BBQ Chicken Sliders (Printable Version)

Mini sliders featuring tender pulled BBQ chicken topped with crispy slaw on soft buns. Ideal for entertaining.

# What You Need:

→ For the 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

→ For the 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

→ For Assembly

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

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large pot or slow cooker, combine chicken, barbecue sauce, chicken broth, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat or on high in a slow cooker for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender. Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return to sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
02 - In a large bowl, mix together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Add shredded cabbages and carrots. Toss until evenly coated and set aside.
03 - Brush buns with melted butter and toast in a skillet or oven until golden brown.
04 - Place a generous spoonful of pulled BBQ chicken on the bottom half of each bun. Top with a scoop of slaw. Cover with the bun tops and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The tangy slaw cuts through the sweetness of the BBQ sauce in a way that keeps you reaching for another.
  • You can make the chicken ahead and assemble right before guests arrive, which saves your sanity on busy days.
  • Even picky eaters who claim they hate cabbage end up loving the crunch and balance it adds.
02 -
  • Don't skip the slaw, it's not just a topping, it's what keeps these sliders from being one-note sweet.
  • Shred the chicken while it's still hot, it falls apart easier and absorbs more sauce that way.
  • If your BBQ sauce is very sweet, add a splash of vinegar to the chicken mixture to balance it out.
03 -
  • Make the chicken in a slow cooker in the morning, then assemble the sliders right before guests arrive so you're not stuck in the kitchen.
  • Press down gently on each slider after assembly so the slaw stays put and the flavors meld together in every bite.
  • If you're serving these at a party, stick a toothpick through each slider to hold it together and make it easier to grab.
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