Smoked Shredded Chicken Sandwich

This Shredded Chicken Sandwich has a flavorful twist with my tender juicy smoked chicken.  If you are looking to take you classic pulled chicken sandwich to another level, this is the recipe for you!! 

Great to serve a crowd at a backyard barbecue, tailgating party, or just when you are craving something delicious.  Smoking a whole chicken on low heat infuses it with smokey goodness making it perfect for sandwiches. 

The combination of juicy smoked chicken, sweet BBQ sauce, creamy coleslaw, and crips shredded lettuce creates a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for any occasion.  Serve it with your favorite side dishes, potato chips, or fresh fruit/vegetables. 

Prepare the Smoked Chicken

Follow my Smoked Whole Chicken recipe for an in-depth step-by-step list of instructions.  To create a nice tender, juicy chicken, I recommend that you saltwater brine the whole chicken the day before smoking it. 

When you are ready to smoke the whole chicken, season it with your favorite seasoning along with a dry BBQ rub.  Smoke at 250°F until the internal temperature of the chicken is 165°F.  Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before shredding the meat. 

Sandwich Ingredients

• Prepared Smoked Shredded Chicken
• Hamburger Buns
• Shredded Lettuce
• Creamy Coleslaw
• BBQ Sauce

How to Make Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

Prepare the Shredded Chicken: Follow my step-by-step instructions using my Smoked Whole Chicken recipe.  You can also purchase smoked chicken from your local smoke house or substitute rotisserie chicken that you shred. 

Assemble the Sandwich: Pile the smoked shredded chicken onto the bottom side of a hamburger bun.  Drizzle the pulled chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce. 

Add Your Toppings:  Pick your favorite toppings (see below for ideas) to add to the sandwich.  I like to use shredded lettuce and a dollop of creamy coleslaw. 

Serve Your Pulled Chicken Sandwich:  See below for a list of side dish ideas.  Serve your chicken sandwich right away.

What to Put on Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

Customizing your smoked shredded chicken sandwich with the right toppings can take it to the next level.  A great BBQ Sauce can change the whole flavor profile of this sandwich. Try a sweet BBQ sauce, a tangy Carolina BBQ sauce, or a spicy hot BBQ sauce. 

Pickles can add a little crunch with a sweet or dill profile.  Pickled onions are also another great option.  Melt cheese overtop the chicken for extra flavor.  Add some salty crunch with crispy onion rings or seasoned French fries. 

Looking for fresh ingredients?  Try slices of avocado, crispy lettuce, or slices of ripe tomatoes.

What to Serve with Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

When making a shredded chicken sandwich make sure to serve it with a variety of sides.  And don’t forget an awesome tasting beverage! Try this apricot nectar for a refreshing drink. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:

1. Potato Salad or Pasta Salad – A classic salad using a family recipe complements this sandwich perfectly! 
2. Baked Beans – Make my smoked baked beans recipe while cooking your smoked whole chicken giving the beans a sweet smoky profile. 
3. Potato Chips – This is my go-to when serving my pulled chicken sandwiches.  Choose from classic, BBQ, or countless numbers of varieties that is available in stores. 
4. Fresh Fruits or Vegetables – Use your fresh fruit or vegetables coming out of your garden or grab a variety from your local farmers market.