BBQ Chicken Sliders

ByMadison Wetherill
2 Comments

BBQ chicken sliders are the perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors packed into a bite-sized sandwich. Slow-cooked in rich BBQ sauce, the shredded chicken stays tender and juicy. Pile it onto pillowy-soft slider buns, top with crunchy coleslaw, and you've got a crowd-pleasing meal everyone will love!

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A food plate with three pulled pork sliders topped with coleslaw in soft buns, garnished with fresh greens in the foreground.

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BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe

I love having go-to recipes that work for any occasion, and these BBQ chicken sliders are one of my favorites. They're perfect for game days, summer cookouts, or even a simple weeknight dinner when I want something easy but still packed with flavor.

The slow-cooked chicken is incredibly tender and coated in your favorite BBQ sauce. Plus, they're great for feeding a crowd - just pile the shredded chicken onto soft buns, add some crunchy coleslaw, and you've got a meal that disappears fast.

Whether you're hosting friends or just need a quick dinner, this recipe is one you'll want to keep in your back pocket! It's perfect for every season - BBQ never goes out of style.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Get ready to love this BBQ chicken sliders recipe - here's why:

  • These BBQ chicken sliders are ridiculously easy. Just toss everything in the slow cooker, let it do its thing, and you've got tender, flavorful BBQ chicken with almost no effort. Perfect for busy days!
  • This recipe feeds a crowd. Whether you're hosting a game day party, a summer cookout or just have a hungry family to feed, this recipe makes plenty - and leftovers are just as good.
  • And it's super versatile. Serve it on slider buns, stuff it into tacos, pile it on a salad or even eat it straight out of the slow cooker (no judgment). However you serve it, it's always a hit!
Shredded chicken in a bowl, coleslaw in another bowl, four bread rolls, and fresh parsley on a marble surface.

Ingredients

You can find everything you need for BBQ chicken sliders at most grocery stores. Here's your ingredient list:

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • BBQ sauce
  • Chicken broth
  • Slider buns
  • Coleslaw mixture
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Olive oil
  • Fresh orange juice
  • Orange zest
  • Dijon mustard
  • Honey
  • Celery seeds
  • Red pepper flakes
Close-up of seasoned shredded chicken in a pan, with a spatula resting on top.

Variations and Substitutions

Here are a few easy swaps if you need to tweak the recipe:

For a different protein, swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving if they cook a little longer in the slow cooker. You could also use shredded pork or even jackfruit for a vegetarian-friendly option that still soaks up all that smoky, sweet BBQ flavor.

If you need a gluten-free option, just make sure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free (or use tamari instead), and serve the chicken on gluten-free buns, over rice, or in lettuce wraps. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free, so it's an easy swap to make!

How to Make BBQ Chicken Sliders

Here's how to make these easy and delicious slow cooker BBQ chicken sliders:

BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

Next, prepare the chicken for the slow cooker.

  1. Season chicken breasts on both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place chicken in slow cooker and pour ¾ cup of your favorite BBQ Sauce over the top, reserving the remaining sauce.
  3. Add chicken broth to the slow cooker.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and easily shreds.
Close-up of seasoned shredded chicken in a pan, with a spatula resting on top.
Close-up of shredded chicken with herbs being lifted by green tongs from a slow cooker.
  1. Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred with two forks.
  1. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir in the remaining ¼ cup of BBQ Sauce.
  2. Cover and cook on LOW for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Honey Citrus Coleslaw

While the chicken finishes up, get the slaw ready to go. You can also skip this and use your favorite store-bought slaw, or any other slaw recipe you like!

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, orange juice, orange zest, Dijon mustard, honey, celery seeds, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  2. Place coleslaw mixture in a large bowl and pour dressing over top. Toss thoroughly to coat all the cabbage with dressing.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to soak in and for the cabbage to slightly soften. Toss again before serving.

BBQ Chicken Sliders

Finally, you're ready to assemble the sandwiches!

