Cornbread BBQ Sandwich

When it comes to comfort food, few things scream “soul-satisfying” like a hearty Cornbread BBQ Sandwich. This is the kind of meal that brings folks together at picnics, BBQs, and even casual family dinners. Imagine sweet, buttery cornbread layered with smoky barbecue chicken, creamy coleslaw, and a tangy homemade sauce—sounds like heaven on a plate, right?

Let’s talk about how to make this crowd-pleaser from scratch. Don’t worry—it’s not as complicated as it sounds. With a little prep and the right ingredients, you’ll be whipping up a Southern-inspired feast in no time.

Why a Cornbread BBQ Sandwich is a Must-Try

Let’s be real—cornbread is already a top-tier Southern staple. However, turning it into a sandwich and pairing it with tender barbecue chicken, crunchy coleslaw, and pickles? Now you’re playing in a whole new league. This recipe takes comfort food up a notch and makes it picnic, potluck, or even game-day ready.

What I love most about a cornbread BBQ sandwich is the balance of flavors and textures. You’ve got the sweet and crumbly cornbread, the smoky and saucy chicken, the creamy and tangy slaw, and a little pickle crunch to tie it all together. Every bite feels like a celebration of Southern cooking. And the best part? You don’t need to be a professional chef to pull it off!

The Perfect Cornbread BBQ Sandwich for Any Occasion

These sandwiches aren’t just food—they’re an experience. Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner, hosting friends for a summer cookout, or just craving something downright delicious, a cornbread BBQ sandwich fits the bill. It’s the kind of meal that makes people ask for seconds (and maybe thirds).

And here’s the thing: While it may sound like a lot of steps, the recipe is super doable. You’re working with simple, familiar ingredients and straightforward prep. Plus, there’s a little shortcut magic involved with the rotisserie chicken. So even if you’re juggling a busy schedule, you can still whip these up like a pro.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Your Cornbread BBQ Sandwich

This recipe makes 12 servings, perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cornbread

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 4 cups buttermilk (960 mL)
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick, melted)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour (375 g)
• 3 cups cornmeal (450 g)
• 4 teaspoons salt
• 5 tablespoons sugar
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda

For the Barbecue Sauce

• 2 cups ketchup (480 g)
• 4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 6 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• ½ cup light brown sugar (110 g)
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

For the Coleslaw

• 1 cup mayonnaise (240 g)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (60 mL)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ head green cabbage, thinly sliced
• ¼ head red cabbage, thinly sliced
• 3 large carrots, shredded

For the Sandwich Assembly

• 2 rotisserie chickens, shredded
• 24 pickle chips
• Special equipment: 12 toothpicks

Step-by-Step to Make Cornbread BBQ Sandwich

1. Make the Cornbread

Start with the base of your sandwich—the cornbread. This isn’t just any cornbread; it’s buttery, fluffy, and strong enough to hold all those delicious fillings.

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.
• Meanwhile, combine the flour, cornmeal, salt, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda in a separate bowl. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just enough to combine.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool completely before slicing.

2. Whip Up the Barbecue Sauce

The sauce is the heart of this sandwich. Sweet, tangy, and smoky, it ties everything together.

• Combine ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, paprika, brown sugar, and black pepper in a medium saucepan.
• Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Set it aside to cool before using.

3. Prepare the Coleslaw

This crunchy, creamy slaw adds a refreshing balance to the rich barbecue flavors.

• In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, black pepper, apple cider vinegar, paprika, and salt.
• Add the green cabbage, red cabbage, and shredded carrots to the dressing. Toss everything until well coated. Chill in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches.

4. Shred the Chicken

Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe super quick and easy. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss it in some of the barbecue sauce to coat. (Pro tip: Save a little extra sauce for drizzling later!)

Assembling Your Cornbread BBQ Sandwich

Now comes the fun part—putting it all together! Here’s how to build these beauties:

1. First, slice the cooled cornbread into 24 squares, ensuring they are roughly the same size. Each sandwich will require two pieces.
2. On a plate, place one square of cornbread as the base layer. Next, add a generous scoop of shredded barbecue chicken.
3. Follow up with a spoonful of coleslaw on top of the chicken to bring in that creamy crunch.
4. For a tangy kick, place two pickle chips over the coleslaw.
5. Finally, complete the sandwich with another piece of cornbread and secure it all with a toothpick.

Tips for Success

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the barbecue sauce and coleslaw a day in advance to save time.
• Customize: If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some jalapeños for heat or a slice of cheddar cheese for extra indulgence.
• Leftovers: Got leftover cornbread? Use it as a base for chili or even a quick breakfast with a little honey butter.

FAQs

A Cornbread BBQ Sandwich for Every Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just looking for a comforting dinner idea, these sandwiches are guaranteed to impress. The combination of sweet cornbread, tangy sauce, and creamy slaw is pure magic. Plus, it’s one of those meals that feels fancy but is secretly super simple to make.