There’s something magical about biting into a perfectly made BBQ chicken sandwich. That tender chicken coated in smoky tangy sauce between soft bread is already delicious on its own, but why stop there? I’ve been experimenting with BBQ chicken sandwiches for years and I’m excited to share my favorite toppings that’ll take your sandwich from good to absolutely unforgettable!
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just craving a quick dinner, these topping ideas will help you create the ultimate sandwich experience. Let’s dive into what makes a BBQ chicken sandwich truly spectacular!
Classic Must-Have Toppings
Let’s start with the essentials – these are the toppings that never disappoint
1. Coleslaw
Creamy, crunchy coleslaw is probably my #1 recommendation for a BBQ chicken sandwich. The cool, crisp texture perfectly balances the warm, tender chicken, while its subtle sweetness complements the smoky BBQ flavor. Plus, that extra crunch factor makes each bite more interesting!
2. Pickles
There’s a reason dill pickles appear on so many sandwiches – that tangy, vinegary bite cuts through the richness of BBQ sauce beautifully. The contrast between juicy chicken, sweet sauce, and zesty pickle is sandwich harmony.
3. Red Onions
Thinly sliced red onions add a sharp, pungent crunch that wakes up your taste buds. Their bright purple color also makes your sandwich look amazing! If raw onions are too strong for ya, try soaking the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow them out.
4. Crispy Bacon
Who can resist adding bacon? Those smoky, salty, crispy strips take any sandwich to the next level. The texture contrast between tender chicken and crunchy bacon is simply irresistible. I always make extra bacon because somehow pieces keep disappearing before they make it to my sandwich!
Cheese Options That Melt Perfectly
Cheese makes everything better, and your BBQ chicken sandwich is no exception:
5. Pepper Jack Cheese
For a little kick, pepper jack cheese is my go-to. It melts beautifully and adds just enough heat to complement the BBQ sauce without overwhelming it.
6. Smoked Gouda
If you want to double down on smoky flavors, smoked gouda is your best friend. Its nutty, caramel-like notes with that distinct smokiness pairs amazingly with BBQ chicken.
7. Pimento Cheese
For a southern twist, spread some creamy pimento cheese on your sandwich. This spicy, creamy spread adds richness and a unique tang that’ll make your sandwich stand out.
8. Blue Cheese
Feeling adventurous? Blue cheese’s pungent, salty punch creates an interesting contrast with sweet BBQ sauce. It’s not for everyone, but those who love it REALLY love it with BBQ chicken.
Fresh and Healthy Additions
Balance out the richness with some fresh toppings:
9. Avocado Slices
Creamy avocado adds a velvety texture and mild flavor that works surprisingly well with BBQ chicken. Plus, it makes your sandwich a bit healthier! I like to add a squeeze of lemon juice to keep the avocado from browning and to brighten the flavor.
10. Tomato Slices
Fresh tomato slices add juiciness and acidity that balances the richness of BBQ sauce. Just make sure they’re ripe but firm – nobody wants soggy bread!
11. Arugula
This peppery green adds a sophisticated touch to your sandwich. The slight bitterness and crisp texture make each bite more interesting and add a nice color contrast too.
Creative Sauces and Spreads
Take your sandwich to the next level with these flavorful additions:
12. Barbecue Mayo
Mix equal parts mayo and BBQ sauce for a creamy, tangy spread that amplifies the BBQ flavor. It’s so simple but makes a huge difference!
13. Alabama White Sauce
This mayo-based sauce with vinegar, Worcestershire, and spices is nicknamed “white BBQ sauce” for good reason. It’s tangy, creamy, and absolutely perfect with chicken.
14. Honey Mustard
The sweet-tangy combo of honey mustard works beautifully with BBQ chicken. I sometimes add a dash of Cajun seasoning to my honey mustard for an extra flavor kick.
15. Pesto Sauce
For an unexpected but delicious twist, try spreading some basil pesto on your sandwich. The herby, garlicky flavor pairs surprisingly well with BBQ chicken!
