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–+ servings

Ultimate Homemade BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Coleslaw

Tender pulled chicken coated in a sweet and tangy homemade BBQ sauce is served with crisp creamy coleslaw on soft hamburger buns in this crowd-pleasing sandwich recipe perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 662
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 8 pounds whole chickens about 2 whole chickens, cut up
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Water enough to cover chicken
  • 2 cups ketchup
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 4 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon celery seeds
  • 12 soft hamburger buns
  • Butter for toasting buns optional
  • Dill pickles for serving optional

Method
 

  1. Place chicken pieces in a large pot and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
  2. Add enough water to cover the chicken completely.
  3. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer.
  4. Cover and cook for about 3 hours, or until the chicken is so tender it easily falls off the bone.
  5. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool slightly.
  6. Once cool enough to handle, remove the skin and bones, then shred the chicken using two forks.
  7. While the chicken cooks, combine all BBQ sauce ingredients in a medium saucepan.
  8. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  9. Reduce heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  10. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrots.
  11. In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, celery seeds, salt, and pepper.
  12. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until evenly coated.
  13. Toss the shredded chicken with the warm BBQ sauce, adding enough to coat the chicken thoroughly.
  14. If desired, butter the hamburger buns and lightly toast them.
  15. Place a generous portion of BBQ chicken on the bottom half of each bun.
  16. Top with a scoop of coleslaw, add pickles if desired, and cover with the top bun.

Nutrition

Calories: 662kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 48gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 137mgSodium: 956mgFiber: 3gSugar: 20g
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