Are you tired of the same old chicken leftovers? Transform your uneaten poultry into a mouthwatering feast that will have your taste buds dancing! This quick and easy recipe for BBQ Chicken Sandwiches is not only a delicious way to use up leftover chicken, but it also promises to elevate your weeknight meals to a whole new level. With just a handful of ingredients and a mere 20 minutes of your time, you can whip up a satisfying dish that combines the smoky sweetness of barbecue sauce with the crunch of fresh coleslaw. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that will make you rethink how you view leftovers!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Various
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 cup coleslaw mix
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by shredding the cooked chicken into small, bite-sized pieces using two forks, ensuring the meat is evenly pulled apart.
- In a medium skillet, combine the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce, heating over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is warmed through and thoroughly coated with sauce.
- While the chicken is warming, lightly toast the hamburger buns to add a crisp texture and enhance their flavor. You can do this in a toaster or by placing them cut-side down in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the coleslaw mix with ranch dressing, stirring until the vegetables are evenly coated. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the sandwiches by placing a generous portion of the warm, saucy chicken onto the bottom half of each toasted bun.
- Top the chicken with a spoonful of the prepared coleslaw, creating a delicious contrast of warm meat and cool, crisp vegetables.
- Place the top half of the bun on the sandwich, pressing down gently to help the ingredients meld together.
- Serve immediately while the chicken is warm and the buns are still crisp, enjoying a quick and flavorful meal that transforms leftover chicken into a delightful sandwich.
Tips
- Shred the Chicken Well: For the best texture, ensure that you shred the cooked chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. This allows the barbecue sauce to coat the chicken evenly, maximizing flavor in every bite.
- Heat the Sauce Thoroughly: When warming the chicken with barbecue sauce, keep the heat at medium and stir occasionally. This ensures that the chicken is heated evenly and prevents the sauce from burning.
- Toast the Buns: Don’t skip the step of toasting the hamburger buns! A light toast adds a delightful crunch and prevents the buns from becoming soggy when you add the warm chicken.
- Customize Your Coleslaw: Feel free to add extra ingredients to your coleslaw mix, such as shredded carrots or diced apples, for added flavor and texture. You can also experiment with different dressings to suit your taste.
- Serve Immediately: These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh! Assemble the sandwiches just before serving to keep the buns crisp and the chicken warm, ensuring a delightful contrast of textures.
- Pair with Sides: Consider serving your BBQ chicken sandwiches with chips, fries, or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg
