Barbecue Chicken Strip Sandwich
Hi, my friends who are really hungry! I’m excited to share this delicious recipe for the one and only BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich. It will fill you up for sure. It’s like getting soft, perfectly cooked chicken strips between two fluffy buns and smothering them in a great-tasting hot sauce. This tasty sandwich dish is full of different tastes that will make you want more. You’ve come to the right place to enjoy a tasty treat and get better at making sandwiches. Let’s start this great bbq trip!
Barbecue Chicken Strip Sandwich
Equipment
- Skillet or frying pan:
- Tongs:
- Mixing Bowl:
- Basting Brush:
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 sandwich buns
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the chicken strips to the bowl and toss them in the barbecue sauce mixture until they are evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.
- Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken strips to the skillet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook the chicken in batches.
- Cook the chicken strips for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and have developed a nice char on the outside. Use tongs to flip them halfway through cooking.
- While the chicken is cooking, you can toast the sandwich buns if desired.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
- To assemble the sandwiches, place a generous portion of the barbecue chicken strips on the bottom half of each sandwich bun. Add any desired toppings such as lettuce, tomato, onion, or pickles.
- Top each sandwich with the remaining half of the bun and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious barbecue chicken strip sandwiches with your favorite side dishes like coleslaw, potato salad, or french fries. Bon appétit!
DETAIL METHOD TO COOK “BARBECUE CHICKEN STRIP SANDWICHES”
Introduction
Dive into the mouthwatering world of barbecue chicken strip sandwiches. Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, juicy chicken strips coated in a smoky barbecue sauce, nestled between soft sandwich buns. It’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! Let’s explore the art of crafting the perfect barbecue chicken strip sandwich together.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast strips
- Barbecue sauce
- Sandwich buns
- Optional toppings
Preparation of Barbecue Chicken Strip Sandwich
Marinating the chicken strips:
To infuse your chicken with maximum flavor, it’s crucial to marinate them properly. For my marinade, I typically blend together a mix of spices, herbs, and a splash of citrus for that extra zing. The key is to let the chicken soak in this concoction for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat thoroughly.
Preparing the barbecue sauce:
While you can always opt for a store-bought barbecue sauce, there’s something incredibly satisfying about whipping up your own batch. From tangy vinegar-based sauces to rich and molasses-laden varieties, the options are endless. Experiment with different combinations of ingredients until you find the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors.
Grilling the Chicken
Preparing the grill:
Before you start grilling, ensure your grill is clean and properly preheated. I prefer using a gas grill for its convenience, but charcoal aficionados swear by the unique smoky flavor it imparts to the chicken.
Grilling techniques:
When it comes to grilling chicken strips, there are two main techniques to consider: direct heat and indirect heat. Direct heat is great for achieving those coveted grill marks and a crispy exterior, while indirect heat ensures even cooking without charring the meat.
Assembling the Sandwich
Toasting the buns:
For that perfect contrast of textures, I always toast my sandwich buns lightly on the grill. It adds a subtle crunch to every bite and prevents the bun from becoming soggy under the weight of the chicken and sauce.
Layering the chicken strips:
Once your chicken strips are grilled to perfection, it’s time to assemble the sandwich. I like to pile them generously onto the bottom bun, ensuring that every inch is covered with savory goodness.
Adding toppings:
Now comes the fun part – customizing your sandwich with your favorite toppings. From crisp lettuce and juicy tomato slices to gooey melted cheese, the possibilities are endless. For an extra kick, I often smear a dollop of spicy mayo or aioli on the top bun before sealing the deal.
Serving Suggestions
Side dishes:
No barbecue chicken strip sandwich is complete without a sidekick or two. I love serving mine with classic picnic fare like creamy coleslaw or tangy potato salad. Their refreshing flavors provide the perfect counterbalance to the rich and hearty sandwich.
Beverage pairings:
To wash it all down, consider pairing your sandwich with a refreshing beverage. A cold craft beer complements the smoky flavors of the barbecue sauce beautifully, while a tall glass of iced tea offers a crisp and refreshing alternative.
Tips and Tricks
Perfecting the chicken strips:
Achieving tender and juicy chicken strips requires a delicate balance of heat and timing. To prevent them from drying out on the grill, I recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F before removing them from the heat.
Flavor variations:
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your barbecue chicken strip sandwich. Experiment with different barbecue sauce recipes, swap out the toppings, or even try using alternative proteins like pork or tofu for a unique twist on this classic dish.
Storage and reheating:
If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt there will be any), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat the chicken strips in the microwave or on the grill until warmed through.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the barbecue chicken strip sandwich is a true crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or simply craving a taste of comfort food, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to embark on a flavor-filled journey that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Cheers to good food and great company!
FAQs
- What ingredients do I need for the barbecue chicken strip sandwich?
- You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breast strips, barbecue sauce, sandwich buns, lettuce, tomato slices, and any additional toppings you prefer, such as cheese or onions.
- Can I use store-bought barbecue sauce or should I make my own?
- Either option works well. You can use your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce for convenience, or you can make your own if you prefer a homemade touch.
- How should I cook the chicken strips?
- You can cook the chicken strips by grilling, baking, or pan-frying them. Choose the method that’s most convenient for you and provides the desired level of flavor.
- How long should I cook the chicken strips for?
- Cooking times can vary depending on the method you choose and the thickness of the chicken strips. Generally, cook them until they are no longer pink in the center and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Can I marinate the chicken in barbecue sauce before cooking?
- Yes, marinating the chicken in barbecue sauce before cooking can enhance the flavor. Simply place the chicken strips in a bowl, coat them with barbecue sauce, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight before cooking.
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
- Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version of this sandwich by substituting the chicken with plant-based chicken strips or tofu strips marinated in barbecue sauce.
- What are some suitable side dishes to serve with the barbecue chicken strip sandwich?
- Common side dishes include coleslaw, potato salad, corn on the cob, baked beans, or a simple green salad. Choose your favorite sides to complement the flavors of the sandwich.
- Can I customize the sandwich with additional toppings?
- Absolutely! Feel free to add toppings like cheese, onions, pickles, avocado slices, or bacon to personalize your sandwich according to your taste preferences.
- How can I prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy?
- To prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy, you can toast the sandwich buns lightly before assembling the sandwich. Additionally, you can place a layer of lettuce or tomato slices between the chicken strips and the bottom bun to create a barrier.
- Can I prepare the chicken strips in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the chicken strips in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken strips in the microwave or oven until warmed through before assembling the sandwiches.