17 Mouthwatering BBQ Sandwich Recipes: Chicken, Pulled Pork, Beef & Jackfruit

Check out these BBQ grilled sandwiches that will be a hit at your next backyard gathering. From smoky BBQ chicken and pulled pork to smoked beef, brisket, and a satisfying vegan jackfruit option, these sandwiches offer bold, crave-worthy flavors perfect for summer cookouts or cozy meals any time of year.

Nothing captures the spirit of summer like the smell of a hot grill and slow-smoked meat. Barbecuing is as much about the experience — gathering outside, flipping burgers, and sharing food with friends — as it is about the final bite. BBQ sandwiches combine that smoky depth with bread and toppings for portable, satisfying meals that work for parties, game days, or simple comfort dinners.

These recipes highlight the range of BBQ sandwiches: classic pulled pork with tangy slaw, richly flavored brisket and prime rib creations, regional styles like Memphis and Carolina, quick grilled chicken options, and inventive choices such as jackfruit for plant-based eaters. Below are 17 of the best BBQ sandwich ideas that are easy to adapt and great for feeding a crowd.

BBQ Grilled Philly Cheesesteak

A BBQ twist on the Philly classic: thin strips of beef grilled with onions, peppers, and plenty of melty cheese. The smoky sear from the grill adds depth to every bite, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.

Brisket Grilled Cheese

This indulgent sandwich layers leftover smoked brisket between slices of thick Texas toast and tops it with melted cheddar and gruyère. A swipe of barbecue sauce elevates the smokiness and creates a rich, satisfying grilled cheese experience.

Prime Rib & Provolone Ciabatta

Transform leftover prime rib into an elegant sandwich: toasted ciabatta, caramelized onions, melted provolone, and a touch of horseradish mustard and arugula for brightness. It’s a simple way to make the most of smoked beef.

Memphis Style BBQ Smoked Pork Sandwich

Memphis-style pork is slow-smoked to tender perfection and seasoned with a paprika-forward rub that balances savory and sweet. Served on soft bread, it showcases classic Southern barbecue flavors and texture.

Homemade Smoked Pastrami

Make pastrami at home by curing and slowly smoking brisket flat over fruitwood. The result is richly flavored, tender meat that shines in a simple sandwich with mustard and pickles — a deli favorite elevated by home smoking.

Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Spicy Sauce

This grilled version of the popular fried chicken sandwich uses a buttermilk brine and a fragrant, spicy rub to deliver juicy, flavor-packed chicken with a zesty sauce. It’s a lighter, equally craveable alternative to the fried original.

Barbecue Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Quick and easy, this sandwich uses thin chicken cutlets brined briefly, then grilled and topped with sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and melted cheese. It’s a hearty option that combines smoky, savory, and crunchy elements.

Pit Beef Sandwiches

Baltimore-style pit beef is grilled over high heat, seasoned with a bold rub, and thinly shaved for tender slices served on rolls. Raw onions and horseradish sauce cut through the richness, offering a bright counterpoint to the beef.

Braised BBQ Short Rib Sandwich

Braising short ribs in a mixture of barbecue sauce, beef stock, and stout yields rich, fork-tender meat. Piled on a roll with a crisp, simple slaw, the sandwich balances deep savory notes with fresh crunch.

Sausage Sandwich

Grilled Italian sausage tucked into a baguette with vibrant toppings — peppers, onions, and a zingy sauce — makes for a simple, satisfying sandwich that’s ideal for tailgates, picnics, or casual BBQs.

Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich

This pulled pork is infused with bourbon flavor — seasoned, soaked in apple juice and bourbon, and finished with crisp potato chips and white onions for crunch. It’s a playful mix of savory, sweet, and boozy notes.

BBQ Sausage Sloppy Joes

A quicker BBQ option, these Sloppy Joes use Italian sausage with a sweet-and-sour barbecue sauce and finely chopped vegetables for a hearty, family-friendly sandwich that’s ready in minutes.

Carolina-Style Pork BBQ Sandwiches

Carolina-style pork is slow-cooked in a vinegar-and-apple-juice base that keeps the meat bright and tender. Using the cooking juices to flavor the sauce ensures each bite is deeply seasoned and balanced by tangy acidity.

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich

A BBQ classic: slow-cooked, tender pulled pork coated in a thick sweet-and-tangy sauce and finished with coleslaw. Simple to prepare and endlessly satisfying, this sandwich is a staple at gatherings large and small.

Pineapple Pulled Pork Sandwich

Pineapple juice and caramelized onions add sweet, tropical notes to seasoned pulled pork. Combined with fresh pineapple pieces, this sandwich creates a balanced sweet-and-savory profile that feels bright and indulgent.

Jackfruit BBQ Sandwich

A fantastic vegetarian option: young jackfruit simulates pulled pork when cooked in a sweet-and-tangy BBQ sauce. It soaks up flavor, offers a satisfying texture, and delivers a crowd-pleasing, meat-free sandwich that even skeptics will enjoy.