Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches

Cook: 60 min Cuisine: American

Juicy barbecue chicken sandwiches with a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce, perfect for casual gatherings and family dinners, offering comfort and bold flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp. butter
  • 3 c. cooked chicken
  • 1 1/2 c. water
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1/2 c. chopped celery
  • 1 c. ketchup
  • 1/4 c. brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 2 Tbsp. vinegar

Instructions

  1. Saute chicken and chopped onion in butter until cooked.
  2. Mix ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and vinegar together.
  3. Add the cooked chicken and onion mixture to the sauce.
  4. Simmer for one hour, adding an extra 1/2 cup of water if the mixture becomes dry.
  5. Serve the barbecue chicken on buns for sandwiches.

Tips & Substitutions

For an extra depth of flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce ingredients before cooking. You can substitute the chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mixture. This barbecue chicken recipe can be adapted to suit your taste, much like Aunt Cleo'S Chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the barbecue chicken on toasted buns, topped with coleslaw for a crunchy contrast. Pair it with sides like potato salad, corn on the cob, or sweet potato fries for a complete meal. These sandwiches are perfect for backyard barbecues or casual gatherings, and they make a delightful accompaniment to any summer picnic.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover barbecue chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches contains roughly 1145 calories, with 6g protein, 226g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% of the Daily Value), calcium (16% of the Daily Value), and potassium (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2865mg per serving (125% of the Daily Value).

1145 kcal 57% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.1g 12% DV
Total Fat 28.1g 36% DV
Carbs 225.7g 82% DV
Fiber 2.6g 9% DV
Sugar 193.4g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2864.8mg 100% DV
Potassium 645.5mg 14% DV
Cholesterol 48.8mg 16% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 23.6mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 5.9mg 7% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 205.7mg 16% DV
Iron 2.9mg 16% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can use turkey or pork as alternatives to chicken. Both will absorb the flavors of the sauce well. Just ensure they are cooked thoroughly and shredded before mixing with the sauce.

How do I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the barbecue chicken mixture a day in advance. Let it cool, then store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker before serving for a delicious, time-saving meal.

Can I freeze the barbecue chicken?

Absolutely! The barbecue chicken can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This makes for a quick weeknight meal option, similar to the convenience found in many American recipes.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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