Description
These Savory Shredded BBQ Chicken Burgers are made from scratch using tender boiled chicken breasts, sautéed onions and garlic, and your favorite barbecue sauce. Served on toasted buns and topped with cheese, pickles, or coleslaw, they are a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 medium Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (Approximately 1 pound total)
- 1 cup Barbecue Sauce (Your favorite brand or homemade)
Sautéed Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (For sautéing onions and garlic)
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped (Adds savory flavor)
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced (Enhances flavor)
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Salt (To season the chicken)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (For added flavor)
Burger Assembly
- 4 pieces Hamburger Buns (Whole grain, brioche, or gluten-free options)
- Cheese, Pickles, Coleslaw (For added flavor and texture)
Instructions
- Boil the Chicken: In a medium pot, add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked and tender.
- Sauté Onions: While the chicken cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent and slightly caramelized.
- Add Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and allow to cool slightly. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return shredded chicken to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Pour in barbecue sauce and stir well to fully coat the chicken.
- Simmer Mixture: Cook the chicken and sauce mixture over low heat for 5-7 minutes to meld flavors, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Toast Buns: While the mixture simmers, lightly toast hamburger buns on a dry skillet or in a toaster if you prefer.
- Assemble Burgers: Place a generous scoop of the shredded BBQ chicken on the bottom half of each bun. Add optional toppings such as cheese, pickles, or coleslaw.
- Serve: Top with the other bun halves, press gently, and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use whole grain or gluten-free buns as a healthier alternative or to accommodate dietary needs.
- Select your favorite barbecue sauce to customize sweetness and spice levels.
- Letting the chicken rest before shredding makes it easier to handle and yields better texture.
- Optional toppings like cheese, pickles, and coleslaw add flavor contrast and texture.
- Can be made ahead and reheated gently in a skillet to maintain juiciness.
