Ultimate Spicy Grilled BBQ Chicken Sandwich: Juicy Foster Farms Thighs for Perfect Summer Grilling
This Foster Farms® Spicy Grilled BBQ Chicken Sandwich is an explosion of everything you crave in a summer meal—spicy, incredibly meaty, deliciously sweet, lusciously creamy, and perfectly charred. Crafted with succulent and tender Foster Farms® Simply Raised® No Antibiotics Ever Free Range Chicken Thigh Fillets, this sandwich promises an unforgettable experience for your next backyard gathering. All that’s missing is a frosty cold beer to complete this vibrant feast!
This post has been sponsored by Foster Farms®. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
While a classic juicy burger undeniably holds a special place in our hearts, this summer, I’m wholeheartedly embracing the versatility and deliciousness of chicken. Specifically, my current obsession revolves around Foster Farms® Simply Raised® No Antibiotics Ever Free Range Chicken Thigh Fillets. There’s something inherently lighter, yet incredibly satisfying, about a perfectly grilled chicken sandwich that just feels right for warm weather gatherings. It’s a delightful departure from beef that still delivers on flavor and heartiness.
The mere mention of a “juicy BBQ chicken sandwich” is enough to make my mouth water instantly. It transports me back to sun-drenched backyard BBQs, the tantalizing aroma of grilling meat filling the air, and that irresistible sweet and spicy BBQ sauce creating delightful, messy streaks down my chin. It’s a nostalgic taste of summer, embodied in every single bite, and it’s a tradition I’m more than happy to repeat all season long.
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More grilled chicken recipes: Grilled Avocado Chicken Caprese / Beer Brined Beer Can Chicken / Tequila Lime Chicken Thighs / Spicy Ginger Grilled Chicken Thighs
Hey, you all know that I am not one to eat like a lady after all. Getting messy is my JAM. When you bite into this sandwich, expect a symphony of flavors and textures, with a little sauce on your fingers – that’s how you know it’s truly good!
So, this summer, I decided that I needed to get more sensational chicken action in my life. And let me tell you, this spicy grilled BBQ chicken sandwich has been making its way onto my menu rotation as often as humanly possible lately. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience, a celebration of summer flavors and the joy of grilling outdoors.
I mean, just think about it: it’s sweet from the BBQ sauce, savory from the perfectly cooked chicken, beautifully charred from the grill, and infused with an irresistible smoky depth. What more could you possibly desire from a summer meal? This sandwich truly hits all the right notes, satisfying every craving with its balanced and bold profile.
However, and this is a crucial point if you didn’t know already, the success of this spectacular sandwich hinges entirely on the quality of the chicken you choose. It’s the star of the show, and its flavor and texture will define your entire eating experience. This is where selecting the right brand makes all the difference.
When I’m browsing the numerous chicken options at Safeway, my eyes are always drawn to one particular package: the vibrant green Foster Farms® Simply Raised® No Antibiotics Ever Free Range Chicken. Every single time, this is my go-to choice. It’s not just a preference; it’s a commitment to quality that shines through in the final dish.
When it comes to selecting ingredients for my recipes, you all know I prioritize knowing exactly what’s in them and where they come from. Foster Farms aligns perfectly with these values. They are a local, US-based, family-owned business located in California, which means their chicken is always delivered fresh, never frozen. This commitment to freshness is paramount. Furthermore, their “Simply Raised® No Antibiotics Ever Free Range” label guarantees that the chicken is raised without any antibiotics, ever, and has access to the outdoors. This ethical approach to farming not only provides peace of mind but also contributes significantly to the superior taste and texture of the meat.
Freshness truly matters when it comes to chicken, especially concerning its taste and the overall culinary outcome. Opting for fresh, high-quality chicken helps recipes like this BBQ chicken sandwich achieve a remarkable depth of flavor and tenderness that frozen alternatives simply can’t match. You truly experience the premium taste in every mouthwatering bite.
Foster Farms® Simply Raised® No Antibiotics Ever Free Range Chicken is exceptionally juicy, which is precisely what you need when you’re sandwiching these flavorful thigh fillets between two pieces of toasted, carb-loaded goodness. The natural moisture and tenderness of the chicken complement the rich BBQ sauce and other toppings perfectly, preventing the sandwich from ever feeling dry or lacking. It’s the foundation for a truly sensational meal.
How To Make This Sandwich
Crafting this incredible spicy grilled BBQ chicken sandwich is simpler than you might think, and the payoff in flavor is absolutely worth it. Follow these steps for a backyard BBQ masterpiece:
Season
First and foremost, you want to ensure every component is properly seasoned. After lightly coating your chicken, red onion, and tomato halves with olive oil, apply a generous helping of salt and pepper. I always recommend using a “chef’s pinch” method. If you’re unfamiliar, this simply means grabbing a pinch of salt or pepper using your thumb, forefinger, and middle finger. This usually equates to about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of spice, making seasoning intuitive and easy without fussing over precise measurements. This initial seasoning layer is crucial for building deep flavor.
