Grilled BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches with Pickled Slaw

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-04 · Updated 2026-06-04

Juicy pulled chicken grilled and tossed in BBQ sauce, served on soft buns with a tangy pickled slaw for a satisfying handheld meal. This American-inspired sandwich and wrap recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrot
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 6 hamburger buns
• 2 tbsp, melted butter

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Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, toss 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Let marinate for 30 minutes.
2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Step 3: Remove chicken from grill and shred using two forks. Toss shredded chicken with 1 cup BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
4. Step 4: For the pickled slaw, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage and 1 cup shredded carrot in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt until sugar dissolves. Pour over cabbage mixture and toss well. Let sit for 15 minutes.
5. Step 5: Brush 6 hamburger buns with 2 tbsp melted butter and toast on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden.
6. Step 6: Assemble sandwiches by piling BBQ pulled chicken on the toasted buns and topping with a generous spoonful of pickled slaw. Serve immediately.