Grilled BBQ Chicken Sandwich Recipe

This smoky, juicy Grilled BBQ Chicken Sandwich is made with tender chicken breasts, sweet barbecue sauce, and brioche buns, ready in just 30 minutes. The melted cheddar cheese stretches perfectly as it covers the hot, caramelized chicken right off the grill. I love making this for quick weekend lunches when the weather warms up.

Restaurant-Quality At Home

I used to rely on local diners for a good barbecue chicken sandwich, thinking my grill could never get that perfect char. My biggest mistake was rushing the cooking process over heat that was far too high.

Once I learned to grill the chicken over medium heat and baste it only at the very end, everything changed. The sugars in the sauce finally caramelized into a sticky glaze instead of burning into bitter crusts.

Grilled BBQ Chicken Sandwich Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 thick slices cheddar cheese
• 2 brioche buns, toasted
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 lettuce leaves

How To Make Grilled BBQ Chicken Sandwich

1. Pound the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between parchment paper and pound them to an even half-inch thickness.
2. Season the Meat: Rub the chicken with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
3. Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium heat and cook the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side.
4. Add the Sauce: Brush the BBQ sauce generously over both sides during the last 2 minutes of grilling.
5. Melt the Cheese: Place a slice of cheddar on each breast, close the grill lid for 1 minute until melted, then assemble on toasted buns.

Recipe Tips

• Pound the chicken: Even thickness ensures the meat cooks at the same rate without drying out the thinner ends.
• Wait to baste: Adding BBQ sauce too early will cause the sugars to burn over the open flames.
• Toast the buns: A lightly toasted brioche bun prevents the sandwich from getting soggy from the juicy chicken and sauce.

What To Serve With Grilled Chicken Sandwiches

Pair these sandwiches with crispy sweet potato fries or a tangy cabbage coleslaw. A cold potato salad also cuts through the rich, smoky barbecue flavor beautifully.

How To Store

Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or oven before assembling a fresh sandwich to prevent soggy buns.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work incredibly well and are often juicier. They may take an extra minute or two on the grill.

Can I make this on a stovetop? You can easily use a cast-iron grill pan indoors over medium-high heat. You will still get great sear marks and caramelized sauce.

What is the best cheese to use? Cheddar, pepper jack, or smoked gouda are all excellent choices that melt well. Choose pepper jack if you prefer a slight spicy kick.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 42g
• Protein: 32g

Try More Recipes:

• Teriyaki Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe
• Grilled Chicken Parmesan Sandwich Recipe
• Grilled Chicken Avocado Sandwich

Grilled BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Recipe by Emily Mitchell

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Total time

30

minutes

This Grilled BBQ Chicken Sandwich features juicy, smoky chicken breasts, sweet caramelized barbecue sauce, and melted cheddar on toasted brioche. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy recipe is a great choice for quick summer dinners or relaxed weekend cookouts.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 2 thick slices cheddar cheese

• 2 brioche buns, toasted

• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

• 2 lettuce leaves

Directions

• 1. Pound the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between parchment paper and pound them to an even half-inch thickness.
• 2. Season the Meat: Rub the chicken with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
• 3. Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium heat and cook the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side.
• 4. Add the Sauce: Brush the BBQ sauce generously over both sides during the last 2 minutes of grilling.
• 5. Melt the Cheese: Place a slice of cheddar on each breast, close the grill lid for 1 minute until melted, then assemble on toasted buns.