powder generously over the buttered surfaces.
- Toast the buttered buns in a skillet or toaster until lightly golden.
- Spread barbecue sauce evenly on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
- Place cooked chicken breast on the sauced bun bottom.
- Top chicken with mozzarella cheese slice and crown with top bun half.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Should I Cook the Chicken Breasts?
I’d cook the chicken breasts for about 20-25 minutes at 375°F if baking, or 6-8 minutes per side if grilling. I always check they’ve reached 165°F internal temperature before serving.
Can I Make This Sandwich Ahead of Time?
I wouldn’t recommend making this sandwich ahead of time. The bread will get soggy from the BBQ sauce and butter. I’d prep ingredients separately and assemble when ready to eat.
What Internal Temperature Should the Chicken Reach?
I recommend cooking the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You’ll need a meat thermometer to check this safely. Once it hits that temperature, you’ll know it’s properly cooked.
How Do I Prevent the Chicken From Drying Out?
I’ll pound the chicken to even thickness before cooking, then baste it with butter or marinade while grilling. I don’t overcook it and let it rest briefly after cooking.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, I’d use frozen chicken breasts, but you’ll need to thaw them completely first. I recommend defrosting overnight in the refrigerator or using cold water for quicker thawing before cooking.