Name: BBQ Chicken Sliders
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great); 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade); 8 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls; 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for toasting buns); 1 cup coleslaw mix; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional toppings: sliced pickles, red onion

Tender shredded chicken coated in tangy BBQ sauce, served on toasted slider buns with a crunchy slaw – these BBQ chicken sliders are one of my go-to meals when I need something fast, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a laid-back gathering with friends, these sliders deliver big flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quick and simple this recipe is — perfect when I’ve got leftover rotisserie chicken on hand. The sweet and tangy BBQ sauce pairs perfectly with creamy, zesty slaw, and the toasted buns add just the right amount of crunch. These sliders are also super versatile — I can serve them as a full meal or a shareable snack for parties, potlucks, or game days. Plus, everyone always wants seconds.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)

1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

8 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls

1 tablespoon butter (optional, for toasting buns)

1 cup coleslaw mix

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional toppings: sliced pickles, red onion

Directions

I start by combining the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce in a bowl and warming it up in a skillet or the microwave until it’s heated through.

Next, I make the slaw by mixing coleslaw mix with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. I toss it all together and chill it in the fridge until it’s time to serve.

If I want that extra crunch, I lightly butter the insides of the slider buns and toast them in a skillet until golden brown.

Then I assemble each slider: a spoonful of warm BBQ chicken on the bottom bun, a generous helping of slaw on top, and some optional sliced pickles or red onion for a little bite.

I finish with the top bun and serve the sliders warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 8 sliders.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal per slider

Variations

Sometimes I switch things up by using spicy BBQ sauce or adding a slice of sharp cheddar cheese for a melty twist. For a healthier version, I’ve swapped out the mayo in the slaw for Greek yogurt. I also like serving these with sweet potato fries or a side of baked beans for a full meal. If I’m feeding a larger group, I’ll double the recipe and set up a slider bar with different toppings so everyone can customize their own.

Storage/Reheating

I keep leftover BBQ chicken and slaw in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I’m ready to reheat, I warm the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop until it’s hot. I don’t recommend freezing the slaw, but the chicken freezes well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Related Recipes:

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

FAQs

How do I keep the slider buns from getting soggy?

I toast the buns before assembling, which helps prevent them from getting soggy. I also wait to add the slaw until right before serving.

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the chicken and slaw in advance. I store them separately and assemble the sliders just before serving for the best texture.

What type of BBQ sauce works best?

Any BBQ sauce I love will work! Sweet, smoky, spicy, or even homemade — I just go with the flavor that fits my mood or the occasion.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely. I’ve made these with pulled pork or even shredded beef — they’re just as tasty and satisfying.

Are these sliders good for kids?

Definitely. The small size and familiar flavors make these a big hit with kids. I just skip the onions or spicy sauce for younger eaters.

Conclusion

These BBQ chicken sliders are one of my favorite recipes for easy, flavorful meals that don’t take much time or effort. They’re perfect for casual dinners, game day spreads, or even quick lunches. With tender chicken, tangy sauce, crunchy slaw, and soft buns, it’s a combo that always hits the spot.

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