BBQ Chicken Sliders with Tangy Slaw (Printable Version)

Mini buns filled with tender pulled BBQ chicken and crunchy, tangy slaw—perfect for parties and casual dinners.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pulled BBQ Chicken

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
02 - 1 cup barbecue sauce, plus extra for serving
03 - 1/2 cup chicken broth
04 - 1 tbsp olive oil
05 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
07 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
08 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Creamy Cabbage Slaw

09 - 2 cups shredded green cabbage
10 - 1 cup shredded red cabbage
11 - 1/2 cup shredded carrots
12 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
13 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
14 - 1 tsp honey
15 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Assembly

16 - 12 mini slider buns
17 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (optional)

# Directions:

01 - In a large pot or slow cooker, combine chicken breasts, barbecue sauce, chicken broth, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender. Remove chicken and shred with two forks, then return to sauce and simmer for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
03 - Add shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots to the dressing. Toss thoroughly until all vegetables are evenly coated. Set aside.
04 - Brush mini slider buns with melted butter and toast in a skillet or oven at 375°F for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
05 - Place a generous spoonful of pulled BBQ chicken on the bottom half of each bun. Top with a scoop of creamy cabbage slaw, then cover with the bun tops. Serve immediately with additional barbecue sauce on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They come together faster than you think and disappear even faster once people start eating.
  • The tangy crunch of the slaw cuts through the sweetness of the barbecue sauce in a way that feels balanced and bright.
  • You can prep everything ahead and just assemble when guests arrive, which means you actually get to enjoy your own party.
02 -
  • Don't skip shredding the chicken while it's still hot, it falls apart so much easier and absorbs more sauce that way.
  • Make the slaw at least 15 minutes before assembling so the flavors have time to meld, but don't let it sit for hours or it'll get watery.
  • If the chicken looks dry after shredding, add a splash more broth or barbecue sauce and stir it through before piling it onto the buns.
03 -
  • Use chicken thighs instead of breasts if you want meat that stays juicy no matter how long it simmers.
  • Toast the buns even if you're in a hurry, it only takes two minutes and makes a huge difference in texture.
  • Double the slaw recipe if you're feeding a crowd, people always want more crunch than you think.
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