BBQ Chicken Sliders with Tangy Slaw (Printable Version)

Tender pulled BBQ chicken and crispy slaw stuffed in mini buns. Ideal for parties and game days.

# 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 tablespoon olive oil
05 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon 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 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
14 - 1 teaspoon honey
15 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Assembly

16 - 12 mini slider buns
17 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (optional)

# 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 to 30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender. Remove chicken and shred with two forks, then return to 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 bun tops, and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The chicken stays incredibly moist because it cooks right in the sauce, not separately.
  • You can have everything prepped and ready to go in under an hour, even on a weeknight.
  • The tangy slaw cuts through the sweetness of the barbecue sauce in a way that makes every bite balanced.
  • They reheat beautifully, so leftovers taste just as good the next day.
02 -
  • Don't skip the broth when cooking the chicken, it prevents the sauce from burning and keeps everything tender.
  • Make the slaw at least ten minutes ahead so the flavors have time to meld together.
  • If you're using chicken breasts, check them early so they don't dry out.
03 -
  • Let the chicken rest in the sauce for a few minutes after shredding so it stays moist and flavorful.
  • If the slaw feels too wet, let it sit in a colander for a few minutes to drain before adding it to the sliders.
  • Toast only as many buns as you'll serve immediately, the rest stay softer if left untoasted.
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