BBQ Chicken Sliders are mini sandwiches packed with bold flavors! Juicy shredded chicken tossed in tangy BBQ sauce is piled high on soft slider buns for a mouthwatering treat.
These sliders are perfect for parties or lazy weekends. Trust me, one is never enough—your friends will be begging for seconds! I love serving them with coleslaw for an extra crunchy bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Cooked Chicken: You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even canned chicken. I love using rotisserie chicken for its flavor and convenience.
BBQ Sauce: Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce, but if you prefer less sugar, you can try a homemade version. For a spicier kick, look for a hot BBQ sauce.
Slider Buns: Regular hamburger buns work too, but mini brioche or whole wheat buns can add a nice touch. If gluten-free, there are many good options available now.
Coleslaw Mix: You can use pre-packaged coleslaw mix or make your own with shredded cabbage and carrots. For a twist, add chopped apples or raisins for sweetness.
Red Onion: If you’re not a fan of raw red onion, you can skip it or substitute with pickles or jalapeños for a different flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My BBQ Chicken is Juicy and Flavorsome?
Mixing your chicken with BBQ sauce is a simple but crucial step. The goal is to ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated, so every bite is tasty.
- Use a medium bowl to combine chicken and BBQ sauce thoroughly.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Try not to overcook; just heat until warm to keep moisture in the chicken.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare Coleslaw for Sliders?
Making coleslaw adds crunch and freshness to your sliders! Here’s how to do it right:
- In a medium bowl, combine coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well, adjusting seasoning to your taste. Adding a little sugar can balance the tangy flavor.
- For best results, let the coleslaw sit in the fridge for about 10 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
How Can I Make My Sliders Extra Tasty?
Your sliders can be even better with a few finishing touches:
- Lightly toast the slider buns to add a nice texture and warmth!
- Layer your BBQ chicken generously, then top with chilled coleslaw and optional toppings.
- Serve alongside potato chips for crunch—perfect for scoop and snack!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 12 slider buns
For the Coleslaw:
- 1 cup coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- Potato chips, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty BBQ chicken sliders recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and assemble. It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for parties or a casual dinner. Get ready to enjoy some delicious sliders!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the BBQ Chicken:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken and BBQ sauce. Stir it well until the chicken is nicely coated with the sauce. Then, heat the mixture over medium heat in a skillet for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. This makes the chicken extra tasty!
2. Make the Coleslaw:
In another bowl, mix together the coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until it’s well combined. This fresh coleslaw adds a delicious crunch to the sliders. Set it aside as you get ready to assemble!
3. Toast the Buns (Optional):
If you like a little crispiness, lightly toast the slider buns in a toaster or on a skillet. This step adds an extra layer of flavor and texture!
4. Assemble the Sliders:
Start building your sliders by putting a generous scoop of the warm BBQ chicken on the bottom half of each bun. Then, top it off with some coleslaw for that perfect crunch. If you enjoy onions, add a few slices of red onion on top!
5. Complete and Serve:
Place the top half of the slider bun over the filling to finish each slider. If you’re serving them with potato chips, arrange some on the side for a great accompaniment. Enjoy your BBQ chicken sliders and share the deliciousness!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Using store-bought rotisserie chicken can save you time and effort. Just shred the chicken, and it’s ready to mix with your BBQ sauce. It adds great flavor and is super convenient!
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
To lighten things up, try using whole grain slider buns instead of regular ones. You can also use a low-fat mayonnaise or yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the coleslaw mix. Additionally, consider adding some chopped veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch without the calories!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm the BBQ chicken mixture in a pan or microwave and then assemble fresh sliders with the toasted buns. This way, they stay nice and crispy!
Can I Prepare the Coleslaw Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the coleslaw mix ahead of time! Prepare it up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before adding it to your sliders to ensure everything is well combined!
