This post may contain affiliate partner links. View our privacy statement HERE.

A Southern pulled BBQ chicken sandwich is comfort food you can hold in your hands. Juicy, tender chicken is slow-cooked (or pressure-cooked for speed) until it falls apart, then smothered in smoky-sweet barbecue sauce and piled high on a soft, fluffy bun.

Southern Soul Food Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwich

What makes it truly Southern is the soul-seasoned flavor. Bold spices, tangy sauce, and chicken that’s never dry. Finished off with a cool, creamy scoop of coleslaw on top. It’s messy in the best way, finger-lickin’ delicious, and the kind of sandwich that turns an ordinary meal into a backyard Southern BBQ classic!

Ingredients

This isn’t just any BBQ pulled chicken sandwich—it’s the soul food way! The chicken is seasoned from the start forbold, smoky-sweet flavor in every bite, never dry and always juicy. What truly sets it apart is the flavor-packed profile and the finishing touch of seasoned Southern coleslaw on top, adding creamy crunch and that extra layer of flava that makes this sandwich unforgettable.

You’ll need tender pulled BBQ chicken dripping with smoky-sweet sauce, a scoop of creamy, seasoned Southern soul food coleslaw, and soft, fluffy buns (or your favorite bread) to hold it all together.

Best bread to use for pulled BBQ sandwiches

The best bread for a pulled BBQ chicken sandwich is soft, sturdy, and ready to soak up all that smoky-sweet sauce without falling apart. Classic choices include pillowy brioche buns for a touch of buttery richness, potato rolls for their tender sweetness, or bakery-style hamburger buns for a traditional BBQ feel.

No matter which you choose, the right bread should be hearty enough to hold the filling but soft enough to sink your teeth into with every messy, delicious bite.

Pro tip: If you like a little crunch, lightly toast the buns to add texture while keeping the inside soft enough to cradle the juicy chicken and creamy coleslaw.

How to make a pulled BBQ chicken sandwich

To make the ultimate pulled BBQ chicken sandwich, begin by:

Cooking the chicken until it’s fall-apart tender and juicy. For speed, pressure cook it in the Instant Pot for just 15 minutes, or go the traditional route with a slow cooker for 4–8 hours of low-and-slow flavor.
Pull or shred the cooked chicken into flavorful strands.
Next, make the Southern coleslaw.
Finally, pile the pulled chicken high on a soft bun, top it with a generous scoop of slaw, and you’ve got a smoky-sweet, tangy, soul food sandwich that’s finger-lickin’ unforgettable!

How to make a pulled BBQ chicken sandwich

Toppings for a BBQ pulled chicken sandwich

A soul food pulled BBQ chicken sandwich is already a star on its own once you pile on the creamy coleslaw. But if you want to play with toppings, here are some tasty ideas:

Pickles – add a tangy crunch that cuts through the richness.
Sliced jalapeños – for a little heat and extra kick.
Crispy fried onions – to layer on savory crunch.
Cheese – a slice of sharp cheddar or pepper jack for melty richness.
Hot sauce drizzle – for those who like it bold and spicy!

What to serve with BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches

BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches pair perfectly with classic Southern sides that round out the meal. Think smoky baked beans or for something cool and refreshing, potato salad or sweet tea always hits the spot. Together, these sides turn a simple sandwich into a full-on soul food feast!