Grilled BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches with Pickled Slaw

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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 sandwiches & wraps ready in about 55 minutes pairs pounds 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.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches with Pickled Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (40 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches with Pickled Slaw?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches with Pickled Slaw?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches with Pickled Slaw for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches with Pickled Slaw?

American sandwiches & wraps like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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