BBQ Chicken Sandwiches with Cilantro-Sesame Slaw

Name: BBQ Chicken Sandwiches with Cilantro-Sesame Slaw
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1- 1/2 quart Water; 1/4 cups Brown Sugar; 3 Tablespoons Coarse Kosher Salt; 1 Tablespoon Liquid Smoke; 2 cloves Garlic, Pressed; 1/2 teaspoons Dried Thyme; 3 pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts; 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch With A Splash Of Cold Water, For Thickening; ⅓ cups Liquid Smoke; 1- 1/2 cup High Quality BBQ Sauce; 3 cups Coleslaw Cabbage Mix; 1/2 cups Green Pepper, Finely Chopped; 1/4 cups Cilantro, Snipped; 3 Tablespoons Sesame Oil; 2 Tablespoons White Vinegar; 2 cloves Garlic, Pressed; 1/2 teaspoons Salt; 1/4 teaspoons Pepper; 4 Tablespoons Butter, For The Buns; 8 Buns; Additional BBQ Sauce, To Serve

Servings: persons

1- 1/2 quart Water
1/4 cups Brown Sugar
3 Tablespoons Coarse Kosher Salt
1 Tablespoon Liquid Smoke
2 cloves Garlic, Pressed
1/2 teaspoons Dried Thyme
3 pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
1 Tablespoon Cornstarch With A Splash Of Cold Water, For Thickening
⅓ cups Liquid Smoke
1- 1/2 cup High Quality BBQ Sauce
3 cups Coleslaw Cabbage Mix
1/2 cups Green Pepper, Finely Chopped
1/4 cups Cilantro, Snipped
3 Tablespoons Sesame Oil
2 Tablespoons White Vinegar
2 cloves Garlic, Pressed
1/2 teaspoons Salt
1/4 teaspoons Pepper
4 Tablespoons Butter, For The Buns
8 Buns
Additional BBQ Sauce, To Serve

1
In a large bowl, mix brine ingredients, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
2
Reserve 1 cup of brine out for the next morning.
3
Place chicken in a large zip lock bag or Tupperware and soak for 24 hours, turning often.
4
The next day, remove chicken from brine and place chicken in your crockpot on low with reserved 1 cup brine.
5
Cook on low for 4-5 hours until chicken is tender.
6
Remove chicken to a bowl to shred and drain juices into a small pot.
7
Whisk together corn starch with a splash of cold water and add to pot, boil until nice and thick, then pour back over shredded chicken, adding liquid smoke and BBQ sauce.
8
Keep warm until serving time.
9
Make the sesame coleslaw earlier in the day by combining in a medium bowl the coleslaw cabbage mix, finely chopped green pepper, snipped cilantro, sesame oil, white vinegar, pressed garlic and salt and pepper.
10
Refrigerate until meat is ready to allow flavors to blend.
11
At serving time, spread some butter on buns then toast under a broiler for 1 minute.
12
Drizzle with BBQ sauce, a large scoop of meat, and slaw.
13
Dig in!

847

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

106

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 21 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1- 1/2 quart Water, 1/4 cups Brown Sugar, 3 Tablespoons Coarse Kosher Salt, 1 Tablespoon Liquid Smoke, and more.

Yes, BBQ Chicken Sandwiches with Cilantro-Sesame Slaw falls under the Salads category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness. Best served cold — no reheating needed.

That's it — enjoy your meal!