Pin Recipe The kitchen was thick with smoke from the grill outside, and I was panicking because half my guests were vegetarian and the other half were running late. I grabbed some chicken from the fridge, tossed it in a pot with barbecue sauce, and started shredding it while my friend made slaw in about three minutes flat. We piled everything onto these tiny buns, and they vanished before the burgers even came off the grill. Sometimes the best recipes are born from pure chaos.
I made these for a backyard gathering last summer, and my neighbor brought his kids who usually avoid anything that looks too fancy or complicated. They lined up three times, sticky fingers and all, asking if there were more. One of them told me it tasted like the fair, which I took as the highest compliment a nine year old could give. That night, I realized these sliders had a magic to them, something about the size and the sweetness that just makes people happy.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs stay juicier and shred more easily, but breasts work fine if you keep an eye on the cooking time.
- Barbecue sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade, just make sure it has enough tang to stand up to the richness of the chicken.
- Chicken broth: This keeps everything moist and prevents the chicken from drying out as it simmers.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that makes it taste like you spent all day at the grill even if you didn't.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: These build a savory base that barbecue sauce alone can't quite achieve.
- Shredded green and red cabbage: The mix of colors makes the slaw look vibrant, and the red cabbage adds a slight peppery bite.
- Shredded carrots: They bring a hint of sweetness and extra crunch that balances the creamy dressing.
- Mayonnaise: The backbone of the slaw, it creates that creamy coating that clings to every shred of vegetable.
- Apple cider vinegar: Cuts through the mayo with a sharp tang that wakes everything up.
- Honey: Just a touch smooths out the vinegar and ties the slaw together.
- Mini slider buns: Soft, slightly sweet, and the perfect size for piling high without feeling too heavy.
- Unsalted butter: Optional, but toasting the buns in butter adds a golden richness that makes each bite feel a little more special.
Instructions
- Prepare the BBQ Chicken:
- Combine the chicken, barbecue sauce, broth, olive oil, and spices in a large pot or slow cooker, letting everything simmer until the chicken is tender and pulls apart easily with a fork. Once shredded, return it to the sauce and let it soak up all that smoky, sweet flavor for a few more minutes.
- Prepare the Slaw:
- Whisk together the mayo, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a big bowl, then toss in the cabbage and carrots until every piece is coated. The slaw should taste bright and tangy, with just enough creaminess to balance the acidity.
- Toast the Buns:
- Brush the cut sides of the buns with melted butter and toast them in a hot skillet or under the broiler until golden and slightly crisp. This step is optional, but it keeps the buns from getting soggy under all that saucy chicken.
- Assemble the Sliders:
- Spoon a generous mound of pulled chicken onto each bottom bun, then top with a small pile of slaw and press the top bun gently into place. Serve them right away while the chicken is warm and the slaw is still cold and crunchy.
Pin Recipe I remember setting out a platter of these at a potluck, and within minutes people were standing around the table, sliders in hand, laughing and talking with barbecue sauce on their fingers. One friend grabbed two at once and said she didn't even care about the main course anymore. That's when I knew this recipe had earned a permanent spot in my rotation, not because it's fancy, but because it brings people together in the easiest, happiest way.
Make It Your Own
If you want extra heat, stir in some chili flakes or hot sauce while the chicken simmers, or swap in a spicy barbecue sauce. For a quicker version, use rotisserie chicken and just warm it through with the sauce. You can also add pickles, jalapeños, or a slice of cheese on top of the chicken before adding the slaw, depending on what sounds good to you.
What to Serve Alongside
These sliders pair beautifully with crisp lagers, iced tea, or lemonade. On the side, think about potato salad, corn on the cob, or sweet potato fries. If you're feeding a crowd, set out extra barbecue sauce, pickles, and napkins, because things will get messy in the best possible way.
Storage and Leftovers
Store the pulled chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. The chicken reheats well in a pot or microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist. Assemble the sliders fresh each time so the buns don't get soggy, and if the slaw has released liquid, just drain it off before using.
- Reheat the chicken gently on the stove with a bit of extra sauce to bring back the moisture.
- Keep leftover slaw in the fridge and give it a quick toss before serving again.
- Toast the buns fresh each time for the best texture and flavor.
Pin Recipe These sliders have become my go to whenever I need something that feels special but doesn't stress me out. I hope they show up at your table soon, sticky hands and all.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long does it take to prepare these sliders?
Total preparation time is 50 minutes, with 20 minutes of prep work and 30 minutes of cooking. The pulled chicken takes 25-30 minutes to cook through, while the slaw can be prepared simultaneously.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saving substitute. Simply shred the meat and combine with barbecue sauce and broth, then simmer for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors. This reduces total cooking time significantly.
- → How should I store leftover sliders?
Store the pulled chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep buns in an airtight container or bread bag. Assemble sliders fresh just before serving to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
- → What can I do to add more heat?
For extra spice, stir chili flakes directly into the pulled chicken or swap your barbecue sauce for a spicy variety. You can also add jalapeño slices to the slaw or include a dash of hot sauce in the slaw dressing.
- → Are these sliders suitable for dietary restrictions?
Gluten-free sliders are possible by using gluten-free buns. Check barbecue sauce labels for soy content. The mayonnaise in slaw contains eggs. For dairy-free versions, omit the butter or use dairy-free alternatives, though traditional recipes include optional melted butter.
- → What beverages pair well with these sliders?
Crisp lagers complement the smoky barbecue flavors beautifully, while iced tea offers a refreshing non-alcoholic pairing. Light beers, cold root beer, or even lemonade work well for casual gatherings and game day events.