These BBQ chicken sliders are juicy and full of flavor! With tender chicken smothered in sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, they’re perfect for any gathering.
Getting messy with these sliders is part of the fun! I love piling on extra toppings like pickles and coleslaw. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you later! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. If you’re looking for a quicker option, shredded rotisserie chicken works great too! Just heat it with the barbecue sauce.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own for a personal touch. If you’re trying to cut down on sugar, look for a low-sugar or no-sugar-added version, or even a homemade sauce sweetened with honey or maple syrup.
Slider Buns: Soft dinner rolls are classic, but you can also use whole wheat or gluten-free buns if needed. Hawaiian rolls add a nice sweetness, too!
Coleslaw Mix: The mix of cabbage and carrots adds crunch and fresh flavor. You can substitute it with a simple salad mix or even just shredded cabbage if you’re in a pinch.
Cheddar Cheese: Instead of cheddar, feel free to use Monterey Jack, pepper jack for some heat, or even cream cheese for a creamier texture.
How Do I Shred Chicken Easily?
Shredding chicken might seem tricky but it’s really simple! Here’s how you can do it: Start with cooked chicken, let it cool slightly, and then use two forks, pulling apart the chicken into shreds. If you want a quicker method, place the chicken in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and beat it on low speed until shredded. Just be careful not to overdo it!
Remember, you can always shred the chicken while it’s still warm; it helps break it down even easier. And don’t forget to mix in the BBQ sauce right after shredding for the best flavor!
BBQ Chicken Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 12 slider buns (soft dinner rolls)
- 1 cup coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, plus 30-40 minutes to cook. So, you can have these tasty sliders ready in about 50 minutes! Perfect for a quick dinner or a fun party snack.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Season
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, season your chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken!
2. Sear the Chicken
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken breasts. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are slightly golden. This step helps to lock in the juices for a moist chicken!
3. Bake the Chicken
After searing, transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish. Pour half of your barbecue sauce over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly. Cover the dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
4. Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It’s super easy and fun! Mix the shredded chicken with the remaining barbecue sauce until it’s well coated and flavorful.
5. Assemble the Sliders
Now it’s time for the fun part! Slice each slider bun in half. On the bottom half of each bun, place a generous portion of the BBQ shredded chicken. Top it off with a spoonful of coleslaw mix for a nice crunch, then sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Gently place the top half of the bun on the cheese, pressing down slightly. Your delicious BBQ chicken sliders are now ready to serve! You can enjoy them as they are, or for an extra touch, toast the slider buns lightly before assembling. Either way, they are sure to be a hit!
Enjoy your delicious, juicy BBQ Chicken Sliders!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking. The best way is to place it in the refrigerator overnight or submerge it in a sealed plastic bag in cold water for quicker thawing. Once thawed, you can proceed with the recipe as instructed.
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken and mix it with the barbecue sauce up to two days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chicken mixture gently on the stove or in the microwave, then assemble the sliders just before serving for the best results.
How to Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To revive them, just reheat the chicken and buns separately. It helps to add a splash of barbecue sauce to the chicken to keep it moist while reheating!
What Can I Use Instead of Coleslaw Mix?
If you don’t have coleslaw mix on hand, feel free to substitute it with shredded cabbage or a simple salad mix. You can even add sliced pickles for extra crunch. The idea is to add some freshness and texture to the sliders!