These BBQ Chicken Sliders are the perfect solution when you’re craving something hearty yet manageable. Tender shredded chicken smothered in tangy barbecue sauce, piled high on soft slider buns, and topped with a creamy coleslaw that adds the perfect crunch. It’s comfort food that fits in the palm of your hand!
Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, planning a casual family dinner, or looking for an easy crowd-pleaser, these sliders deliver big flavor without the fuss. The combination of sweet, tangy, and savory notes makes these mini sandwiches absolutely irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick and easy – ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or family with minimal effort
- Customizable with your favorite BBQ sauce and toppings
- Great for using up leftover rotisserie chicken
- Kid-friendly while still satisfying adult taste buds
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns or dinner rolls
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce, homemade or store bought
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 4-6 slices cheddar cheese or ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups premixed bagged coleslaw
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon parsley, dried or fresh
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a large sheet pan or two half sheet pans with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Cut the slider buns in half. Place the bottom buns and top buns side by side on the prepared sheet pan, or use separate pans for bottoms and tops.
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce until evenly coated. Spread the chicken evenly over the bottom buns.
- Scatter the sliced red onions over the BBQ chicken and top with the cheddar cheese slices or shredded cheese.
- Melt the butter in a small bowl and stir in the minced garlic and parsley. Brush the mixture on the top buns.
- Place the baking tray in the oven and bake for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top buns are toasted.
- In a large bowl, mix the coleslaw with the ranch dressing until evenly combined.
- Remove the trays from the oven. Distribute the coleslaw evenly over the melted cheese on the bottom buns. Top with the toasted top buns. Cut into individual sliders or pull them apart and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicy kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce to your BBQ chicken mixture
- Try different BBQ sauce flavors – honey, smoky, or spicy for variety
- Add a slice of pepper jack or cheddar cheese on top of the chicken before baking
- For a time-saver, use rotisserie chicken from the grocery store
- Make the chicken mixture up to 2 days ahead and reheat when ready to assemble
- For a healthier option, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the coleslaw
Serving Suggestions
These BBQ Chicken Sliders pair perfectly with crispy sweet potato fries, a side of pickles, or a simple green salad. For a complete spread, add some corn on the cob or baked beans on the side.
For beverages, serve with cold lemonade, iced tea, or your favorite craft beer to complement the sweet and tangy BBQ flavors.
Notes
- Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave for 30 seconds or in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes.
- The chicken mixture can be frozen for up to 3 months – perfect for meal prep!
FAQs
Can I make these sliders in a slow cooker?
Yes! Place chicken breasts with BBQ sauce in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours, then shred and proceed with the recipe.
What’s the best way to shred chicken?
Use two forks to pull the chicken apart, or for a quicker method, use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on low speed for about 30 seconds.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Absolutely! Prepare everything up to 24 hours ahead, but keep the coleslaw separate until serving to maintain its crunch.
Are there any gluten-free options?
Yes, simply substitute gluten-free slider buns and ensure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free (most are, but always check the label).
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