Chicken Chopped Sandwich with Alabama BBQ Sauce Recipe
This Chicken Chopped Sandwich with Alabama BBQ Sauce is creamy, tangy, and loaded with tender chicken, pickles, and fresh lettuce—perfect for a southern-inspired lunch.
Equipment
- Skillet or grill pan for cooking chicken
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife and cutting board.
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Sandwich buns or rolls
- Optional: small whisk for sauce
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for smoky flavor
For the Alabama BBQ Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon horseradish optional, for heat
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
For the Sandwich:
- 4 sandwich buns or rolls toasted
- ½ cup chopped fresh lettuce or coleslaw
- ½ cup sliced pickles
- Optional: sliced tomatoes or onions for freshness and color
- Optional: extra drizzle of Alabama BBQ sauce for topping
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Let rest for 5 minutes, then chop or shred the chicken into small bite-sized pieces.
- Pro Tip: Resting the chicken allows juices to redistribute, keeping it moist when chopped.
Step 2: Make the Alabama BBQ Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, horseradish, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Mix until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- This sauce is what gives the sandwich its signature tangy kick. Feel free to add more cayenne for a spicier version.
Step 3: Toss Chicken with Sauce
- Add the chopped chicken to the bowl with Alabama BBQ sauce and mix until all pieces are well coated. Make sure every piece gets a good coating—it’s where the magic happens!
Step 4: Prepare the Buns and Toppings
- Toast the sandwich buns lightly. Prepare your lettuce, pickles, and optional toppings like sliced tomatoes or onions. The crisp, fresh elements contrast beautifully with the creamy, tangy chicken.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich
- Place a layer of lettuce or coleslaw on the bottom bun. Pile on the chopped chicken tossed in Alabama BBQ sauce. Top with pickles and optional tomato or onion slices. Drizzle a little extra sauce over the top if you like it extra tangy, then add the top bun.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve immediately while warm with your favorite side, like fries, chips, or a fresh salad. This sandwich is messy in the best way, so have napkins handy!
Notes
- Use freshly cooked chicken for best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the heat in the Alabama BBQ sauce to your liking.
- Toast the buns for added crunch and to prevent sogginess.
- Mix chicken and sauce just before serving to keep freshness.
- Don’t be afraid to pile on the toppings—they add texture and color.