BBQ Chicken Sliders (Printable)

Tender pulled BBQ chicken with tangy slaw on mini buns. Ideal for entertaining and casual meals.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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

→ Tangy 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, for toasting)

# Cooking Steps:

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 for 25–30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender. Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return to the sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Add shredded cabbages and carrots, then toss until evenly coated. 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 toasted bun. Top with a scoop of slaw. Cover with the bun tops and serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They disappear faster than any appetizer I've ever made, and somehow feel fancy without any fuss.
  • The slaw adds a crisp freshness that cuts through the richness and keeps you reaching for another.
  • You can prep everything ahead and just assemble when guests arrive.
  • They work for a backyard cookout or a Tuesday night when you need something easy and satisfying.
02 -
  • Don't skip shredding the chicken while it's still warm; it falls apart so much easier and soaks up more sauce.
  • Make the slaw at least 10 minutes ahead so the flavors can meld, but don't let it sit too long or it will get watery.
  • If you toast the buns, do it right before assembling so they stay crisp and don't get soggy from the sauce.
03 -
  • Use a light hand with the slaw; too much will make the sliders hard to eat and the flavors will compete instead of complement.
  • Let the chicken rest in the sauce off the heat for a few minutes before assembling so it stays juicy and doesn't dry out on the bun.
  • Toast only as many buns as you'll serve immediately; untoasted buns stay soft and are easier to prep in batches.
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