When you’re craving a meal that’s both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, BBQ Chicken Sliders are the perfect choice. These small, handheld sandwiches are packed with juicy, tender chicken coated in tangy barbecue sauce, layered with crunchy cabbage, and finished with a touch of spicy pickles. You’ll love the balance of textures and flavors in each bite. The sliders are perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or even game-day snacks. They come together quickly and make a visually appealing dish that’s sure to impress anyone you serve them to.
Why We Love These BBQ Chicken Sliders
There are so many reasons to make these sliders a staple in your kitchen. First, they’re incredibly easy to put together, even on a busy weeknight. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create something that tastes like it came from a restaurant. The chicken is tender and coated in rich barbecue sauce, giving every bite a juicy, savory flavor. Adding purple cabbage provides a satisfying crunch, while spicy pickles cut through the richness of the chicken and add a tangy zing.
Another reason these sliders are so loved is their versatility. You can use any type of slider bun, adjust the level of barbecue sauce, or even add toppings like pickled onions or fresh cilantro for extra flavor and color. They also reheat well, so if you have leftovers, you can enjoy them the next day without losing any of the deliciousness. And let’s be honest—mini sandwiches like these are fun to eat and perfect for sharing, making them a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Sliders
- 12 Hawaiian slider buns
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- ⅓–1 cup barbecue sauce (start with ⅓ cup, add more if needed)
- 1½ cups chopped purple cabbage
- ¼ cup chopped spicy pickles
- 1 Tbsp melted butter
- 1 Tbsp grated Parmesan (for garnish)
- 1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
How to Make BBQ Chicken Sliders
Making these sliders is straightforward and can be done in about 30 minutes from start to finish. Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF. While the oven warms, place your cooked shredded chicken into a medium mixing bowl. Pour in your chosen amount of barbecue sauce and mix thoroughly until every piece of chicken is coated with flavor. This ensures that each slider bite is rich and saucy.
Next, prepare your buns. Cut the rolls in half horizontally, creating a sheet of bottom buns and a sheet of top buns. Letting the rolls sit out for a few minutes before slicing makes this step easier and prevents squishing. If you want a creamier texture, lightly spread some mayonnaise or Kewpie mayonnaise on the bottom halves.
Now, assemble your sliders in a 9×9 baking dish. Lay the bottom halves in the dish and add a layer of chopped purple cabbage. This creates a crunchy foundation for your chicken. Spread the barbecue-coated chicken evenly over the cabbage. Sprinkle chopped spicy pickles on top, and add any additional toppings you like, such as pickled onions or extra cilantro.
Place the top halves of the buns over the layered ingredients. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with grated Parmesan for a golden, flavorful finish. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 20–25 minutes. The foil keeps the sliders moist while allowing the tops to crisp slightly. Once baked, remove from the oven and let the sliders rest for a few minutes before slicing carefully with a sharp knife. Garnish with fresh cilantro for added color and freshness.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Sliders
Serving your BBQ Chicken Sliders is simple, but there are a few ways to make them extra special. You can serve them as part of a casual meal with sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or baked fries. They also work well as appetizers for parties or game-day gatherings. Arrange the sliders on a large platter so everyone can easily grab one.
For a more elevated presentation, add a small side of pickled onions or extra fresh herbs to each plate. You can also provide small dipping bowls of extra barbecue sauce so guests can adjust the flavor to their liking. These sliders are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, but they still taste great at room temperature, making them perfect for buffet-style serving.
Expert Tips for BBQ Chicken Sliders
To make your sliders even better, follow a few expert tips. First, don’t skip the resting time after baking. Letting the sliders cool for a few minutes makes them easier to slice and keeps the ingredients from spilling out.
Second, experiment with your barbecue sauce. Some store-bought brands are sweeter, while others are tangier or smokier. Choosing the right sauce for your taste makes a noticeable difference. You can even mix sauces to get a balanced flavor profile.
Third, consider adding pickled vegetables. Quick-pickled red onions or jalapeños add acidity and crunch, which contrasts beautifully with the rich chicken. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley brighten the dish and make it visually appealing.
Finally, if you want an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast the buns before assembling the sliders. This adds texture and prevents the buns from becoming too soft when baked with the chicken and sauce.
How to Store BBQ Chicken Sliders
If you have leftovers, storing them correctly is key to maintaining flavor and texture. Place the sliders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. When reheating, cover them with foil and warm in the oven to prevent the buns from drying out. You can also reheat individual sliders in the microwave for convenience, but the oven method gives a better texture.
For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled sliders (before baking) in a tightly wrapped container for up to a month. Thaw them overnight in the fridge and then bake according to the instructions for fresh, hot sliders.
Variations of BBQ Chicken Sliders
There are plenty of ways to customize these sliders to suit your taste. Swap the chicken for shredded beef, turkey, or even plant-based proteins for a different take on the recipe. Use different types of buns, such as whole wheat or pretzel rolls, to add variety in flavor and texture.
Experiment with toppings as well. Add cheese slices for extra richness, or try different pickles like bread-and-butter or dill for a unique tang. You can even add a spicy kick with sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce. For a slightly sweeter version, mix a little honey into the barbecue sauce before coating the chicken. These small changes can make each batch of sliders feel new and exciting.
Frequently Asked Questions about BBQ Chicken Sliders
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders in advance and store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. This is great for meal prep or party planning.
What type of chicken works best?
Cooked, shredded chicken works perfectly. You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover baked chicken, or poached chicken.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely. Add more or fewer pickles, or include sliced jalapeños for extra heat. You can also choose a sweeter barbecue sauce if you prefer milder flavors.
Can these sliders be frozen?
Yes. Assemble the sliders without baking and freeze them in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge and bake when ready to serve.
Are there any vegetarian alternatives?
Yes. Use shredded jackfruit, plant-based chicken, or even grilled vegetables like mushrooms and peppers as a substitute for the chicken.
How long do leftovers last?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
BBQ Chicken Sliders
Equipment
- 9×9 Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowl
- Oven
Ingredients
- 12 count Hawaiian slider buns
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- ⅓–1 cup barbecue sauce start with ⅓ cup, add more if needed
- 1½ cups chopped purple cabbage
- ¼ cup chopped spicy pickles
- 1 Tbsp. melted butter
- 1 Tbsp. grated Parmesan for garnish
- 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with your chosen amount of barbecue sauce until well coated.
- Cut the slider buns in half horizontally and spread mayonnaise on the bottom halves if desired.
- Assemble the sliders in a 9×9 baking dish: place the bottom halves of the buns, add a layer of chopped cabbage, spread the BBQ chicken on top, and sprinkle with pickles.
- Place the top halves of the buns on the sliders. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with grated Parmesan.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes until heated through.
- Let the sliders rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
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