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BBQ chicken sliders are a crowd-pleasing favorite, featuring tender shredded chicken drenched in smoky barbecue sauce, nestled between soft mini buns, making them the perfect bite-sized treat for any gathering.
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BBQ Chicken Sandwiches with Crunchy Slaw
BBQ chicken sandwiches with coleslaw are the epitome of comfort food, making them an irresistible addition to any potluck. The tender, juicy chicken smothered in a rich, smoky BBQ sauce pairs perfectly with the crisp, tangy coleslaw, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in every bite. These sandwiches are not only mouthwateringly delicious but also convenient to serve and eat, making them a crowd-pleaser among guests of all ages. The contrast between the warm, savory chicken and the cool, refreshing slaw on a soft bun is a culinary delight that leaves everyone reaching for seconds.
Their easy preparation and transportability add to their appeal as the ideal potluck dish, ensuring they disappear from the table in no time. Truly, BBQ chicken sandwiches with coleslaw embody the spirit of communal dining, bringing people together over a shared love for hearty, satisfying meals.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Sliders
To make this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- BBQ sauce (1 cup) – The backbone of flavor for the sliders, BBQ sauce adds a rich, tangy, and smoky sweetness that envelops the chicken.
- Apple cider vinegar (1/4 cup) – A splash of apple cider vinegar brightens the BBQ sauce with its subtle tanginess and fruity undertones.
- Water (1/4 cup) – Water is used to adjust the consistency of the sauce, ensuring it’s perfectly dippable without overpowering the delicate chicken.
- Chicken breasts (2 lbs) – Lean and versatile, chicken breasts provide a tender, juicy base that soaks up the BBQ sauce beautifully.
- Easy 4 Ingredient Coleslaw – Crunchy, creamy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the savory sliders, offering a burst of texture and color.
- Salted Butter (2 tbsp) – Melted salted butter brushed on the buns brings a luxurious richness and helps achieve a golden, toasty finish.
- Salt and pepper – A simple seasoning of salt and pepper enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and ties all the ingredients together.
- Slider Buns – Soft and pillowy, slider buns are the perfect vessel for the BBQ chicken, making each bite a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, we will use the following process:
Combine Sauce. Whisk together the bbq sauce, apple cider vinegar, and water. Set aside.
Cook Chicken. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken breasts to pan and cook until lightly browned, pour bbq sauce mixture over the top.
Finish Chicken with Sauce. Heat the sauce to a simmer then cover the pan and cook for 5 minutes, stirring and flipping the chicken occasionally. Heat until chicken registers 165 degrees F in the thickest part, about 4 minutes more. Remove chicken from the heat and place on a cutting board.
Let Sit and Shred. Let sit 5 minutes then shred chicken. Place chicken back in the pan with the sauce and toss to coat. Toast burger buns if desired and top with chicken and coleslaw. Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks to Perfect BBQ Chicken Silders
Choose the right cut: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more flavor and moisture, or use breast meat for a leaner option.
Marinate for flavor: Marinate your chicken in your favorite BBQ sauce mixed with a little apple cider vinegar and olive oil for at least an hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
Cook it right: Grill the chicken for a smoky flavor or bake it for convenience, making sure it’s cooked through but still juicy.
Shred it up: Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks for that perfect, tender texture that soaks up the BBQ sauce.
Sauce it up: Mix the shredded chicken with additional BBQ sauce to ensure every bite is flavorful and moist.
Pick your buns: Choose soft, small buns or rolls that won’t overpower the filling; lightly toasting them adds a nice texture.
Add some crunch: Include a layer of coleslaw or pickled onions for a crunchy texture contrast and a zesty flavor kick.
Cheese it up: A slice of melted cheddar or pepper jack cheese can add a creamy, spicy element to your sliders.
Keep it warm: If serving at a gathering, keep the shredded BBQ chicken warm in a slow cooker so guests can assemble their sliders fresh.
Serve with sides: Offer classic sides like potato salad, corn on the cob, or a green salad to complement the rich, savory sliders.
FAQs
For BBQ chicken sliders, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are often preferred for their juiciness and flavor, but chicken breasts can also be used for a leaner option.
Absolutely, store-bought BBQ sauce is a convenient and tasty option. Feel free to enhance it with additional spices or a bit of honey or brown sugar to suit your taste.
Ideally, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but for deeper flavor, marinating overnight in the refrigerator is even better.
Yes, you can cook and shred the chicken in advance. Store it in the fridge mixed with BBQ sauce and reheat gently when ready to serve.
The easiest way is to use two forks to pull the chicken apart. For larger quantities, you can use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on a low setting.
Toasting the buns lightly can help prevent sogginess. Also, avoid assembling the sliders too far in advance; it’s better to let guests assemble them as they eat.
Coleslaw, pickles, crispy onions, jalapeños, or a slice of cheese like cheddar or gouda are great toppings that add texture and flavor.
Yes, cooking your chicken in a slow cooker with BBQ sauce is an easy and convenient method, especially for feeding a crowd. Shred the chicken in the sauce once it’s tender.
The BBQ chicken filling can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently, adding more sauce if needed.
Keep the chicken warm in a slow cooker and set up a slider station with buns, chicken, toppings, and extra sauce so guests can build their own sliders. This keeps the sliders fresh and prevents the buns from getting soggy.
What to Serve With BBQ Chicken Sliders
Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: Their sweet and salty crunch pairs wonderfully with the tangy BBQ chicken. Try this recipe!
Classic Coleslaw: A side of creamy, crunchy coleslaw complements the sliders with a refreshing contrast.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Smoky, buttery corn adds a perfect summer vibe to your BBQ meal. Try this easy grilled corn on the cob.
Macaroni and Cheese: A creamy, cheesy macaroni can serve as a comforting side to the tangy sliders.
Baked Beans: A hearty and savory side that matches the BBQ theme perfectly.
Pickled Vegetables: Add a zesty and crunchy element to cleanse the palate between bites.
Watermelon Salad: A fresh, sweet salad to balance the savory flavors of the sliders.
Potato Salad: A classic BBQ side, its creamy texture and tangy flavor pair well with chicken sliders.
Cornbread: Soft, slightly sweet cornbread makes a great companion to the sliders for a true Southern-style meal. Try this honey butter cornbread!
Garden Salad: A light, fresh salad with a vinaigrette dressing to add a healthy, crisp element to your meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables, roasted to perfection, provide a healthy and flavorful side option.
Chips and Dip: A simple side of tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole can add a crunchy texture to the meal.
Try these BBQ sides:
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BBQ Chicken Sliders
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- Easy 4 Ingredient Coleslaw
- 2 tbsp Salted Butter
- salt and pepper to taste
- Slider Buns
Instructions
- Whisk together the bbq sauce, apple cider vinegar, and water. Set aside.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium high heat.
- Add chicken breasts to pan and cook until lightly browned, pour bbq sauce mixture over the top.
- Heat the sauce to a simmer then cover the pan and cook for 5 minutes, stirring and flipping the chicken occasionally. Heat until chicken registers 165 degrees F in the thickest part, about 4 minutes more.
- Remove chicken from the heat and place on a cutting board. Let sit 5 minutes then shred chicken.
- Place chicken back in the pan with the sauce and toss to coat.
- Toast burger buns if desired and top with chicken and coleslaw. Enjoy!
Yum