Panera's Bbq Chicken Sandwich: A Recipe Guide

The Panera Smokehouse BBQ Chicken Sandwich is a delicious and tasty option for those looking for a quick bite. The sandwich is made with smoked, pulled chicken raised without antibiotics, BBQ sauce, red onions, Vermont white cheddar, and frizzled onions on Classic White Bread. While the sandwich is not the prettiest, it has received positive reviews for its taste. In this paragraph, we will discuss how to make this mouth-watering sandwich at home.

Preparing the chicken

Firstly, you'll want to cook and pull the chicken with forks. You can use a rotisserie chicken or simply cook and shred the chicken yourself. For that authentic Panera taste, be sure to add a smoky flavouring to the chicken. Liquid smoke is a great option to get that smokey taste without having to fire up the barbecue.

Next, you'll want to add a barbecue sauce. Panera's BBQ sauce is an apple cider vinegar variety, so opt for something thinner and tangier than your traditional BBQ sauce. You can also add a little apple cider vinegar to a regular BBQ sauce and adjust to taste.

Now it's time to assemble the sandwich. Place the BBQ chicken on your bread of choice—a classic white bread is recommended to replicate the Panera sandwich—and top with red onions and white cheddar cheese. Place in the oven until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.

Finally, top with frizzled onions. These dried onions can be purchased at most grocery stores and add that extra crunch and flavour to your sandwich.

And there you have it! A delicious Panera Smokehouse BBQ Chicken Sandwich, made at home.

Making the BBQ sauce

To make the BBQ sauce for the Panera Smokehouse BBQ Chicken Sandwich, you'll need to start with a store-bought BBQ sauce and add apple cider vinegar. The exact amount of vinegar to add is not known, but you can adjust it to your taste preferences. The sauce should be thinner than usual BBQ sauces, so keep that in mind when adding the vinegar.

Alternatively, you can try making a copycat version of the sauce by using a BBQ sauce with apple cider vinegar as the base. For this, you can use a store-bought BBQ sauce that already has apple cider vinegar in it, such as Primal Kitchen's Mango Jalapeño BBQ Sauce. You can then add some additional ingredients to create a unique flavour profile.

• Start with equal parts store-bought BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar.
• Add in some smoked paprika to give it a smokey flavour.
• You can also experiment with adding other spices such as chilli powder, poultry seasoning, and brown sugar to enhance the flavour and create a unique profile.
• Mix all the ingredients together and adjust the quantities to your taste.

This way, you can create a BBQ sauce that resembles the one used in the Panera Smokehouse BBQ Chicken Sandwich.

Choosing the right bread

The bread is a crucial component of the Panera Smokehouse BBQ Chicken Sandwich, as it forms the foundation of the sandwich and determines its overall taste and texture. When choosing the right bread for this sandwich, there are several factors to consider to ensure the best results.

Firstly, it is important to note that Panera uses Classic White Bread for their Smokehouse BBQ Chicken Sandwich. This bread is described as having a similar texture to Texas toast, which is known for its thick slices and soft, fluffy texture. Therefore, when choosing bread, look for a variety that is soft and fluffy, rather than dense and chewy.

Secondly, the bread should be able to withstand the weight and moisture of the sandwich fillings without becoming soggy. The Panera Smokehouse BBQ Chicken Sandwich contains pulled chicken, BBQ sauce, and frizzled onions, all of which can make the bread soggy if it is not sturdy enough. Choose a bread with a thick crust and a dense interior that can hold up to the weight and moisture of the fillings.

Thirdly, the taste of the bread should complement the other ingredients in the sandwich. The Classic White Bread used by Panera has a mild flavour that allows the other ingredients, such as the BBQ sauce and red onions, to shine through. Avoid breads with strong flavours or those that are heavily seasoned, as they may overpower the other ingredients.

Finally, consider the size and shape of the bread. The bread should be large enough to accommodate the generous portions of pulled chicken and other fillings. Look for a loaf or roll that is wide and has a flat surface, making it easier to assemble the sandwich and ensuring that all the ingredients stay put.

If you want to replicate the Panera Smokehouse BBQ Chicken Sandwich at home, you can try to find a similar Classic White Bread at your local bakery or grocery store. Alternatively, you can purchase the bread directly from Panera, as they sell their loaves and rolls to customers. With the right bread, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious and authentic-tasting sandwich.

Adding toppings

Toppings are an essential part of any sandwich, and the Panera Smokehouse BBQ Chicken Sandwich is no exception. This sandwich is described as having "smoked, pulled chicken raised without antibiotics, BBQ sauce, red onions, Vermont white cheddar, and frizzled onions on Classic White Bread".

When adding toppings to your sandwich, consider the following:

• Quantity: Be generous with your toppings, but not overly so. You want to ensure that the flavours of the chicken and BBQ sauce still shine through. A good rule of thumb is to aim for a ratio of about 60% chicken to 40% toppings.
• Variety: The Panera Smokehouse BBQ Chicken Sandwich already includes a variety of toppings, but you can also add extra ingredients to elevate the flavour profile further. Some possible additional toppings include sliced pickles, sliced tomatoes, lettuce, or even a slice of avocado.
• Texture: Consider adding toppings that provide a contrasting texture to the sandwich. For example, the frizzled onions on the Panera Smokehouse BBQ Chicken Sandwich add a crispy texture that complements the soft bread and chicken. You could also consider adding something like crispy bacon or crunchy lettuce for a similar effect.
• Flavour: When selecting toppings, think about how their flavours will complement the other ingredients in the sandwich. For example, the red onions in the Panera Smokehouse BBQ Chicken Sandwich add a sharp, tangy flavour that cuts through the richness of the BBQ sauce and cheese. You could also experiment with other toppings like sliced jalapeños, which would add a spicy kick, or fresh herbs like cilantro or basil, which would provide a bright, fresh flavour.

Remember, the key to a great sandwich is balance. You want to create a harmonious blend of flavours, textures, and colours that come together to create a delicious and satisfying bite. So feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations of toppings until you find your perfect combination.

Putting it all together

To make the Panera Smokehouse BBQ Chicken Sandwich, you'll need smoked pulled chicken, BBQ sauce, red onions, Vermont white cheddar, frizzled onions, and classic white bread.

Start by slicing the red onions into rings. You can buy pre-made frizzled onions, or make your own by frying sliced onions with some extra Southwestern seasoning. Prepare the smoked pulled chicken by cooking and pulling the meat apart with forks, then adding a smoky flavouring.

Toast two slices of classic white bread. On one slice, layer the pulled chicken and BBQ sauce. On the other slice, place the red onions and Vermont white cheddar. Place the sandwich under the grill until the cheese is melted. Top with the frizzled onions, and secure the sandwich with a toothpick if needed.

Serve with a side of Bubly Seltzer, or turn it into a meal with a side of the BBQ Chicken Ranch Warm Grain Bowl.

Frequently asked questions