Grilled Chipotle-Barbecue Brisket Sandwich

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Smoky and tender brisket slices layered in a toasted bun with chipotle barbecue sauce and tangy slaw for a satisfying sandwich. This bbq & smoked-inspired beef ready in about 140 minutes turns beef brisket, chipotle barbecue sauce, ketchup into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 4, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. 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: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 BBQ & Smoked cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium heat (about 350°F). Rub 2 lbs beef brisket evenly with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp garlic powder. Place brisket on grill and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, turning occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 195°F and meat is tender.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup chipotle barbecue sauce, 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tbsp brown sugar until smooth and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, toss 3 cups coleslaw mix with 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp honey until well combined and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Remove brisket from grill and let rest for 15 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain and toss with half of the prepared chipotle barbecue sauce.
  5. Step 5: Lightly brush 4 burger buns with 2 tbsp olive oil and toast on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden and slightly crispy.
  6. Step 6: Assemble sandwiches by layering sliced brisket coated with sauce on the bottom bun, topping with a generous scoop of coleslaw, then placing the top bun. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Chipotle-Barbecue Brisket Sandwich take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 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 Chipotle-Barbecue Brisket Sandwich?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Chipotle-Barbecue Brisket Sandwich?

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 Chipotle-Barbecue Brisket Sandwich for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Chipotle-Barbecue Brisket Sandwich?

BBQ & Smoked beef 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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