BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Pickles

Total Time: 35 mins Difficulty: Beginner
Jump To Recipe Print Recipe
pinit

Introduction

The BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Pickles is a classic American comfort food that combines juicy, tender chicken slathered in smoky barbecue sauce with the bright crunch of pickles, all served on a soft sandwich bun. This sandwich delivers a perfect balance of flavors: smoky, savory, tangy, and slightly sweet, making every bite irresistible.

Ideal for weeknight dinners, casual lunches, or backyard cookouts, this sandwich is easy to prepare yet impressively flavorful. The pickles add a crisp, tangy contrast that cuts through the richness of the barbecue sauce, creating a harmonious combination of tastes and textures. With its satisfying flavors and quick preparation, this sandwich is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s quick, flavorful, and satisfying. The tender chicken paired with tangy pickles and rich barbecue sauce creates a taste that is both comforting and exciting. It’s perfect for a hearty meal without being overly complicated.

I also appreciate its versatility—you can adjust the spice level of the barbecue sauce, choose your favorite type of pickles, and add extras like cheese or coleslaw. It’s a sandwich that satisfies cravings while being simple to assemble, making it perfect for any occasion.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This sandwich is a must-try because:

  • It combines smoky, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite.
  • Quick to make, perfect for lunch, dinner, or picnics.
  • A great crowd-pleaser for casual gatherings and family meals.
  • Highly customizable with different buns, pickles, and toppings.
  • Offers a perfect balance of texture and taste—juicy chicken, crunchy pickles, and soft buns.

Recipe Details

  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30–35 minutes
  • Servings: 4 sandwiches
  • Calories: ~450 kcal per serving
  • Course: Lunch / Dinner / Sandwich
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sandwich

  • 4 sandwich buns (brioche, hamburger, or soft rolls)
  • 8–12 pickle slices
  • Optional: lettuce leaves, tomato slices, red onion slices, or coleslaw

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation

  1. Prepare the Chicken
    • Flatten chicken breasts slightly for even cooking.
    • Rub each piece with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Cook the Chicken
    • Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
    • Cook chicken breasts for 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
  3. Add the Barbecue Sauce
    • Reduce heat to low. Brush barbecue sauce generously over the chicken on both sides and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to warm the sauce and coat the meat.
  4. Prepare the Buns
    • Lightly toast sandwich buns for extra texture and flavor.
  5. Assemble the Sandwich
    • Place cooked BBQ chicken on the bottom half of each bun.
    • Top with pickle slices and optional toppings like lettuce, tomato, or coleslaw.
    • Place the top bun and press gently to hold everything together.
  6. Serve Immediately
    • Serve sandwiches warm with sides like French fries, potato chips, or a small salad.

How to Serve

  • Serve hot for maximum flavor.
  • Ideal for casual lunches, dinners, or backyard gatherings.
  • Pair with sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or corn on the cob for a complete meal.
  • For a picnic, wrap sandwiches in parchment paper or foil for easy transport.

Recipe Tips

  • Flatten chicken breasts evenly for uniform cooking.
  • Toast buns to prevent them from becoming soggy from the barbecue sauce.
  • Use high-quality barbecue sauce for the best flavor.
  • Add coleslaw for a crunchy, tangy contrast to the smoky chicken.
  • Adjust spice level with hot sauce or spicy barbecue sauce if desired.

Variations

  • Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sandwich: Add a slice of cheddar, pepper jack, or Swiss cheese.
  • Pulled BBQ Chicken: Shred the chicken after cooking and mix with extra barbecue sauce.
  • Spicy Pickle BBQ Chicken: Add pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick.
  • Coleslaw-Topped BBQ Chicken: Add creamy coleslaw on top for added texture.
  • Avocado BBQ Chicken Sandwich: Add sliced avocado for creaminess.

Freezing and Storage

  • Cooked Chicken: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Assembled Sandwiches: Best eaten fresh; avoid freezing due to bun and pickles.
  • Barbecue Sauce: Can be stored separately in the fridge for 1–2 weeks.

Special Equipment Needed

  • Skillet, grill pan, or outdoor grill
  • Tongs or spatula for cooking chicken
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Basting brush (for barbecue sauce)

Conclusion

The BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Pickles is a flavorful, satisfying, and versatile sandwich that combines tender, smoky chicken with the tangy crunch of pickles on a soft bun. Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual lunches, or backyard cookouts, this sandwich delivers bold, balanced flavors and textures in every bite. Quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, it’s a must-try for any comfort food or barbecue lover.

pinit
Print Recipe

BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Pickles

Author: Laura Bennett Cuisine: Courses: ,
Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 25 mins Total Time 35 mins
Calories: 450 kcal per serving

Description

The BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Pickles is a classic American comfort food that combines juicy, tender chicken slathered in smoky barbecue sauce with the bright crunch of pickles, all served on a soft sandwich bun.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

For the Sandwich

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Flatten chicken breasts slightly for even cooking. Rub each piece with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken breasts for 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
  3. Add the Barbecue Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Brush barbecue sauce generously over the chicken on both sides and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to warm the sauce and coat the meat.
  4. Prepare the Buns: Lightly toast sandwich buns for extra texture and flavor.
  5. Assemble the Sandwich: Place cooked BBQ chicken on the bottom half of each bun. Top with pickle slices and optional toppings like lettuce, tomato, or coleslaw. Place the top bun and press gently to hold everything together.
  6. Serve Immediately: Serve sandwiches warm with sides like French fries, potato chips, or a small salad.
Keywords: BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Pickles
Did you make this recipe?

Tag #wpdelicious and #deliciousrecipesplugin if you made this recipe. Follow @wpdelicious on Instagram for more recipes.

Pin this recipe to share with your friends and followers.

pinit
Recipe Card powered by WP Delicious

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless thighs are juicier and more forgiving but will cook slightly faster.

Q2: Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

Cook the chicken ahead and store separately; assemble sandwiches just before serving.

Q3: Can I grill the sandwiches instead of using a skillet?

Yes, grilling adds extra smoky flavor and char marks for authenticity.

Q4: Can I make it spicier?

Yes, use spicy barbecue sauce, hot sauce, or pickled jalapeños for added heat.

[instagram-feed]