There’s something undeniably fun and satisfying about mini foods, isn’t there? Sliders, in particular, have always been a hit in my household. But these BBQ Chicken Sliders? They’re on another level. From the first bite, the combination of tender, shredded chicken bathed in smoky BBQ sauce, nestled in a soft, pillowy bun, and then topped with the cool, crunchy coleslaw – it’s just pure deliciousness. My family devoured these faster than I could assemble them at our last weekend cookout. Even my pickiest eater, who usually shies away from coleslaw, was reaching for seconds (and thirds!). The best part? They are incredibly easy to make, perfect for casual gatherings, game days, or even a fun weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you try these BBQ Chicken Sliders, they’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients

• For the BBQ Chicken:
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs for extra juicy chicken)
  • 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce (plus extra for serving, if desired)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • ½ cup chicken broth or water (optional, for slow cooker or Instant Pot)
• For the Coleslaw:
  • 4 cups pre-shredded coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon celery seed
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
• For the Sliders:
  • 24 mini soft slider buns (Hawaiian rolls or potato rolls work great)
  • Optional toppings: Sliced pickles, thinly sliced red onion, extra BBQ sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, jalapeño slices

Instructions

1. Prepare the BBQ Chicken:
   • Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before shredding.
   • Slow Cooker Method: Place the chicken in a slow cooker. Add olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chicken broth or water (if using). Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is easily shredded.
   • Instant Pot Method: Place the chicken in the Instant Pot. Add olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chicken broth or water (if using). Secure the lid and cook on manual high pressure for 12-15 minutes (depending on thickness). Let it naturally pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
2. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked and slightly cooled, shred it using two forks. Discard any excess liquid if using the slow cooker or Instant Pot method.
3. Add BBQ Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Toss to coat evenly. You can add more BBQ sauce to your preference.
4. Prepare the Coleslaw: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper. Add the coleslaw mix and toss until well coated. Refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld (and for it to get nice and cold!). This step can be done ahead of time.
5. Assemble the Sliders: Gently slice the slider buns in half horizontally. You can lightly toast the buns on a griddle or in the oven for a minute or two if you prefer a slightly crispier bun, but soft buns are classic for sliders.
6. Fill the Sliders: Spoon a generous amount of BBQ chicken onto the bottom halves of the slider buns. Top with a spoonful of coleslaw. Place the top halves of the buns on top.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the BBQ Chicken Sliders immediately while they are warm and the coleslaw is cold and crunchy. You can offer extra BBQ sauce, pickles, red onion, or other desired toppings on the side.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Serving Size: 2 sliders
• Approximate Calories per serving: 450-550 calories (This will vary depending on the type of BBQ sauce, slider buns, and mayonnaise used. This is an estimate.)

Approximate Breakdown (per serving):

• Protein: 25-30g
• Fat: 20-30g (depending on mayonnaise and chicken type)

Important Note: These are estimates. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator and input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. Consider using light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lighter coleslaw. Choosing leaner chicken breasts will also reduce fat content.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (chopping, mixing spices, coleslaw prep)
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (oven method), 3-8 hours (slow cooker), 25-30 minutes (Instant Pot including pressure release)
• Total Time (Oven Method): Approximately 45-50 minutes
• Total Time (Slow Cooker): Approximately 6 hours 20 minutes – 8 hours 20 minutes (mostly hands-off)
• Total Time (Instant Pot): Approximately 45-50 minutes (including pressure release and shredding)

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Sliders

These versatile BBQ Chicken Sliders are perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Casual Gatherings & Parties:
  • Game Day Appetizer: Sliders are ideal for football parties, basketball viewing, or any sporting event. They are easy to eat while watching the game and are always a crowd-pleaser.
  • Backyard BBQ: A perfect addition to your BBQ spread alongside burgers, hot dogs, and other grilled favorites.
  • Potlucks & Picnics: Easy to transport and serve at potlucks or picnics. Keep the chicken warm in a slow cooker or insulated container and assemble the sliders on-site.
  • Kids’ Parties: Kids love mini foods! BBQ Chicken Sliders are a fun and manageable meal for children’s birthday parties.
• Meal Ideas:
  • Quick Weeknight Dinner: Especially if you use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover BBQ chicken to speed up the process.
  • Lunch Option: Pack a couple of sliders for a satisfying and flavorful lunch.
  • Appetizer Platter: Include BBQ Chicken Sliders as part of a larger appetizer platter with other finger foods like mini pizzas, spring rolls, or cheese and crackers.
• Serving Style:
  • Individual Sliders: Serve each slider individually on a plate or napkin.
  • Slider Platter: Arrange the sliders on a large platter for a visually appealing presentation, especially for parties.
  • Slider Bar: Set up a slider bar where guests can assemble their own sliders with various toppings like pickles, onions, cheeses, and different BBQ sauces. This is interactive and fun for guests.
• Side Dish Pairings:
  • Classic BBQ Sides: Potato salad, macaroni salad, corn on the cob, baked beans, watermelon, coleslaw (if you want extra coleslaw!).
  • Fresh and Light Sides: Green salad, fruit salad, cucumber and tomato salad, veggie sticks with ranch dip.
  • Comfort Food Sides: French fries, onion rings, sweet potato fries, tater tots.
  • Spicy Sides (for those who like heat): Jalapeño poppers, spicy corn salsa, chili cheese fries.