Unexpected Toppings Worth Trying
Get adventurous with these unique additions:
16. Caramelized Onions
Sweet, jammy caramelized onions add incredible depth to your sandwich. The slow cooking process brings out natural sweetness that complements BBQ sauce perfectly. They take time to make, but they’re so worth it!
17. Pineapple Slices
For a tropical twist, add a grilled pineapple slice! The sweet-tart juiciness creates an amazing flavor combo with smoky BBQ. Trust me on this one – it’s unexpectedly awesome.
18. Jalapeños
If you like heat, thinly sliced jalapeños or jalapeño poppers add a spicy kick that cuts through the sweetness of the BBQ sauce. Remove the seeds if you want milder heat.
19. Mac and Cheese
Yes, you read that right! A scoop of mac and cheese on your BBQ chicken sandwich creates an indulgent comfort food mashup that’ll blow your mind. The gooey cheese keeps the chicken moist with every bite.
20. Bacon Jam
This sweet-savory spread made from bacon, caramelized onions, and maple syrup adds incredible complexity to your sandwich. It’s like bacon but transformed into a magical condiment!
21. Pickled Carrots
For a crunchy, tangy element that’s a bit different from regular pickles, try some pickled carrots. They add beautiful color and a refreshing crunch.
Perfect Bread Choices
Don’t forget that the bread is just as important as what goes inside!
- Brioche buns: Slightly sweet and super soft
- Pretzel rolls: Chewy with a distinctive flavor
- Ciabatta: Rustic and sturdy enough to hold juicy toppings
- Texas toast: Thick-cut and buttery
Building the Perfect BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Here’s my method for layering ingredients for maximum deliciousness:
- Toast your bun lightly – this creates a barrier that prevents sogginess
- Spread sauce on both sides of the bun
- Add chicken (shredded or sliced)
- Layer cheese (if using) directly on the hot chicken so it melts slightly
- Add crunchy elements like coleslaw or onions
- Finish with fresh ingredients like tomato or avocado
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken?
Absolutely! Both boneless breasts and thighs work great for BBQ chicken sandwiches. Thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, while breasts are leaner.
What sides go well with BBQ chicken sandwiches?
My favorite sides include coleslaw (if you’re not already putting it on the sandwich!), potato salad, corn on the cob, baked beans, or a simple green salad. For something different, try some balsamic-glazed mushrooms or corn pudding!
Can I make a vegetarian version?
Definitely! Substitute grilled tofu, tempeh, or plant-based chicken alternatives. The same toppings work wonderfully with these substitutes.
Should I marinate the chicken?
Marinating chicken in BBQ sauce for at least an hour (or overnight) will make it more flavorful and tender. It’s not strictly necessary but makes a big difference!
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries! You can cook BBQ chicken on a stovetop griddle pan or bake it in the oven. The key is making sure it’s tender and well-coated in sauce.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of a BBQ chicken sandwich is how customizable it is. My personal favorite combo is a brioche bun with BBQ chicken, coleslaw, pickles, smoked gouda, and a bit of bacon jam – but the possibilities are endless!
Don’t be afraid to mix and match these toppings based on what you love. Sometimes the most unexpected combinations create the most memorable sandwiches. And remember – there’s no wrong way to make a BBQ chicken sandwich as long as you enjoy eating it!
What’s your favorite BBQ chicken sandwich topping? I’m always looking for new ideas to try!
Can I freeze these sandwiches?
Don’t freeze assembled sandwiches but the BBQ chicken and buns can be frozen separately. Transfer the chicken to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Buns can be double wrapped and frozen for up to 1 month.
Defrost the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Frozen buns can go directly into a 400°F oven. Bake for 5 to 8 minutes until heated through and lightly toasted and then assemble the sandwiches. I do not recommend trying to freeze the coleslaw.
Can these sandwiches be made ahead of time?
I don’t recommend assembling the sandwiches ahead of time since the bread will begin to get soggy, but you can make the barbecue chicken and coleslaw up to 48 hours in advance. When you’re ready to serve the sandwiches, simply reheat the chicken and assemble the sandwiches according to the recipe.