Introduction
BBQ chicken sliders are a perfect mix of comfort food and crowd pleasing flavor. Soft buns, juicy chicken, and rich barbecue sauce come together to create a dish that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare. These sliders work beautifully for family dinners, game nights, and casual gatherings.
The beauty of bbq chicken sliders lies in their simplicity. Basic pantry ingredients transform into something special when cooked with care and layered thoughtfully. Each bite offers a balance of smoky sweetness, tenderness, and warmth that keeps people reaching for more.
Home cooks love this recipe because it delivers big flavor without stress. With minimal prep and clear steps, even beginners can achieve restaurant style results. The sliders can be customized easily, making them suitable for different tastes and occasions.
Ingredients Needed
Below is the complete ingredient list with proper columns and estimated calories.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless chicken breast | 1.5 pounds | 750 |
| BBQ sauce | 1 cup | 280 |
| Slider buns | 12 pieces | 1080 |
| Butter | 3 tbsp | 300 |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp | 4 |
| Onion powder | 1 tsp | 4 |
| Paprika | 1 tsp | 6 |
| Salt | 1 tsp | 0 |
| Black pepper | 0.5 tsp | 3 |
| Coleslaw mix | 2 cups | 50 |
| Mayonnaise | 0.5 cup | 360 |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 tbsp | 3 |
| Honey | 1 tbsp | 64 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Rinse the chicken breasts and pat them completely dry using a paper towel. Clean chicken ensures better flavor absorption.
- Season the chicken evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika on both sides.
- Heat a large pan over medium heat and add one tablespoon of butter. Allow it to melt fully.
- Place the seasoned chicken into the pan and cook for six to seven minutes on each side until fully cooked and golden.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for five minutes. Resting keeps the meat juicy.
- Shred the chicken using two forks or slice it thinly depending on preference.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pan and pour in the bbq sauce. Stir gently to coat every piece.
- Lower the heat and simmer the chicken for five to seven minutes until the sauce thickens and clings well.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey to prepare a creamy slaw dressing.
- Add coleslaw mix to the dressing and toss until evenly coated. Set aside.
- Slice slider buns horizontally and arrange the bottom halves in a baking dish.
- Spread the bbq chicken evenly over the buns, ensuring equal portions.
- Place the top halves of the buns over the chicken.
- Melt remaining butter and brush it generously over the top of the buns.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for ten to twelve minutes until buns turn lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for two minutes before serving.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
• Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the chicken before placing bun tops for a creamy texture
• Use spicy bbq sauce or add chili flakes for extra heat
• Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter slaw
• Add sliced pickles or jalapenos for crunch and tang
• Use rotisserie chicken when short on time
Nutritional Information
Approximate nutrition per slider is listed below.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 22 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 28 grams |
| Fat | 14 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
Serving Suggestions
BBQ chicken sliders taste best when served warm and fresh from the oven. Pair them with crispy fries, baked potato wedges, or a light garden salad for balance. They also work well as party appetizers when served on a platter with extra bbq sauce on the side.
For family meals, serve sliders with corn on the cob or roasted vegetables. During gatherings, wrap each slider halfway in parchment paper for easy handling and a neat presentation.
Conclusion
BBQ chicken sliders bring comfort, flavor, and convenience together in one satisfying dish. Juicy chicken coated in rich barbecue sauce paired with soft buns creates a meal that feels both hearty and welcoming.
Cooking these sliders at home allows full control over ingredients and taste. With simple steps and flexible options, this recipe fits busy schedules while still delivering homemade quality. Once prepared, these sliders quickly become a favorite that everyone asks for again.
