Smoky Barbecue Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Indulge in these delightful Smoky Barbecue Chicken Salad Sandwiches, a perfect blend of tender grilled chicken, zesty barbecue sauce, and creamy mayo, bringing a burst of flavors to your lunch. This recipe combines succulent chicken with crisp vegetables and a tangy dressing, all served on soft kaiser rolls. Ideal for picnics, gatherings, or a satisfying weekday meal, these sandwiches promise a satisfying crunch with every bite. Preparing them is a breeze, and they can be made ahead of time, making them a great option for busy days when you need a quick, tasty lunch.
8
Servings
400
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 1/2 lbs (cut into pieces)
Barbecue sauce
1/2 cup (for marinating)
Mayonnaise
1 cup (for mixing)
Sweet onion
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
Celery
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (optional, for spice)
Kaiser rolls
8 (split)
Tomatoes
8 slices (fresh)
Lettuce leaves
8 (washed)
Instructions
1
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag. Pour the barbecue sauce over the chicken, seal the bag, and gently massage to coat evenly. Refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
2
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the bag and discard the marinade. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear. Alternatively, you can broil the chicken for a similar time until thoroughly cooked.
3
After cooking, allow the chicken to cool slightly before refrigerating it until chilled. Once chilled, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and transfer to a mixing bowl.
4
In the bowl with the chicken, stir in the mayonnaise, chopped onion, celery, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.
5
To assemble the sandwiches, layer the chicken salad mixture onto the bottom half of each split kaiser roll. Top with a slice of tomato and a lettuce leaf, then place the top half of the roll over the filling. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
30g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Smoky Barbecue Chicken Salad Sandwiches?
They are a flavorful blend of grilled chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, and creamy mayo served on kaiser rolls with crisp vegetables.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should marinate for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
What type of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts.
What temperature should the chicken reach to be fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How long should I grill the chicken?
Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side over medium-high heat.
Can I cook the chicken without a grill?
Yes, you can broil the chicken for a similar amount of time until it is thoroughly cooked.
Should the chicken be hot when mixing the salad?
No, the chicken should be cooled slightly and then refrigerated until chilled before being chopped and mixed.
What ingredients are used for the dressing/salad base?
The salad base consists of mayonnaise, finely chopped sweet onion, celery, salt, and optional crushed red pepper flakes.
How much barbecue sauce is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce for marinating the chicken.
What type of bread is recommended for these sandwiches?
Split kaiser rolls are used for this recipe.
What toppings are added to the sandwich?
Each sandwich is topped with a slice of fresh tomato and a lettuce leaf.
How many calories are in one sandwich?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, each serving provides 25g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each sandwich contains 20g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, it is a great make-ahead option; you can prepare the chicken salad and refrigerate it until you are ready to assemble.
How much mayonnaise is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of mayonnaise.
Can I add some spice to the recipe?
Yes, you can add 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for extra spice.
How should the onions and celery be prepared?
Both the sweet onion and the celery should be finely chopped.
Is this recipe suitable for a picnic?
Yes, these sandwiches are tagged as ideal picnic food and are perfect for gatherings.
What category does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized under Lunch/Snacks.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 10 main ingredients in this recipe.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
While tagged as keto-friendly, you would likely need to replace the kaiser rolls with a keto-compliant alternative.
How much salt is added?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt, or to taste.
How should the chicken be chopped?
Once chilled, the chicken should be chopped into bite-sized pieces.
What is the preparation for the kaiser rolls?
The rolls should be split in half before assembly.
Can I use store-bought barbecue sauce?
Yes, any barbecue sauce of your choice can be used for the marinade.
Should the sandwich be served immediately?
You can serve it immediately or refrigerate the assembled sandwiches until ready to eat.
What is the primary flavor profile of this sandwich?
The sandwich is smoky and tangy due to the grilled chicken and barbecue sauce, balanced by creamy mayonnaise and fresh vegetables.