Smoky BBQ chicken, melted Muenster, hot candied bacon, and tangy coleslaw stacked on toasted ciabatta. A messy, irresistible sandwich that absolutely delivers.
This is a BBQ chicken sandwich with coleslaw, but it’s definitely not the restrained, picnic-table version you’re used to.
We’re talking smoky shredded chicken tossed in BBQ sauce, piled onto toasted ciabatta, then layered with melted Muenster, sweet-and-spicy candied bacon, and a creamy, tangy coleslaw that cuts through all that richness in exactly the right way. It’s messy in the best sense of the word – and it absolutely qualifies as a loaded BBQ chicken sandwich that doesn’t hold back on anything.
Call it a hot mess if you want. That’s kind of the point. And yes, you will need napkins. Probably more than you think.
Why This BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Coleslaw Works
This isn’t just a BBQ chicken sandwich with coleslaw – it’s a full texture situation. You’ve got smoky, saucy chicken for richness, melted Muenster for creaminess, candied bacon for sweet heat and crunch, and coleslaw for tang and freshness. Every layer pulls its weight, and nothing is just there for decoration.
The result is a loaded BBQ chicken sandwich that’s bold, balanced, and just messy enough to be worth it.
It’s chaos, but structured chaos.
Pro Tips
- The coleslaw is not optional, it balances the entire sandwich.
- The bacon brings sweet heat and crunch; increase or decrease the amount of cayenne to your preference.
- Eat this immediately, it does not wait politely. If you do need to wrap it up for later, remove the bacon and heat up separately so your crunch is maintained.
- Keep napkins close. Very close.
Here’s your printable –
BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Candied Bacon & Coleslaw | Hot Mess Sandwich
Ingredients
- This Ciabatta Recipe
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz Coca Cola
- 1 bottle barbecue sauce (I used KC Masterpiece Hickory)
- 1 bag angel hair slaw
- 1 tomato, diced
- ½ onion, diced
- 1 jalapeno, diced
- 1 cup mayo (give or take depending on your preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste (For the slaw)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cayenne pepper (give or take depending on your tolerance for heat)
- 1 lb bacon
- 16 oz. Muenster cheese, sliced thin
Instructions
- Add the chicken, coca cola and barbecue sauce to a slow cooker on low. Cook for 4-6 hours, until done. (You could alternatively pour the soda and sauce over the breasts in a baking dish, cover and bake for 30-45 minutes on 375).
- Combine the slaw, tomato, onion, jalapeno, mayo and salt and pepper; cover and refrigerate.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Arrange bacon on a foil lined baking sheet.
- Combine the brown sugar and cayenne in a small bowl; sprinkle over bacon and bake for 12-15 minutes, until done and crispy.
- When chicken is done, shred with two forks or put in the bowl of your stand mixer and turn on medium to shred.
- Assemble the sandwiches by cutting the Ciabatta into sandwich sized pieces, then slicing in two.
- Pile on the BBQ chicken, cheese, slaw and bacon.
- Heat in a skillet over medium heat until the cheese is melted.
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This Post Has 21 Comments
This BBQ Chicken on Ciabatta looks absolutely mouthwatering! I love the idea of using Muenster cheese to add that creamy texture. Can’t wait to try this recipe for my next cookout!
This BBQ chicken on ciabatta with muenster sounds absolutely delicious! I love the combination of flavors and can already imagine how gooey the cheese will be. Can’t wait to try this at my next cookout!
This BBQ chicken ciabatta with muenster sounds absolutely delicious! I love how the flavors come together, and the combination of the smoky BBQ with the creamy cheese must be heavenly. I can’t wait to try this recipe for my next summer gathering!
This BBQ chicken on ciabatta with muenster looks absolutely delicious! I love the combination of flavors you’ve described. Can’t wait to try making this recipe for my next picnic!
this looks so good! i have to try this recipe!
this looks so good! i have to try this recipe.
This looks amazing, Shea! Such a great recipe!
Thanks so much Kristi!!
That’s got to be one of the most amazing sandwiches I’ve ever seen! I also love to make my own bread but don’t do it very often these days.
I love sandwiches! I haven’t met many that I didn’t like. This one looks A-mazing! I wanted to let you know that I featured your recipe on this week’s Party in Your PJs link party. Thanks so much for sharing with us. I hope you have a great weekend. I’m so glad I found your blog. I’ve subscribed 🙂
Thanks Melissa!!
Well, if this sandwich is so good it makes you want to cuss, I feel like I need to try it for myself! It sounds divine, truly, and like you, I’m a bread baker for stress relief. 🙂
This is one of my favorite recipes from last week’s #thatsfreshfriday link-up! I’ll be sharing it on my blog tomorrow evening, and I hope to see you back there again this week sharing again. Happy (early) July 4th, and keep up the great work!
Oh my does this ever look delicious! I have never candied bacon and wasn’t sure how you did it. Now I see that it is so easy. Thanks for sharing the recipe with SYC. Pinning.
hugs,
Jann
Just pinned and will be sharing on FB!! Love this awesome sandwich!!!
YUM!!
HUgs from Freedom Fridays
Thanks Evelyn!
Thank you for linking up to the #2 National Saturdal likparty! I really love this recipe and the bacon makes everything better! 😀
Thanks Anna!
There are those recipes that stop you in your tracks. I’m here to stay.
Thank you!
Drooling! The chicken sounds amazing! Love that it is made in the slow cooker. Then the slaw – crazy good!
Thanks Stephanie 🙂