Pulled chicken sandwich on a white plate with another sandwich partially visible. A small portion of salad appears in the bottom left corner.
Pulled chicken sliders topped with coleslaw on a platter, with a small bowl of sauce in the foreground.
  1. Grab your slider buns and top them with about ½ cup of shredded chicken.
  1. Add about ¼ cup of slaw on top.
  2. Add more Honey BBQ Sauce if desired.

Tips for Success

Here are some tips and tricks for making the best BBQ chicken sliders ever!

  • Toast the buns. A quick toast keeps them from getting soggy and adds a little extra crunch to every bite.
  • Make the slaw ahead of time. Letting it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld and makes it even tastier.
  • Have extra BBQ sauce. Make sure you stock up - it's great for dipping, drizzling over the sliders or saving for another meal later in the week! Use this chicken to make BBQ tacos on your favorite tortillas.
  • Switch it up! You can always use a different sauce like truffle aioli on top.
Pulled pork sandwich topped with vibrant coleslaw on a bun, accompanied by a bowl of coleslaw and a small dish of barbecue sauce on a light-colored plate.

What to Serve With BBQ Chicken Sliders

These BBQ chicken sliders pair well with a variety of sides, whether you're serving them for a party or a casual dinner. Here are some great options:

Pulled chicken sandwich with coleslaw on a bun, served on a white plate.

FAQ

What buns work best for sliders?

Soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls are a great choice, but brioche buns or potato rolls also work well. Toasting them keeps them from getting soggy!

What's the best way to shred the chicken?

You can use two forks to pull it apart, or for an easy hack, toss it in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment and mix on low speed for 30 seconds.

How do you store leftover BBQ pulled chicken?

You can make the shredded BBQ chicken up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. To freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

More slider Recipes

A food plate with three pulled pork sliders topped with coleslaw in soft buns, garnished with fresh greens in the foreground.

BBQ Chicken Sliders

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
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These delicious and easy BBQ Chicken Sliders are sure to be a hit.
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Author: Madison Wetherill

Equipment

Ingredients

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sliders

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup BBQ Sauce
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • 8 slider buns
  • 4 cups Honey Citrus No-Mayo Coleslaw or any other coleslaw you like

Honey Citrus No-Mayo Coleslaw

  • 14 ounce bag coleslaw mixture
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon celery seeds
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

  • Season chicken breasts on both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Place chicken in slow cooker and pour ¾ cup of the BBQ Sauce over the top, reserving the remaining sauce.
  • Add chicken broth to the slow cooker.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature and easily shreds.
  • Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred with two forks.
  • Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir in the remaining ¼ cup of BBQ Sauce.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Honey Citrus No-Mayo Coleslaw

  • Place coleslaw mixture in a large bowl.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, orange juice, orange zest, Dijon mustard, honey, celery seeds, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  • Pour dressing over the coleslaw mixture.
  • Toss thoroughly to coat all the cabbage with dressing.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to soak in and for the cabbage to slightly soften.
  • Toss again before serving.

BBQ Chicken Sliders

  • Lightly toast the slider buns, if desired.
  • Place about ½ cup of shredded BBQ chicken on the bottom half of each bun. Top with ¼ to ½ cup of coleslaw. Add the top bun and serve immediately.

Notes

If using hamburger buns: You will need 6-8 buns and about ⅓ to ½ cup of shredded chicken per bun. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1slider | Calories: 370kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 855mg | Potassium: 676mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 208IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 2mg

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Hey friend, I'm Madison!

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2 Comments

  1. These BBQ chicken sliders look absolutely delicious! I love how simple and quick they are to make—perfect for busy evenings or when hosting friends. Your step-by-step breakdown makes it even easier. I’ve been exploring creative meal ideas lately while also putting together customized gift baskets for special occasions, and this recipe is definitely going into my go-to list. Thanks for sharing such an easy and crowd-pleasing dish!

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