Additional Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken Sliders

1. Choose the Right Chicken: While chicken breasts work well, using chicken thighs will result in even juicier and more flavorful shredded chicken due to their higher fat content. You can also use a mix of both for a balanced flavor and texture.
2. Spice Up Your BBQ Rub: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices in your BBQ rub. Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat, cumin for smokiness, or brown sugar for sweetness. Adjust the spices to match your preferred BBQ sauce flavor profile.
3. Make Your Own BBQ Sauce (or Choose Wisely): Homemade BBQ sauce takes these sliders to the next level! There are countless recipes online, from sweet and tangy to smoky and spicy. If you’re using store-bought, choose a high-quality sauce that you genuinely love. Consider different styles like Kansas City style (sweet and thick), Texas style (tomato-based and smoky), or Carolina style (vinegar and mustard based) to find your favorite pairing.
4. Don’t Overlook the Coleslaw: The coleslaw is a crucial element for adding texture and freshness to balance the richness of the BBQ chicken. Make sure your coleslaw is well-chilled and has a good balance of creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. You can customize your coleslaw by adding ingredients like chopped apples, cranberries, or different herbs like dill or parsley. For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt or a light mayonnaise blend.
5. Toast the Buns (Optional but Recommended): Lightly toasting the slider buns adds a subtle crispness that enhances the overall texture of the slider. You can toast them in a toaster oven, under the broiler, or on a griddle pan with a little butter. Be careful not to over-toast them, as you want them to remain soft on the inside.

FAQ Section: Your BBQ Chicken Slider Questions Answered

Q1: Can I make BBQ Chicken Sliders ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the BBQ chicken and coleslaw separately ahead of time. The BBQ chicken can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The coleslaw is best made at least 30 minutes ahead to allow flavors to meld, but it can also be made up to a day in advance. Assemble the sliders just before serving to prevent the buns from getting soggy.

Q2: How do I keep the BBQ Chicken Sliders warm for a party?
A: If you want to keep the sliders warm for a party, you can assemble the sliders (without the coleslaw) and place them in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting or in a chafing dish. Add the coleslaw just before serving to maintain its cool and crisp texture. Alternatively, you can keep the BBQ chicken warm in a slow cooker and have guests assemble their own sliders at a slider bar.

Q3: Can I use rotisserie chicken to make this recipe even faster?
A: Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Simply shred the rotisserie chicken, toss it with BBQ sauce, and follow the remaining steps for coleslaw and assembly. This is a great option for a quick weeknight meal.

Q4: What are some variations I can try with these BBQ Chicken Sliders?
A: There are many ways to customize these sliders!
* Spicy Sliders: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken rub, use a spicy BBQ sauce, or add jalapeño slices as a topping.
* Hawaiian Sliders: Use Hawaiian slider rolls, add grilled pineapple to the coleslaw, and use a teriyaki-BBQ sauce blend.
* Cheesy Sliders: Add a slice of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese to each slider and broil briefly until melted and bubbly.
* Pulled Pork Sliders: Substitute shredded pulled pork for the chicken for a different flavor profile.
* Vegetarian Sliders: Use jackfruit or shredded king oyster mushrooms as a vegetarian alternative to chicken, prepared with BBQ sauce and topped with coleslaw.

Q5: How long do leftover BBQ Chicken Sliders last?
A: It’s best to store the components separately if you have leftovers. Shredded BBQ chicken and coleslaw can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Slider buns are best consumed within 1-2 days to maintain their softness. Reheat the chicken gently before assembling fresh sliders. Assembled sliders are best eaten immediately, but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, though the buns may become slightly soggy.

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