BBQ Chicken Sliders are small, tasty sandwiches packed with tender shredded chicken smothered in tangy barbecue sauce. They’re perfect for a casual meal or a fun gathering, featuring soft slider buns that soak up all the delicious flavors.
I love making these sliders when I want something quick but filling. The mix of smoky barbecue sauce and juicy chicken always makes everyone smile, and they’re so easy to customize with toppings like pickles, coleslaw, or even a slice of cheese. I often make a big batch so there’s plenty to go around.
These sliders are perfect for game days, parties, or just a laid-back dinner at home. I find they pair wonderfully with a side of crunchy fries or a fresh salad to keep things balanced. Plus, they’re great for serving a crowd without much fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience, but you can boil or slow-cook chicken breasts or thighs at home. Thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose a tangy or smoky BBQ sauce you enjoy. If you want a healthier option, look for low-sugar versions or make your own with tomato sauce, vinegar, and spices.
Slider Buns: Soft, small buns help hold all the juicy chicken and slaw. If you don’t have slider buns, small dinner rolls or even hamburger buns cut to size work well.
Coleslaw: Adds crunch and creaminess to balance the barbecue sauce. You can use pre-made coleslaw or whip up a simple mix of shredded cabbage, carrots, mayo, and a splash of vinegar.
How Can I Make BBQ Chicken Sliders Juicy and Flavorful Without Drying Out?
Keeping chicken moist is key to tasty sliders. Here’s how to do it:
- Use cooked chicken: Rotisserie or slow-cooked chicken stays tender and juicy.
- Combine with sauce: Toss shredded chicken with plenty of barbecue sauce to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Heat gently: Warm the chicken on medium heat just until hot, avoiding overcooking.
- Toast buns lightly: Toasting adds texture, but don’t dry out the buns—just a quick warm-up with a little butter or oil works best.
Following these steps helps make each slider balanced with tender chicken, sweet sauce, and crunchy slaw for the perfect bite every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – I like using a big bowl to toss the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce easily.
- Skillet or saucepan – for warming the BBQ chicken mixture gently and evenly.
- Toaster or skillet – to toast buns until golden, which adds flavor and texture.
- Small spoon or scoop – for piling the chicken and coleslaw onto each bun neatly.
- Serving platter – to display your sliders attractively for easy finger-food serving.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for pulled pork or turkey for different smoky flavors or leftovers.
- Add slices of cheese like cheddar or pepper Jack on top of the chicken before adding the bun for melty goodness.
- Mix in sliced jalapeños or pickled onions to give your sliders some extra tang or heat.
- Use a different slaw like spicy cabbage slaw or a fruit-based slaw with apples or mango for a fresh twist.
BBQ Chicken Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
For The Sliders:
- 12 slider buns or small soft rolls
- 1 cup coleslaw (pre-made or homemade)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (optional, for toasting buns)
- Optional garnishes: pickle slices, fresh chopped parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep and cooking time if your chicken is already cooked. Toasting the buns and assembling everything is quick and easy, so you can have tasty sliders ready in about 15 minutes total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix and Heat the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce until the chicken is all coated. Then, heat the barbecue chicken mixture in a pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until warm and ready to serve.
2. Toast the Buns:
If you like, lightly butter or brush olive oil on the slider buns. Toast them on a skillet or grill until they are golden brown. This adds nice flavor and keeps the buns from getting soggy.
3. Assemble Your Sliders:
Spoon a good amount of the BBQ chicken onto each bun’s bottom half. Add a small scoop of coleslaw on top of the chicken for a crunchy, fresh touch. Place the top bun on each slider, and if you want, add pickles or sprinkle fresh parsley for garnish.
4. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your BBQ Chicken Sliders immediately while warm. They’re perfect for snacking, parties, game days, or casual meals. Dig in and enjoy these delicious little bites!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for These Sliders?
Yes! Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed before shredding. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker thawing.
Can I Make BBQ Chicken Sliders Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat gently on the stove before assembling the sliders to keep them fresh and tasty.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover BBQ chicken and coleslaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready, reheat the chicken and assemble fresh sliders for best texture.
Can I Substitute Coleslaw with Something Else?
Absolutely! You can use sliced pickles, chopped fresh veggies, or even a creamy ranch dressing for a different twist. Just choose something with a bit of crunch or tang to balance the BBQ flavor.
