BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe

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There’s something undeniably satisfying about BBQ chicken—tender, juicy meat laced with smoky, sweet, tangy sauce, slow-cooked to perfection. And when that irresistible combination is tucked inside a soft, buttery slider bun and topped with crunchy slaw or melty cheese, you’ve got more than just a sandwich. You’ve got BBQ Chicken Sliders: the ultimate handheld comfort food, perfect for game days, summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, potlucks, and just about any occasion that calls for big flavor in a small package.

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Unlike a full-sized sandwich or plate of barbecue, sliders offer a level of convenience and versatility that makes them especially appealing. You can serve them as appetizers, snacks, or a full meal depending on how many you make and how you dress them up. They’re the kind of food that invites customization, fun presentation, and communal enjoyment. Piled onto a tray and passed around at a gathering, they disappear in minutes — and leave everyone asking for the recipe.

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The beauty of BBQ Chicken Sliders lies in their simplicity and their adaptability. You can go the slow-and-low route with shredded smoked chicken, throw everything into a slow cooker for a hands-off approach, or take the quicker path with oven-roasted or skillet-seared chicken breast. You can use homemade BBQ sauce for depth and customization or your favorite store-bought brand in a pinch. And the toppings? The sky’s the limit: classic slaw, caramelized onions, melted cheddar, pickles, jalapeños, crispy onions — whatever balances that sweet-and-savory barbecue flavor just right for you.

In this complete, in-depth guide, we’re going far beyond the basic recipe. We’ll explore every element that goes into making truly great BBQ Chicken Sliders: from selecting the best chicken and crafting (or choosing) the perfect sauce, to prepping the buns and layering textures and flavors for a slider that’s anything but ordinary. We’ll cover cooking methods, make-ahead tips, variations (including spicy, smoky, and even vegetarian options), and pro techniques for serving a crowd without breaking a sweat.

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Whether you’re a barbecue purist looking to scale things down into slider form, or a home cook just craving a comforting, flavor-packed meal, this guide will equip you with all the knowledge you need to make BBQ Chicken Sliders that are juicy, balanced, and utterly unforgettable.

Let’s get into it.

Ingredients – The Foundation of Flavor

For the BBQ Chicken:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts – 2 pounds (900g)

• Salt – 1½ teaspoons

• Freshly Ground Black Pepper – 1 teaspoon

• Smoked Paprika – 1 teaspoon (adds smoky depth)

• Garlic Powder – 1 teaspoon

• Onion Powder – 1 teaspoon

• Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons

• BBQ Sauce – 1½ to 2 cups

For the Sliders:

• Slider Buns – 12 to 16, depending on size

• Butter – 2 tablespoons, melted

• Cheese (optional) – 6 to 8 slices of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or provolone

• Pickles, Red Onion, Jalapeños – optional toppings for acidity and crunch

For the Slaw (Optional but Recommended):

• Green Cabbage – 2 cups, thinly sliced

• Carrot – 1 medium, grated

• Apple Cider Vinegar – 2 tablespoons

• Mayonnaise – 3 tablespoons

• Honey or Sugar – 1 teaspoon

• Salt & Pepper – to taste

Equipment Checklist

• Baking dish or sheet pan (for assembling sliders)

• Large skillet, slow cooker, Instant Pot, or oven-safe pan (depending on cooking method)

• Mixing bowls

• Cutting board and knife

• Basting brush

• Foil (for covering during baking)

• Tongs or forks (for shredding chicken)

Cooking the BBQ Chicken – Three Method Options

Option 1: Slow Cooker (Set-and-Forget Method)

1. Season the Chicken:

   • Rub chicken thighs or breasts with olive oil.

   • Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.

2. Add to Slow Cooker:

3. Cook:

4. Shred:

   • Remove chicken to a bowl.

   • Use two forks to shred it, then return to the cooker and stir in another ½ cup of BBQ sauce, or to taste.

Option 2: Oven-Roasted (Juicy and Simple)

1. Preheat Oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Season Chicken:

3. Bake:

   • Arrange in a baking dish.

   • Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).

4. Shred:

Option 3: Instant Pot (Quick & Convenient)

1. Add ½ cup water or chicken broth to the bottom of the pot.

2. Place seasoned chicken inside.

3. Pressure Cook:

4. Quick Release:

5. Mix with BBQ Sauce:

Making the Slaw (Optional but Excellent)

1. Combine Vegetables:

2. Make the Dressing:

   • In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.

3. Mix:

Why use slaw? It adds crunch, acidity, and contrast to the rich BBQ chicken, balancing the bite.

Preparing the Buns

1. Slice the Slider Buns:

2. Toast (Recommended):

Why toast? Toasted buns resist sogginess and add another layer of flavor and texture.

Assembling the Sliders

1. Layer the Chicken:

2. Add Cheese (Optional):

3. Add Slaw (Optional):

4. Top with Pickles, Onions, or Jalapeños (Optional):

5. Close the Sliders:

Serving Tip:

• If serving all at once for a party, you can assemble sliders in a baking dish, brush the tops with butter, and bake covered at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes to warm everything together.

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
20 minutes

Total Time
30 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley or fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Pickles (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Prepare Chicken Filling:

• In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until well coated.
• Stir in chopped red onions if using.

3. Assemble Sliders:

• Slice the entire pack of rolls in half horizontally (like one big sandwich), keeping them connected.
• Place the bottom half in the baking dish.
• Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the bottom buns.
• Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken.
• Place the top half of the buns on top.

4. Brush and Bake:

• Mix melted butter with garlic powder and parsley.
• Brush the tops of the rolls with the butter mixture.
• Cover loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes.
• Uncover and bake another 5–8 minutes until cheese is melted and tops are golden brown.

5. Serve:

• Let sliders cool for a few minutes, then cut and serve warm.
• Optionally, add pickles for extra tang.

Notes

• Chicken Tip: Use rotisserie chicken for a fast option, or cook and shred your own.
• BBQ Sauce: A smoky, slightly sweet sauce works best—but feel free to spice it up!
• Additions: Try adding crispy bacon, sautéed onions, or jalapeños for variety.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble sliders ahead of time and bake right before serving.

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