These BBQ chicken sliders are a fun and tasty treat for any gathering! With juicy chicken smothered in sweet barbecue sauce, they’re sure to be a hit.
Plus, they’re super easy to make! Just grab some buns, pile on the chicken, and maybe add a few pickles. Yum! You’ll be the favorite at every party. 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken is super easy and saves time. You can substitute with any leftover chicken, or cook and shred your own for fresh flavor. For a lighter option, try shredded turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite barbecue sauce, but feel free to make your own homemade version for a personal touch. If you want it less sweet, try a vinegar-based sauce instead. For a spicy kick, look for a chipotle-style sauce!
Slider Buns: While slider buns are classic, you can swap them for mini bagels, pita pockets, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Just make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold the filling.
Coleslaw: The coleslaw adds crunch and freshness. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made coleslaw mix. For a twist, try adding apples or raisins to your slaw for extra flavor!
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Melted Cheese on Your Sliders?
Getting that gooey, melted cheese is key for BBQ chicken sliders! To achieve this, start by preheating your oven. Here’s how to ensure great results:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) before adding the sliders.
- Use shredded cheese, as it melts more evenly and quickly than slices.
- Place the sliders in the oven until the cheese is just melted, around 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- If you want a little extra color and crunch, broil them for the last minute, but watch closely!
By following these steps, your cheese will be perfectly melted, adding to the overall deliciousness of your sliders.
BBQ Chicken Sliders
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 6 slider buns or small dinner rolls
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup coleslaw (mix of shredded red and green cabbage, carrots)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- Fresh cilantro leaves (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes to bake, making it a quick and easy dish perfect for busy days or gatherings. Just a short wait while those delicious sliders get nice and melty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the BBQ Chicken:
In a medium bowl, add the cooked shredded chicken. Pour in your favorite barbecue sauce and toss everything together until the chicken is well-coated in that sweet, smoky goodness.
2. Make the Coleslaw:
In a small bowl, mix together shredded cabbage and carrots with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Stir this mixture until everything is well combined. This creamy slaw will add a nice crunch to your sliders!
3. Preheat the Oven:
While preparing the other ingredients, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Split the slider buns in half horizontally and place the bottom halves on a baking sheet.
4. Assemble the Sliders:
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the bottom halves of the buns. Then, spoon the BBQ chicken mixture onto the cheese, covering all the buns evenly.
5. Bake the Sliders:
Place the baking sheet with sliders in the preheated oven. Bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and everything is warmed through.
6. Add the Coleslaw:
Once the sliders are out of the oven, take a generous spoonful of coleslaw and add it on top of each slider. This gives it a fresh, crunchy element that pairs perfectly with the BBQ chicken.
7. Final Touch:
Finally, add the top halves of the buns. If you’d like, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your BBQ chicken sliders are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm and watch them disappear as your family and friends dig in. These sliders are perfect for parties, casual meals, or just when you’re craving something delicious!
Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors—sticky, smoky chicken, melted cheese, and crunchy slaw—a match made in slider heaven!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. You can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or quickly by sealing it in a plastic bag and placing it in cold water for about an hour. Once thawed, shred and mix it with barbecue sauce as directed.
How Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the BBQ chicken and coleslaw a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just assemble the sliders and bake them fresh for the best taste and texture!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but the oven will help keep the buns from getting soggy.
Can I Customize the Coleslaw?
Definitely! Feel free to add ingredients like diced apples, raisins, or even nuts for added flavor and texture. You can also substitute with a vinaigrette-based slaw if you’re looking for a lighter option!
