Description
Want a sandwich that’s packed with smoky, tangy goodness and ready in a snap? This Barbecue Chicken Sandwich recipe is just what you need! Using shredded cooked chicken and a quick, zesty homemade barbecue sauce, this dish comes together on the stovetop in about 30 minutes
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Barbecue Chicken:
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauces
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups shredded cooked chickens
- For Assembly:
- 6 hamburger buns, split and toasted
- Dill pickle slices (optional)
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Chicken: Pre-cooked and shredded, it’s a time-saver that soaks up the sauce’s flavors.
- Onion, Celery, Garlic: Create a savory, aromatic base for the sauce.
- Butter: Adds richness to the sautéed veggies.
- Salsa, Ketchup: Form a tangy, slightly spicy sauce with a Southwestern twist.
- **Brown Sugar, Cider Vinegar, Worcestershire: Add sweet, tangy, and umami depth.
- Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper: Bring warmth and balance to the sauce.
- Hamburger Buns: Provide a soft, toasty base for the juicy filling.
- Pickles: Offer a crunchy, tangy contrast (optional).
Substitutions and Variations
- Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or swap with shredded pork or turkey.
- Salsa: Choose mild, medium, or hot salsa, or use diced tomatoes with 1/4 teaspoon cumin.
- Ketchup: Replace with tomato sauce plus 1 teaspoon sugar for a less processed option.
- Brown Sugar: Swap with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness.
- Cider Vinegar: Use white vinegar or lemon juice for tang.
- Worcestershire: Substitute with soy sauce or omit for a simpler flavor.
- Chili Powder: Swap with smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne for varied heat.
- Buns: Use brioche buns, whole-wheat buns, or lettuce wraps for low-carb.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free buns and check salsa and Worcestershire for gluten.
- Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the sauce.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Chop 1/2 cup onion and 1/2 cup celery.
- Mince 1 garlic clove.
- Measure 1/2 cup salsa, 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
- Shred 2 cups cooked chicken (e.g., from rotisserie or leftovers).
- Split 6 hamburger buns and set aside for toasting.
- Prepare optional dill pickle slices.
Tip: Use pre-shredded chicken to save even more time.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
- Melt Butter: In a large saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat.
- Cook Veggies: Add 1/2 cup chopped onion, 1/2 cup diced celery, and 1 minced garlic clove. Sauté until tender, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tip: Stir frequently to prevent garlic from burning.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in 1/2 cup salsa, 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
- Combine: Mix well until the sauce is smooth and starts to bubble.
Tip: Taste the sauce and adjust with extra sugar or vinegar if needed.
Step 4: Simmer with Chicken
- Add Chicken: Stir in 2 cups shredded cooked chicken.
- Boil and Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to meld flavors.
Tip: If the sauce thickens too much, add 1-2 tablespoons water or broth.
Step 5: Toast Buns and Assemble
- Toast Buns: Split 6 hamburger buns and toast under a broiler for 1-2 minutes or in a toaster oven until golden.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spoon about 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture onto each bun bottom. Add dill pickle slices if desired, then place the top bun.
Tip: Toast buns just before serving to keep them crisp.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve sandwiches hot, with extra napkins for the saucy filling. Pair with sides like coleslaw or fries if desired.