These BBQ chicken sliders are a tasty treat! Soft buns filled with juicy, tangy chicken drizzled in BBQ sauce make for a fun meal any day of the week.
They’re perfect for parties or a quick dinner when you want something easy and delicious. I love piling on extra pickles for that crunch—what’s not to love? 🤤
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for its ease and flavor. You can use leftover grilled chicken or even canned chicken if you’re in a bind.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite! If you prefer a homemade version, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and some spices. Sweet or smoky varieties work great.
Slider Buns: Soft white or potato rolls are perfect, but whole wheat or gluten-free buns can work, too. Just make sure they are soft enough to hold the filling!
Coleslaw Mix: Using pre-packaged coleslaw mix saves time. If you want to make your own, shred cabbage and carrots for a fresh taste. You can also use a pre-made coleslaw dressing in place of mayonnaise if that’s easier.
How Can I Get My Chicken Sliders Extra Juicy?
To maximize juiciness, you want to thoroughly coat your chicken with barbecue sauce. It’s best to warm the chicken and sauce together before assembling the sliders. This allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to stay moist.
- Mix cold chicken with room temperature or slightly warmed barbecue sauce.
- Don’t forget to cover the chicken in sauce for more flavor throughout!
- Serve right after assembling for the best texture and taste. If you let them sit, the buns can get soggy.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Sliders:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 8 slider buns or small soft rolls
For The Coleslaw:
- 1 cup coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional:
- Pickles for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and can be served immediately after cooking. It’s a quick and easy meal option that’s perfect for busy days or gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce. Mix them together until the chicken is well coated. This ensures every bite is full of flavor!
2. Make the Coleslaw:
In a small bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir well to mix everything together. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your preference.
3. Toast the Buns:
If you like, lightly toast the slider buns in a toaster or on a skillet. This not only warms them up but also adds a pleasant texture for the sliders.
4. Assemble the Sliders:
Spoon a generous amount of the BBQ chicken onto the bottom half of each slider bun. Don’t be shy—make them heaping!
5. Add the Coleslaw:
Top the chicken with a portion of the coleslaw mixture. This adds a nice crunch and creamy element to complement the savory chicken.
6. Finish and Serve:
Optionally, add pickles on top for an extra tangy crunch. Place the top bun over the filling and your sliders are ready!
7. Enjoy!
Serve immediately while they’re warm and enjoy your delicious, tangy, and sweet BBQ Chicken Sliders! Perfect for sharing—or not!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way is to let it thaw in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker option. Once thawed, cook it as per your preference before shredding.
How Do I Make These Sliders Spicier?
To add some heat, mix in chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce with the barbecue sauce. You can also use a spicy barbecue sauce if you prefer. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance!
Can I Make the Slaw Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the coleslaw mixture a day ahead. Just keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This gives the flavors more time to meld! Just give it a quick stir before assembling the sliders.
How Should I Store Leftover Sliders?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If the buns are getting soggy, you might want to keep the chicken and coleslaw separate and assemble them fresh when you’re ready to eat.
