BBQ Pulled Chicken Burger with Smoky Sauce

This BBQ Pulled Chicken Burger is a satisfying sandwich loaded with tender shredded chicken, smoky barbecue sauce, and crisp homemade coleslaw. It brings together the comfort of a classic chicken burger with the bold, sweet, tangy flavor of BBQ chicken. The result is a juicy, flavorful burger that works beautifully for backyard cookouts, family dinners, picnics, game days, or any time you want a hearty sandwich that feels special without being complicated.

What makes this BBQ pulled chicken burger so convenient is the Instant Pot method. The chicken cooks quickly while staying moist and easy to shred. A simple blend of chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, grated onion, Worcestershire sauce, BBQ sauce, and chicken stock gives the meat deep flavor in a short amount of time. Once shredded, the chicken is mixed back into the sauce so every bite is coated and delicious.

The creamy coleslaw adds the perfect contrast. It is crunchy, fresh, lightly sweet, and tangy, making it an ideal topping for the warm barbecue chicken. Serve the pulled chicken on hamburger buns or sandwich rolls, pile on the slaw, and enjoy a BBQ chicken sandwich that tastes like it took much longer to prepare than it actually did.

If you enjoy easy sandwich recipes, this shredded chicken burger is a great one to keep on repeat. It is simple enough for a weeknight meal but flavorful enough to serve to guests.

Why You’ll Love This Pulled Chicken Burger

• It’s quick and easy. The Instant Pot cooks the chicken in minutes, and the coleslaw can be mixed while the chicken is cooking.
• It’s tender and flavorful. Chicken thighs stay juicy, shred beautifully, and soak up the smoky-sweet barbecue sauce.
• It has great texture. The soft bun, saucy pulled chicken, and crunchy coleslaw make every bite balanced.
• It’s easy to customize. Add pickles, sliced red onions, extra BBQ sauce, or your favorite burger toppings to make it your own.
• It’s great for meal prep. The shredded BBQ chicken can be made ahead and reheated when you are ready to assemble the burgers.

Chicken Burger Ingredients

For BBQ chicken

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are used for the juiciest result. Chicken breast can also be used, or you can combine both cuts.
• Seasonings: Chili powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and ground pepper build a savory base for the chicken.
• Onion: Finely grated onion adds flavor without leaving large pieces in the sauce.
• BBQ sauce: Use your favorite barbecue sauce to control the sweetness, smokiness, or spice level.
• Brown sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness. You can substitute honey or maple syrup, or leave it out if you prefer a less sweet BBQ chicken sandwich.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory depth that balances the sweetness of the sauce.
• Chicken stock: Keeps the chicken moist and helps create a flavorful cooking liquid. Low-sodium chicken stock is a good option.

For Coleslaw

• Cabbage and carrots: Red cabbage, green cabbage, and grated carrots create a colorful, crunchy slaw. A pre-shredded coleslaw mix can be used to save time.
• Greek yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt creates a creamy dressing with a lighter feel. Mayonnaise may be used if preferred.
• Honey: Adds light sweetness to balance the vinegar and cabbage.
• Apple cider vinegar: Gives the slaw a bright, tangy flavor.
• Seasoning: Salt and freshly ground pepper bring the dressing together.
• Hamburger buns: Use your favorite hamburger buns or sandwich rolls. Toasting them adds extra texture.

How To Make BBQ Pulled Chicken Burger

• Prep the chicken. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a kitchen towel. This helps the seasonings coat the meat more evenly.

• Season and cook the chicken. Add the chicken thighs, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, grated onion, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and chicken stock to the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and make sure the valve is set to the sealing position. Select the “Manual” setting and cook for 12 minutes. When the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.

• Shred the chicken. Open the lid carefully, remove the chicken, and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the Instant Pot and simmer for a couple of minutes so the meat absorbs the sauce.

• Prepare the coleslaw. While the chicken cooks, combine the cabbage, carrots, Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix until evenly coated.
• Assemble and serve. Spoon the BBQ pulled chicken onto hamburger buns, top with coleslaw, and serve immediately.

Tips To Make BBQ Chicken Sandwich

• Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness. Boneless, skinless thighs stay tender and flavorful after pressure cooking.
• Combine chicken cuts if desired. A mix of thighs and breasts gives you lean meat with added moisture from the dark meat.
• Shred efficiently. Use two forks, or use an electric mixer on low speed for a faster option.
• Adjust the sauce. Add more BBQ sauce if you like a saucier pulled chicken burger, or simmer a little longer for a thicker texture.
• Toast the buns. Toasting helps prevent sogginess and adds a light crunch.
• Season well. The seasoning blend is what gives the chicken flavor before the sauce is added, so coat the chicken evenly.
• Make it ahead. Prepare the BBQ chicken in advance and reheat it when you are ready to build the sandwiches.
• Doubling the recipe. If you double the recipe, double all ingredients except the chicken stock.

Frequently Asked Questions

More BBQ Recipes

• Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
• Baked BBQ Chicken Bites
• Baked BBQ Chicken Breast
• Honey BBQ Chicken Kabobs
• Baked BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

This BBQ Pulled Chicken Burger is easy, flavorful, and perfect for anyone who loves a saucy shredded chicken sandwich. The Instant Pot keeps the process simple, while the homemade coleslaw adds freshness and crunch. Whether you are making dinner for your family or serving a casual meal to guests, this BBQ chicken sandwich is a delicious recipe to keep in your rotation.

BBQ Pulled Chicken Burger

Tender shredded BBQ chicken, sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, and crisp creamy coleslaw come together in a hearty burger that is easy to make and full of flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4 Servings

Ingredients

For BBQ chicken

• 2 lb chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper
• ½ medium onion, grated
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken stock

For Coleslaw

• 1 cup green cabbage
• 1 cup red cabbage
• 2 tablespoons grated carrots
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper
• 4 hamburger buns

Instructions

• Pat the chicken thighs dry with a kitchen towel.
• Place the chicken thighs, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, grated onion, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and chicken stock in the Instant Pot. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing.
• Cook on the “Manual” setting for 12 minutes. When finished, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then release the remaining pressure.
• Open the lid carefully, remove the chicken, and shred it with forks. Return the shredded chicken to the Instant Pot and simmer for a few minutes until coated in sauce.
• Combine the coleslaw ingredients in a wide bowl and mix well.
• Fill each hamburger bun with shredded BBQ chicken, top with coleslaw, and serve.

Notes

• Toast the buns: This helps keep the sandwich from becoming soggy.
• Use your favorite BBQ sauce: The sauce will strongly influence the final flavor.
• Store separately: Keep the chicken and coleslaw in separate containers for the best texture.
• Freeze only the chicken: The coleslaw is best made fresh.

Nutrition

Calories: 829kcal |
Carbohydrates: 69g |
Protein: 46g |
Fat: 40g