There’s nothing quite like a delicious, overflowing BBQ Ranch Chicken Sandwich to set the mood for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun weekend lunch with friends. This sandwich absolutely delivers on both flavor and satisfaction, with juicy shredded chicken smothered in sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, balanced by creamy ranch coleslaw and melty cheddar—all tucked into a perfectly toasted bun. Each bite is a celebration of bold, comforting tastes and crunchy, refreshing textures that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds. It’s one of those recipes that hits all the right notes, whether you’re feeding picky eaters, meal prepping, or jazzing up your usual “sandwich night.”
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients, you’ll unlock layers of texture and flavor that make this BBQ Ranch Chicken Sandwich unforgettable. Each component brings something special to the party—whether it’s tender chicken, creamy sauce, or that all-important crunch.
- Cooked chicken breast (2 cups, shredded): Go for rotisserie or leftover chicken for ultimate convenience and juicy meat that soaks up all the bold sauce.
- Barbecue sauce (1/2 cup): Choose your favorite—smoky, spicy, or sweet! This is the main flavor backbone for the chicken filling.
- Ranch dressing (1/4 cup for chicken, plus 1/4 cup for coleslaw): Lends creamy, herby tang that ties every bite together.
- Sandwich buns (4, toasted): A good bun keeps all the fillings nestled together and adds that crucial golden crunch.
- Cheddar cheese (4 slices): Melts beautifully over the chicken, giving rich, gooey comfort in each mouthful.
- Coleslaw mix (1 cup): Crisp, fresh, and colorful—it brings balance to the richness and provides a satisfying bite.
- Sliced red onion (2 tablespoons): A pop of zippy sharpness that cuts through the creamy flavors and looks gorgeous, too.
- Fresh cilantro (2 tablespoons, optional): Adds freshness and a burst of color, perfect for those who love an herbaceous lift.
How to Make BBQ Ranch Chicken Sandwich
Step 1: Mix Up the Saucy Chicken
Grab a medium bowl and combine your shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce and ranch dressing. Mixing them together ensures every bite of chicken is juicy, flavorful, and beautifully glossy. If your chicken is cold, you can give it a quick zap in the microwave or warm gently on the stovetop—warm chicken makes the cheese melt extra well in the finished sandwich!
Step 2: Toss Together the Ranch Coleslaw
In a separate small bowl, combine the coleslaw mix with ranch dressing, tossing until everything is lightly coated. This step only takes a minute but makes all the difference, giving you that signature cool, creamy slaw that cuts through the richness of the chicken and BBQ sauce.
Step 3: Toast the Buns
Slice your sandwich buns in half and toast them until they’re golden and crisp. This step isn’t just about flavor; it helps prevent your BBQ Ranch Chicken Sandwich from getting soggy when all those saucy, creamy ingredients come together.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches
Place the bottom halves of the toasted buns on your work surface. Layer on a slice of cheddar cheese, followed by a generous scoop of the warm BBQ ranch chicken. Next, pile on a big spoonful of the creamy coleslaw, then add a few slices of red onion and, if you’re a fan, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch and Serve
Cap each sandwich with the top bun and serve immediately while everything is melty and fresh. Dig in and enjoy the symphony of textures and flavors that make this BBQ Ranch Chicken Sandwich an unbeatable crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve BBQ Ranch Chicken Sandwich
Garnishes
I love finishing my BBQ Ranch Chicken Sandwich with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for color and brightness, plus a few extra red onion slices for extra bite. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a few thinly sliced pickles or a dash of cracked black pepper on top—the little touches make every sandwich your own!
Side Dishes
Pair your BBQ Ranch Chicken Sandwich with classic sides like crispy fries, kettle chips, or a handful of dill pickles. For something lighter, a big green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette works beautifully to balance out the richness of the sandwich. If you’re feeding a crowd, set out a platter of fruit or a corn and black bean salad for that real picnic vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your sandwiches slider-style for parties—just use mini buns and toothpicks. For a fun family night, build a DIY sandwich bar with a variety of toppings so everyone can customize their own creation. Or go picnic-style: wrap each BBQ Ranch Chicken Sandwich in parchment, tie with twine, and pack them up for an easy portable treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken, slaw, and fixings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Assembled sandwiches will get soggy, so keep the components apart until you’re ready to eat for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
The BBQ chicken filling itself freezes well—just spoon into a freezer-safe bag or container, squeeze out any air, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Keep in mind, coleslaw doesn’t freeze well, so you’ll want to make that fresh each time.
Reheating
To reheat the chicken, warm it gently in the microwave or over low heat on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep things saucy. Buns can be briefly toasted or microwaved. Then assemble everything just before serving for a BBQ Ranch Chicken Sandwich that tastes like it was made fresh!
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese if I don’t have cheddar?
Absolutely! Pepper jack cheese is excellent if you want a spicier twist, while Monterey Jack or mozzarella can give you a milder, meltier option. Feel free to get creative with whatever you have on hand.
Is there a way to make this BBQ Ranch Chicken Sandwich healthier?
Yes—try using light ranch dressing, a whole wheat bun, and reduced-fat cheese. For an even leaner version, swap in grilled chicken breast and load up on extra slaw for more crunch and veggies.
What barbecue sauce works best for this sandwich?
Use the barbecue sauce you love—whether that’s sweet and smoky, tangy, or even with a bit of heat. If you like a deeper flavor, try a bold Kansas City-style sauce; for something lighter, a Carolina-style vinegar-based sauce works great, too!
Can I make this BBQ Ranch Chicken Sandwich ahead for a party?
Definitely—just prep the chicken and slaw in advance, then assemble the sandwiches right before serving so the buns stay crisp. For big gatherings, you can even keep the chicken warm in a slow cooker and let guests build their own.
What protein other than chicken would work in this recipe?
Pulled pork, shredded turkey, or even jackfruit (for a vegetarian version) are fantastic alternatives in this BBQ Ranch Chicken Sandwich. Adjust the barbecue sauce and ranch to taste, and the rest of the recipe works just the same.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving bold flavor with minimum fuss, the BBQ Ranch Chicken Sandwich is destined to become your new go-to. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone who takes a bite. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself (and your favorite people) to this irresistible sandwich soon!
Print
BBQ Ranch Chicken Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Assembly
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This BBQ Ranch Chicken Sandwich combines tender shredded chicken tossed in barbecue sauce, creamy ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, and coleslaw on a toasted bun. Quick and flavorful, it’s a perfect weeknight meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 4 sandwich buns (toasted)
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
For the Coleslaw:
- 1 cup coleslaw mix
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons sliced red onion
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce until well coated.
- Prepare Coleslaw: In a separate small bowl, toss the coleslaw mix with ranch dressing to lightly coat.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Place the bottom halves of the toasted buns on a plate. Add a slice of cheddar cheese to each, then top with warm BBQ chicken. Spoon coleslaw over the chicken, add a few slices of red onion, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro if desired. Place the top halves of the buns on and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for quick preparation.
- Try pepper jack cheese for a spicier kick, or add pickles for extra crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
