Chicken Barbecue For Sandwiches

Cuisine: American

Tender, flavorful chicken barbecue with savory tomato and vinegar sauce, perfect for sandwiches and gatherings, blending smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 2 stewing hens
  • 2 1/2 cups chopped onion
  • 5 1/2 cups canned tomatoes
  • 4 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 cup vinegar
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon Tabasco
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne

Instructions

  1. Simmer hens until tender; cool in broth.
  2. Remove meat, skin, and bones.
  3. Cut or tear chicken into small pieces.
  4. Prepare the barbecue sauce by combining canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, salt, and cayenne.
  5. Simmer the sauce until heated through and flavors meld.
  6. Mix the cooked chicken with the barbecue sauce.
  7. Serve the chicken barbecue on buns or as desired.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider using smoked paprika in the barbecue sauce. If you don’t have stewing hens, rotisserie chicken is a great substitute for convenience. To enhance the sauce, you can add a splash of liquid smoke for a smoky taste. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar based on your preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chicken barbecue on toasted buns, and consider adding coleslaw for crunch. It pairs beautifully with Purple Cole Slaw for a refreshing side dish. You can also serve it with a side of Fresh Broccoli And Mushroom Salad for a complete meal. Garnish with pickles or sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover chicken barbecue in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent it from drying out during reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chicken Barbecue For Sandwiches contains roughly 1441 calories, with 42g protein, 313g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (513% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2339mg per serving (102% of the Daily Value).

1441 kcal 72% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 42.4g 85% DV
Total Fat 37.2g 48% DV
Carbs 312.9g 100% DV
Fiber 143.7g 100% DV
Sugar 78.5g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2339.3mg 100% DV
Potassium 5000mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3000mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 139.6mg 100% DV
Calcium 2000mg 100% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat

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 chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any type of cooked chicken, such as rotisserie or grilled chicken. Just make sure it's shredded or cut into small pieces to mix easily with the barbecue sauce.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or Tabasco sauce in the barbecue sauce. You can also add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce when serving.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and barbecue sauce a day in advance. Simply store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them just before serving for the best flavor.

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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