BBQ Chicken Sandwich Recipe (easy pulled chicken)
Tender, smoky chicken marinated in apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup, then grilled to perfection, shredded, and lightly tossed in your favorite barbecue sauce. The result is juicy, caramelized chicken that elevates any sandwich, especially when layered with tangy slaw on a soft sourdough bun.
SERVINGS 8 people
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Zip-top bag or shallow dish for marinating
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs
Ingredients
For the marinade:
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 4 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 4 tbsp maple syrup
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
For the Sandwiches:
- 3 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded thin for faster cooking
- 1 cups barbecue sauce plus more for serving, optional
- 8 sourdough burger buns
- Apple Cabbage Slaw for topping optional
Instructions
- In a zip top bag or medium bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken breast into the bag or shallow dish and submerge in the marinade, ensuring it gets thoroughly coated.
- Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours.
- Preheat the grill (or grill pan) over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates. Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess (do not pat dry you want that flavor to stick). Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until nicely charred and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Transfer grilled chicken to a cutting board. Shred or chop as desired.
- In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with 1 cup of barbecue sauce, just until coated. Add more to taste if needed.
- Pile the chicken onto toasted sourdough burger buns. Top with apple cabbage slaw, drizzle with extra barbecue sauce if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
Add a dash of hot sauce or chipotle to the BBQ sauce for heat.
The BBQ sauce you choose will help determine the flavor profile. Stick to smoky, sweet, tangy, and lightly spicy.
Chicken can be cooked and shredded ahead of time. Reheat in sauce just before assembling.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!