Smoked Chicken Sandwich

Smoked Chicken Sandwich

A juicy, smoky, flavor-packed sandwich layered with creamy slaw, tangy sauce, and tender smoked chicken—perfect for BBQ nights, tailgates, or weekend cravings.

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INGREDIENTS

For the Smoked Chicken

• 2–3 chicken breasts or 4–5 chicken thighs

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp cumin

• Optional: ½ tbsp brown sugar for caramelization

• Wood chips: applewood (mild), hickory (bold), or cherry (slightly sweet)

For the Sandwich

• 4 brioche buns or soft hamburger buns

• 4 slices smoked provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack

• Lettuce or mixed greens

• Sliced tomatoes

• Thinly sliced red onions

• Pickles (classic dill, bread-and-butter, or spicy)

Optional Creamy Slaw (Highly Recommended)

• 1 cup shredded cabbage

• ½ cup shredded carrots

• 2 tbsp mayo

• 1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice

• ½ tsp sugar

• Pinch of salt + pepper

Smoky House Sauce

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp BBQ sauce

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• ½ tsp lemon juice

• ¼ tsp smoked paprika

• Optional: pinch of cayenne

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INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare & Smoke the Chicken

1. Pat chicken dry and coat lightly with olive oil.

2. Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, cumin, and brown sugar.

3. Rub mixture evenly over the chicken.

4. Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C).

5. Smoke chicken 1½–2½ hours depending on cut size.

6. Cook until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).

7. Rest 10 minutes, then slice thinly or shred.

High-value tip:
Brush chicken with a thin layer of BBQ sauce during the last 20 minutes for extra shine and flavor.

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2. Make the Creamy Slaw

Combine all slaw ingredients.
Mix well until lightly coated—not too wet.
Chill until ready to use.

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3. Prepare the Smoky House Sauce

Whisk all sauce ingredients until smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust sweetness or tang as preferred.

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4. Toast the Buns

• Lightly butter the buns.

• Toast on a skillet or grill for 1–2 minutes until golden and crisp.

Why: This prevents sogginess and adds crunch + flavor.

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5. Build the Perfect Smoked Chicken Sandwich

1. Spread smoky house sauce on bottom bun.

2. Add a layer of lettuce or greens.

3. Pile on sliced or shredded smoked chicken.

4. Top with cheese—it will gently melt from the warmth of the chicken.

5. Add tomatoes, onions, and pickles.

6. Spoon a bit of creamy slaw on top (optional but AMAZING).

7. Spread sauce on top bun and close.

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SERVING OPTIONS

• Serve with:
  • crispy fries
  • kettle chips
  • grilled corn
  • sweet potato wedges
  • coleslaw or potato salad

• Drink pairings:
  • iced tea with lemon
  • root beer
  • light beer
  • citrus sparkling water

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CHEF’S HIGH-VALUE TIPS

🔥 Use thighs for ultra-juicy sandwiches—they absorb smoke beautifully
🔥 Brine chicken (1 hr saltwater) for next-level tenderness
🔥 Smoke low, then sear on a hot grill for quick char
🔥 Add bacon for smoky crunch
🔥 Try different sauces: Alabama white sauce, chipotle mayo, honey BBQ, lemon-garlic aioli

OTHER RECIPES

Smoked Chicken Recipe Ingredients

• 4-1/2 cups diced smoked chicken
• 1-1/2 cups diced celery
• 2-1/4 cups diced sweet onions
• 2-1/4 cups dried tart cherries chopped
• 1 cup basil fresh minced
• 2 cups mayonnaise
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon black pepper ground
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 3 tablespoons orange juice fresh

Smoked Chicken Recipe Instructions

Place all ingredients in mixing bowl then stir gently until well combined. 

Refrigerate until ready to prepare sandwiches...enjoy the smoked chicken recipe sandwich !
Smoked Chicken Recipes: smoked-lemon-chicken.

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