• Search
  • Saved Recipes
  • About
  • Browse Recipes
  • Recipe Index

Main Navigation

  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Saved Recipes

The Forked Spoon

Eat Healthy • Adventure Often

  • Browse Recipes
  • Breakfast
  • Salads
  • Soups
  • Sides
  • Dinners
  • Desserts
  • By Diet

Home » Chicken + Poultry » Cherry BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Cherry BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon Jessica Randhawa
May 30, 2016
4.67 from 3 votes


Last Updated June 13, 2020 | 1 Comment

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

352 shares
jump to recipe

Learn how to make a Cherry BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Pickled Red Onions and Coleslaw this summer cherry season!

Cherry BBQ Chicken Sandwiches with Pickled Red Onions Coleslaw

Tomorrow is my sister’s bridal shower. I am sitting in the airport waiting to board my plane to Los Angeles. Meanwhile, my husband is at home with Octavian getting his first little taste of full time parenting. I’m not jealous. Let’s be honest, this hour alone lounging in the airport, away from the mess of the house and constant need to give someone attention, well, it’s like a breath of fresh air. Sitting here in the airport I don’t have to worry about anyone but myself. I can just sit and watch as people come and go, moving on from one place to another.

Time moves slow when the only person you have to think about is yourself.

No wonder I was always so bored before I had Octavian.

Which is why, despite this glorious moment all about me that is much needed and long overdue, I miss him. It is one of the mysteries of children; they make you crazy almost all the time, but when you’re away from them, all you remember are the good times.

For example, I’ve already forgotten that he stripped naked at the dog park today and went swimming in the little dog pools (he’s fast!), or that he would only wear his fleece jammies to take a nap even though it was 105 degrees outside. I’ve forgotten that he hit me in the head with a coaster and refused to put on shorts, so I had to take him to TJs with only a shirt on (and getting that shirt on was TOUGH), or that he thought it would be fun to rake the floor with a fork.

Yep, completely forgotten.

Instead, what I do remember, is the pride in his eyes and voice when he colored his hands with markers, set them on paper, counted to three and said, “There! All done. Here’s my art project, mommy”. Or when he ran in and out of the house for 10 minutes bringing me teeny tiny flowers, “Mommy, flower for you!” I remember his beaming smile when he saw me after he woke up from his nap, when I picked him up from the gym daycare, and when I kept repeating, “ribbit, riiibbbbit, RIBBBBIT” over and over because his shorts had frogs on them (and I was trying to convince him to take off the fleece and put on the shorts). I remember his hugs and request to “stay home and cuddle”. I remember him using the word “twice” and thinking whoa, my kid is smart!

I remember his sweetness.

So, yes, I miss him already and will continue to miss him (and his dad who is braving the trenches alone) until I get home tomorrow night.

Cherry BBQ Chicken in white bowl

In food news, I have the most amazing chicken sandwich for you guys.

First, we have a buttery brioche bun. Then we have juicy shredded chicken in a sweet BBQ sauce with cherries. Yes, CHERRIES. Don’t worry if cherries aren’t your favorite thing ever, they blend right in with the sauce and chicken and just add to the sweet awesomeness. Then, pickled red onion. So fresh, crunchy and a little spicy. Finally, creamy coleslaw. Now, usually coleslaw isn’t on my list of things to eat, but it is the perfect complement to this sandwich.

It gets messy, so grab a napkin and go for it.

Seriously, just do it.

And, don’t worry, despite the long ingredient list, these sandwiches are crazy easy to make. Promise 🙂

Well, I’m off to catch my plane. Safe travels, fingers crossed.

Cherry BBQ Chicken on a sandwich bun

 

Cherry BBQ Chicken Sandwiches with Pickled Red Onions

 

Cherry BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Pickled Red Onions and Coleslaw on top

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

complete Cherry BBQ Chicken Sandwiches with overflowing Pickled Red Onions and Coleslaw

 

Cherry BBQ Chicken Sandwiches with Pickled Red Onions + Coleslaw

Cherry BBQ Chicken Sandwiches with Pickled Red Onions + Coleslaw

4.67 from 3 votes
Chef: Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked SpoonJessica Randhawa
Learn how to make a Cherry BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Pickled Red Onions and Coleslaw this summer cherry season!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 1 hr
Total Time 1 hr 10 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 1005 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 4 brioche buns - sliced and lightly toasted

For the BBQ Chicken:

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts - cooked and shredded (rotisserie works great too!)
  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • 1 onion - grated
  • 4 cloves garlic - minced
  • 2 cups ketchup
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup apple juice
  • ¼ cup worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoon molasses
  • 2 tablespoon honey
  • 2 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1.5 cups cherries - halved or quartered with pits removed
  • salt - to taste

For the pickled red onion:

  • 1 red onion - thinly sliced
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the coleslaw:

  • 1 head green cabbage - shredded
  • 2 large carrots - shredded
  • ½ small red cabbage - shredded
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions
 

For the BBQ Chicken:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. When the water reaches a rolling boil, gently add chicken breasts, cover pot with a fitted lid and remove from heat. Allow chicken to cook for approximately 30 minutes. Carefully remove chicken from the pot to a plate and allow it to cool before shredding with a fork (or fingers). Meanwhile, while the chicken is cooking, prepare the BBQ sauce. In a medium size sauce pan heat butter over medium high heat. Add grated onion and minced garlic and mix well. Cook onion and garlic over medium heat, stirring frequently, until onions are soft, approximately 4-5 minutes. Gently mix in remaining ingredients and bring sauce to a simmer. Allow mixture to cook on low for 15-20 minutes, taste, and make any additions you see necessary (sugar, vinegar, salt). Remove from heat and carefully stir in shredded chicken. Set aside.

For the pickled red onion:

  • Placed sliced red onion in a medium bowl. In a small pot bring vinegar, water, sugar and salt to a low boil. Carefully pour over the sliced red onion and allow onions to sit in the vinegar mixture for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. When ready to eat, drain liquid and rinse with cool water.

For the coleslaw:

  • In a large mixing bowl combine all ingredients for the coleslaw and mix well. Taste and add additional salt and pepper if necessary.

Build the sandwiches:

  • Lightly toast the brioche buns and pile on the toppings. First the chicken, then the onions and finally, the coleslaw.

Jessica's Notes

And, make sure to have lots of napkins handy 🙂

Nutritional Information

Calories: 1005kcal | Carbohydrates: 106g | Protein: 57g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 188mg | Sodium: 3081mg | Potassium: 2580mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 81g | Vitamin A: 7740IU | Vitamin C: 163.7mg | Calcium: 279mg | Iron: 5.4mg

(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)

Keyword Cherry barbeque chicken sandwich
Did You Make This Recipe? Tag it Today!Mention @theforkedspoon or tag #theforkedspoon and please leave your star rating in the comment section below.

About Jessica

Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

Jessica Randhawa is the head chef, photographer, and recipe developer of The Forked Spoon. Jessica fell in love with cooking while traveling through Asia and Europe, where she discovered her passion for good food and new adventures. Her recipes have been featured on Yahoo, MSN, USA Today, FeedFeed, and many more. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California.

352 shares
Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

About Jessica Randhawa

Jessica Randhawa is the head chef, photographer, and recipe developer of The Forked Spoon. Jessica fell in love with cooking while traveling through Asia and Europe, where she discovered her passion for good food and new adventures. Her recipes have been featured on Yahoo, MSN, USA Today, FeedFeed, and many more. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California.

Comments

  1. Karly says

    June 9, 2016 at 4:05 pm

    5 stars

    Alright, I’ll admit it. I’m obsessed. I’m obsessed with BBQ and I don’t care who knows it. This recipe sounds FANTASTIC, and I know it’s guaranteed to be a hit with the hubby and kids, too! Can’t wait to try this!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

I’m Jessica! Aka mom, wife, chef, and travel-obsessed photographer. Welcome to The Forked Spoon. Here you can browse hundreds of incredible family-friendly recipes covering dozens of diets, courses, and cuisines. Learn more about me.

Reader Favorites

  • A close up of a bowl Chimichurri Chimichurri Recipe (How to Make Chimichurri Sauce)
  • Acai bowl topped with fresh fruit and granola. Acai Bowl Recipe – How to Make Your Own Acai Bowl
  • Perfect, clear, beef bone broth in a large stockpot. Bone Broth Recipe (How to Make Bone Broth)
  • Bok Choy being cooked in a wok with a spoonful of garlic sauce 10 Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe
  • White bowl filled with homemade chicken soup. The Best Chicken Soup Recipe
  • Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip Cheese Pull with a tortilla chip. The Best Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe (+ Video)
The Forked Spoon has been featured on Yahoo, CountryLiving, MSN, Cosmopolitan, USA Today, and Parade
  • About
  • Browse Recipes
  • Contact
  • Accessibility Statement

Copyright © 2023 · The Forked Spoon LLC • Disclosure