BBQ Chicken Sliders with Slaw (Print Version)

Tender pulled BBQ chicken on mini buns topped with tangy slaw. Easy to make and perfect for entertaining.

# 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

→ Coleslaw

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)

# Step-by-Step:

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 and shred with two forks, then return to the sauce and 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 bun, top with a scoop of coleslaw, cover with the bun tops, and serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • These sliders come together in under an hour and feel like you fussed way more than you actually did.
  • The tangy slaw cuts through the rich BBQ sauce and adds a fresh crunch that keeps things interesting.
  • They're endlessly adaptable so you can adjust the heat, swap proteins, or even make them gluten free without losing any flavor.
  • Perfect for feeding a crowd without juggling multiple pans or complicated techniques.
02 -
  • Don't skip shredding the chicken while it's still hot, it falls apart so much easier and absorbs more sauce.
  • Make the slaw at least 10 minutes ahead so the flavors meld, but don't let it sit too long or it'll get watery.
  • If you're using a slow cooker, keep it on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 6 hours and check that the chicken shreds easily.
  • Toast the buns right before serving, they lose their crispness fast once assembled.
03 -
  • Use a potato masher to shred the chicken faster if you're in a hurry, it works surprisingly well.
  • Brush the inside of the buns with a little BBQ sauce before adding the chicken for an extra layer of flavor.
  • If you like things spicy, stir in chili flakes or use a spicy barbecue sauce and watch people's eyes light up.
  • Freeze leftover pulled chicken in portions so you can thaw and assemble sliders anytime without starting from scratch.
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