Save The smell of barbecue sauce bubbling on the stove always pulls people into the kitchen before I even call them. I started making these sliders on a whim one Sunday when I had leftover chicken and a bag of mini buns that were about to go stale. The slaw was an afterthought, something I threw together to cut through the sweetness of the sauce. Now they're the first thing friends ask me to bring to any gathering.
I once brought a tray of these to a backyard cookout where the host had already grilled enough food for an army. By halftime, my sliders were gone and people were asking if I had more in the car. There's something about handheld food that makes people feel comfortable, like they can eat and talk and laugh without balancing a plate and fork. I watched someone take three in a row and felt oddly proud.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs stay juicier and shred more easily, but breasts work fine if that's what you have on hand.
- Barbecue sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade; the sauce becomes the soul of the dish, so pick one you'd actually want to eat with a spoon.
- Chicken broth: This keeps the chicken moist while it cooks and prevents the sauce from becoming too thick or sticky.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle depth that makes people think you spent hours smoking the meat when you didn't.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: These quietly build flavor in the background without needing to chop anything.
- Shredded green and red cabbage: The mix of colors makes the slaw look intentional, and the red cabbage adds a slight peppery bite.
- Shredded carrots: They bring a hint of sweetness and a pop of orange that brightens the whole bowl.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base that holds the slaw together and cools down the tangy vinegar.
- Apple cider vinegar: Cuts through the richness and wakes up every bite with a little sharpness.
- Honey: Balances the vinegar and adds a touch of sweetness without making the slaw taste like dessert.
- Mini slider buns: Soft and slightly sweet, they soak up just enough sauce without falling apart in your hands.
- Unsalted butter: Optional, but toasting the buns in butter makes them taste like you care about the details.
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Combine chicken, barbecue sauce, broth, olive oil, and spices in a large pot or slow cooker. Let it simmer until the chicken is tender enough to shred easily with two forks, then let it soak in the sauce for a few minutes so every strand is coated.
- Make the Slaw:
- Whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a large bowl, then toss in the shredded cabbage and carrots until everything is glossy and evenly dressed. Let it sit while you finish the chicken so the flavors can mingle.
- Toast the Buns:
- Brush the cut sides of the buns with melted butter and press them into a hot skillet or under the broiler until they turn golden and crisp. This step is optional, but it makes a noticeable difference in texture.
- Build the Sliders:
- Spoon a generous pile of pulled chicken onto each bottom bun, top with a small handful of slaw, and press the top bun gently so everything stays put. Serve them warm and watch them vanish.
Save The first time I made these for a group, I worried they were too simple and that people would expect something fancier. But halfway through the meal, someone said they tasted like summer, and I realized that's exactly what comfort food is supposed to do. It's not about being complicated. It's about making people feel good while they eat.
Making Them Ahead
You can cook and shred the chicken up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge in its sauce. The slaw also holds up well for a day if kept covered and cold. When you're ready to serve, just reheat the chicken gently on the stove, toast the buns, and assemble. This makes them perfect for game days or potlucks when you need to arrive with something ready to go.
Flavor Variations
If you like heat, stir in some chili flakes or hot sauce into the chicken while it simmers. For a smokier flavor, add a splash of liquid smoke to the broth. You can also swap the barbecue sauce for a tangy mustard-based sauce if you want something less sweet. I've even used rotisserie chicken from the store when I'm short on time, and no one has ever noticed the shortcut.
Serving Suggestions
These sliders are filling on their own, but they pair beautifully with crispy potato wedges, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad. I like to serve them with extra barbecue sauce on the side for people who want to dip or drizzle. A cold lager or iced tea cuts through the richness and keeps everything feeling light and casual.
- Set out pickles and jalapeños on the side for people who like extra tang or heat.
- If you're feeding a crowd, double the recipe and keep the chicken warm in a slow cooker so guests can build their own.
- Leftover chicken makes an excellent topping for baked potatoes or nachos the next day.
Save There's something satisfying about watching a tray of sliders disappear in minutes, knowing you made something people actually enjoyed. Keep a few extra buns on hand, because someone always wants just one more.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long does it take to prepare these sliders?
Total time is 50 minutes: 20 minutes prep and 30 minutes cooking. Using rotisserie chicken cuts this time significantly.
- → Can I make the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, the pulled chicken keeps refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before assembling. The slaw is best made 2-4 hours ahead to allow flavors to meld.
- → What's the best way to shred the chicken?
Use two forks to pull the cooked chicken apart while it's still warm for easiest shredding. The meat should be tender enough to fall apart with minimal effort.
- → Can I substitute the slaw?
Absolutely. Try coleslaw mixes, pickled vegetables, or crispy lettuce. Any crunchy, tangy element complements the rich BBQ chicken well.
- → How do I make these gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free slider buns. Verify your BBQ sauce is gluten-free, as some contain malt vinegar. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
- → What beverages pair well with these sliders?
Crisp lagers, iced tea, and light beers complement the smoky BBQ flavors beautifully. Cold sodas or lemonade work great for non-alcoholic options.