BBQ Chicken Sliders with Tangy Slaw (Printable Version)

Mini buns loaded with tender pulled BBQ chicken, fresh slaw, and smoky flavors. Ideal 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

→ 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 buns)

# How to Make It:

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 the chicken, shred with two forks, and return to the sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
02 - In a large bowl, mix together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Add shredded cabbages and carrots. Toss until evenly coated and 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 slaw. Cover with the bun tops and serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They come together fast enough for weeknight dinners but look fancy enough for company
  • The sweet and tangy slaw cuts through the richness of the BBQ in the most satisfying way
  • You can make the chicken ahead and just assemble when guests arrive
  • Kids and adults both demolish these without complaint
02 -
  • Don't skip shredding the chicken while it's still warm, it's much easier than trying to pull apart cold meat
  • Make the slaw at least 10 minutes before assembling so the flavors can marry, but don't let it sit too long or it gets watery
  • Toast the buns if you have time, soggy sliders are a disappointment no one needs
03 -
  • Use chicken thighs instead of breasts if you want the most tender, flavorful result
  • Let the slaw sit in the fridge for 15 minutes before assembling so it's extra cold and crisp against the warm chicken
  • Brush the insides of the buns with a little BBQ sauce before adding the chicken for an extra punch of flavor
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