Imagine sinking your teeth into a mouthwatering sandwich, overflowing with smoky, slow-cooked BBQ goodness. This is not just any sandwich; it’s a plant-based twist on the renowned Panera Bread BBQ Smokehouse Chicken Sandwich. Let me introduce you to my vegan-friendly recreation, featuring tender BBQ jackfruit, luscious vegan cheese, and thinly sliced red onions. Get ready to embark on a flavor adventure like no other.
Key Takeaways
Veganizing Panera Bread’s BBQ Smokehouse Chicken Sandwich
Panera Bread holds a special place in the hearts of sandwich lovers, but unfortunately, their BBQ Smokehouse Chicken Sandwich isn’t a vegan option on their menu. However, despair not! I’ve taken it upon myself to create a homemade version that will leave you craving more. Brace yourself for a sandwich that will soon become one of your all-time favorites.
The Magic Ingredients
To recreate the BBQ Smokehouse Chicken Sandwich’s irresistible flavors, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- Jackfruit: Look for “Young” or “Green” Jackfruit canned in water, not brine. Rinse and drain it well to achieve the best results.
- BBQ Sauce: Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce. Personally, I recommend Primal Kitchen’s Mango Jalapeño BBQ Sauce—a perfect balance between sweet and spicy.
- Smoked Paprika: Add a hint of smoky charm to your sandwich with this delightful spice.
Crafting Your BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich
Step 1: Infuse the Flavor
Begin by simmering your canned jackfruit in a medley of BBQ spices, such as chili powder, smoked paprika, poultry seasoning, and a touch of brown sugar. If you prefer, you can use coconut sugar or maple syrup instead. The brown sugar works wonders in creating an irresistible BBQ taste. Once the jackfruit is tender and well-marinated, move on to step two.
Step 2: Achieve Perfection
Toss the jackfruit in more BBQ sauce and a tablespoon of olive oil. This will ensure a flawless texture when the jackfruit roasts in the oven. As it bakes, the edges will char slightly, while the inside remains juicy and tender—culinary magic at its finest.
Step 3: Assemble Your Masterpiece
Toast a hamburger bun until it reaches a delightful golden brown. Then, layer on your warm and tantalizing BBQ jackfruit. Add melty vegan cheese, thinly sliced red onions, or perhaps some crispy fried onions for an added crunch. To intensify the flavors, drizzle a little more BBQ sauce, creating a symphony of taste in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Meal Prep BBQ Jackfruit?
Absolutely! This recipe yields approximately six servings, so leftovers are guaranteed—great news for sandwich enthusiasts! Reheat the jackfruit with extra BBQ sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can also repurpose it for another round of sandwiches the next day or create delicious BBQ Tacos with black beans, purple cabbage, corn, and a drizzle of my One Minute Sauce.
What to Serve With Your Sandwiches?
Here are a few delectable options to complement your BBQ jackfruit sandwich:
- Green Potato Salad
- Vegan Mac and Cheese
- Scallion, Chive, and Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Sweet Potato and Black Bean Bowls
If you try this recipe and fall in love, I would be thrilled to hear about your experience. Please leave a comment and rate this post below! And don’t forget to tag @nikkivegan on Instagram when you share your mouthwatering creation. For more free vegan recipes, head over to my YouTube channel here.
Remember, with this plant-based BBQ jackfruit sandwich, you can satisfy your cravings while enjoying the incredible flavors that Panera Bread’s BBQ Smokehouse Chicken Sandwich has to offer.
Hungry yet? It’s time to fire up the grill and indulge in a barbecue experience like no other. Enjoy!