Grill & Baste
Once everything is seasoned, it’s time to fire up the grill! Carefully place the chicken thigh fillets, red onion rings, and tomato halves directly on the grates. For the red onions and tomatoes, you’re looking for them to become tender throughout and acquire those beautiful, slightly blackened edges from the heat of the grill. This char adds a wonderful smoky sweetness that perfectly complements the chicken. For the chicken, the magic happens with the basting. Each time you flip a chicken thigh fillet, generously baste it with our spicy BBQ sauce. This technique is multi-functional: it infuses the chicken with rich BBQ flavor, locks in moisture to keep the fillets incredibly juicy, and allows the sauce to caramelize and form those irresistible charred spots all over the meat. The frequent basting and flipping create layers of flavor and a beautiful, sticky glaze.
Assemble
Finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for: assembly! This step is pretty straightforward, but I highly recommend following the order outlined in the recipe card below. Layering your ingredients thoughtfully helps prevent the sandwich from becoming a wobbly balancing act. Don’t be shy about gently pressing the sandwich down a bit if you need to; a good, firm sandwich holds together better and makes for a more satisfying bite. The combination of textures and flavors will be absolutely divine.
What goes with a BBQ chicken sandwich?
When it comes to pairing beverages with this incredibly flavorful grilled BBQ chicken sandwich, my top recommendation is undoubtedly your favorite cold beer. A crisp lager or a hoppy IPA would cut through the richness of the BBQ sauce beautifully, offering a refreshing contrast. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling lemonade or iced tea would be equally delightful.
As for sides, you can’t go wrong with any classic backyard BBQ accompaniment. Think creamy potato salad, a crunchy coleslaw, or a bowl of crispy kettle chips. Grilled corn on the cob, a fresh garden salad, or even a vibrant fruit salad with seasonal berries would also make fantastic companions, adding color and freshness to your meal. The goal is to complement the sandwich without overpowering its robust flavors.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Ensuring your chicken is cooked thoroughly is paramount for food safety and the best eating experience. The most reliable way to know when your Foster Farms chicken thigh fillets are done is by using a digital meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, making sure it doesn’t touch any bone. The chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat when the thermometer registers an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s absolutely crucial to check this temperature *before* you remove the chicken from the grill. Nobody wants to serve or eat undercooked poultry, so don’t skip this vital step!
See how easy it is with the video below!
For those of you who shop at Safeway, I highly recommend downloading the Safeway mobile app. This app is an absolute game-changer for maximizing your savings and discovering exclusive offers. It’s where you can easily find and take advantage of all the amazing deals and coupons on products like Foster Farms chicken, making your grocery runs more economical. I genuinely wouldn’t know about half of the fantastic savings without this app, so it’s a definite must-have on my phone!
Pin this Spicy Grilled BBQ Chicken Sandwich recipe for later!
Foster Farms® Spicy Grilled BBQ Chicken Sandwich
equipment
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Traeger Lil Tex Elite 34 Pellet Grill
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Hickory Hardwood Grill Pellets
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Dreamfarm Clongs 12-Inch
ingredients
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper use more to taste if you want it spicier
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Olive oil
- Salt & pepper
- 4 Foster Farms® Simply Raised® No Antibiotics Ever Free Range Chicken Thigh Fillets
- 1 red onion peeled and sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes sliced in half
- 2 avocados pitted and sliced
- 4 Hawaiian burger buns halved and toasted
instructions
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Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
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In a small bowl, combine your favorite BBQ sauce with cayenne pepper and black pepper to create the spicy BBQ sauce. Stir well and set aside until ready to use. Adjust cayenne to your preferred spice level.
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In a medium bowl, toss the sliced red onion rings with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper, then set aside.
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Remove the pulp from the tomato halves for better grilling results. Drizzle each tomato half with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
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Evenly drizzle the Foster Farms® Simply Raised® No Antibiotics Ever Free Range Chicken Thigh Fillets with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
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When the grill is hot and ready, carefully add the seasoned chicken thighs, tomato halves (cut side down), and onion rings to the grill grates.
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Grill the onion rings for approximately 5 to 6 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are tender and show slight char marks. Grill the tomatoes for 10 to 12 minutes, also flipping halfway through, until they become soft and slightly charred. Remove both vegetables from the grill and set aside.
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Grill the chicken for 3 minutes on the first side. Flip, then immediately baste generously with the spicy BBQ sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes, then flip again and baste with more BBQ sauce. Continue to flip the chicken every minute for an additional 4 minutes, ensuring you baste with more sauce each time you flip. Cook until the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, as verified with a digital meat thermometer. This continuous basting creates a beautiful, caramelized crust and keeps the chicken incredibly juicy.
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To assemble these magnificent sandwiches, place a grilled chicken thigh fillet on each bottom half of the toasted Hawaiian buns. Layer with the grilled red onion slices, followed by fresh slices of avocado. Add one grilled tomato half on top of each, then drizzle with even more spicy BBQ sauce. Finally, top with the other half of the bun and serve these delicious creations immediately for the best experience.