How to Create Smoky Chipotle BBQ Brisket Sandwiches
If you’re a fan of smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy BBQ flavors, a chipotle brisket sandwich is the perfect treat. Imagine tender, juicy slices of beef brisket, coated in a rich chipotle BBQ sauce, sandwiched between two soft buns. Mouthwatering, right? Don’t worry if you’ve never cooked brisket before — this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of making smoky chipotle BBQ brisket sandwiches. Let’s get cooking!
What You’ll Need
Before you start, here are the ingredients you’ll need:
For the brisket:
– 3-4 pound beef brisket
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra spice)
– 1 tablespoon salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup beef broth or water
For the chipotle BBQ sauce:
– 1 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons molasses or honey
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 2-3 canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the sandwich:
– Soft sandwich buns (like brioche or hamburger buns)
– Pickles, coleslaw, or other toppings (optional)
– Butter for toasting buns
Step 1: Prepare the Brisket
Brisket is a flavorful cut of beef that becomes tender when cooked low and slow. First, mix the spices together in a small bowl to make a seasoning rub. Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if you love extra heat), salt, and black pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over the brisket, making sure to cover all sides.
If you have time, let the brisket sit with the rub for at least 1 hour (or overnight) in the fridge. This helps the flavors soak into the meat.
Step 2: Cook the Brisket
You can cook brisket using different methods: in the oven, smoker, or slow cooker. Here’s a simple oven method:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Place the seasoned brisket in a roasting pan or baking dish. Add 1 cup of beef broth or water to keep the meat moist.
- Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. This locks in the moisture to help the brisket turn tender.
- Bake the brisket for about 4-5 hours. Check every hour or two to make sure there’s still liquid in the pan. When the brisket is fork-tender, it’s ready!
If you prefer using a smoker or slow cooker, simply follow the same steps for seasoning the brisket and cook it at low heat for several hours until tender. Smoking will give you an extra layer of rich, smoky flavor!
Step 3: Make the Chipotle BBQ Sauce
While the brisket is cooking, it’s sauce time! Chipotle peppers add smoky spice to the BBQ sauce, and you can easily adjust the amount of kick based on your preferences.
- Dice the chipotle peppers finely and save some of the adobo sauce from the can for extra flavor.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, molasses/honey, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well until smooth.
- Add the diced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The flavors will blend together to create a smoky, sweet, and spicy BBQ sauce.
Taste the sauce and adjust the ingredients as needed — add more honey if you prefer it sweeter or extra chipotle for more spice!
Step 4: Shred or Slice the Brisket
Once the brisket is fully cooked and tender, let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing or shredding it. Resting allows the juices to redistribute and makes the meat even more delicious.
If you prefer shredded brisket, use two forks to pull the meat apart into strands. If you like slices, use a sharp knife to cut the brisket into thin pieces.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches
Now comes the fun part! Toast the sandwich buns lightly in a skillet with a bit of butter for extra flavor. Spread a generous amount of the chipotle BBQ sauce on the bottom half of each bun.
Pile the brisket on top, making sure there’s plenty of meat in every bite. You can add toppings like crispy coleslaw, crunchy pickles, or even caramelized onions to round out the flavors.
Finish with the top bun, press down slightly to hold it all together, and voila! Your smoky chipotle BBQ brisket sandwiches are ready to enjoy.
Final Tips
- Make it ahead: You can cook the brisket and sauce a day before, then reheat and assemble the sandwiches when you’re ready to serve.
- Pair it with sides: Chips, baked beans, or a fresh green salad make great companions for these sandwiches.
- Spice control: If you’re cooking for guests, keep additional chipotle peppers and BBQ sauce on the side so people can customize their sandwiches to their heat preference.
Smoky chipotle BBQ brisket sandwiches are the kind of meal that makes everyone happy — whether it’s a casual family dinner or a weekend barbecue with friends. With your brisket cooked to perfection and the chipotle sauce packed with bold flavors, these sandwiches will become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Give it a try, and let the deliciousness begin!
