There’s something undeniably magical about BBQ Chicken Sliders. Picture this: tender, juicy chicken smothered in a smoky-sweet barbecue sauce, nestled between soft slider buns. It’s the kind of dish that makes taste buds do a little dance and sparks joy in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just need a quick weeknight dinner, these sliders steal the show.

I remember the first time I made BBQ Chicken Sliders for my friends. There was laughter, some questionable dance moves, and an embarrassing amount of sauce on my face. But those sliders? They were perfection! The combination of flavors had everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds). You can whip these up for game day or even as a casual family dinner. Trust me; once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These BBQ Chicken Sliders are quick to make and perfect for gatherings
- They boast a mouthwatering flavor profile that combines savory and sweet elements
- Visually appealing with their vibrant colors, they look amazing on any platter
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to be served at any occasion—from casual weeknights to festive parties!
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Sliders
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts will do nicely; adjust based on your crowd size.
- BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade for an extra special touch; it’s all about personal preference!
- Slider Buns: Choose soft buns that can hold all that deliciousness without falling apart.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy topping that adds texture and balances the flavors perfectly; go for store-bought or homemade.
- Pickles: Optional but highly recommended for a tangy crunch that elevates each bite.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Sliders
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the boneless chicken breasts in a baking dish and season them lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Bake the Chicken
Bake the seasoned chicken in the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it cool slightly before shredding it with two forks into bite-sized pieces.
Step 4: Mix with BBQ Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce. Mix well until every piece is coated in that sticky goodness.
Step 5: Assemble the Sliders
Slice your slider buns in half and pile on a generous portion of the BBQ chicken mixture. Top with coleslaw and pickles if desired.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the assembled sliders to a platter and serve immediately while they’re warm for maximum flavor impact!
These BBQ Chicken Sliders are sure to become your new go-to recipe for gatherings or simply treating yourself after a long day. Enjoy every messy, saucy bite!
You Must Know
- BBQ Chicken Sliders are not just a meal; they are an experience
- Juicy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying, these sliders can be tailored to suit any palate
- Perfect for summer barbecues or cozy family dinners, you’ll find they disappear faster than you can say “delicious.”
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating your chicken first to let those flavors soak in. While the chicken sizzles on the grill, toast your slider buns. Assemble everything with your favorite toppings for a perfect finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the BBQ sauce for teriyaki or even a spicy chipotle sauce. Add toppings like coleslaw or pickles for that extra crunch and flavor explosion.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, microwave briefly or warm them in the oven for best results without losing their juicy goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use bone-in chicken thighs—they’re juicier than breasts and pack more flavor
- Let your sliders rest after cooking; this keeps them moist and delicious
- Don’t skip toasting the buns; it adds a delightful crunch and prevents sogginess
I remember the first time I made BBQ Chicken Sliders for a family gathering. My cousin declared it was better than his favorite food truck! That’s when I knew I had a winner on my hands.
FAQs:
What ingredients do I need for BBQ Chicken Sliders?
To make delicious BBQ chicken sliders, you will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, your favorite BBQ sauce, slider buns, coleslaw mix, and optional toppings like pickles or cheese. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook it until tender. Shred the chicken before mixing it with the BBQ sauce. This simple list of ingredients ensures you’ll have a flavorful dish that everyone will enjoy.
How long does it take to prepare BBQ Chicken Sliders?
Preparing BBQ chicken sliders is quick and easy. If you’re cooking the chicken from scratch, you should allow about 30 minutes for cooking and shredding the chicken. After mixing it with BBQ sauce, assembling the sliders takes only a few minutes. Overall, expect about 40-45 minutes from start to finish. This makes them perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Can I use leftover chicken for BBQ Chicken Sliders?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken is a great time-saver when making BBQ chicken sliders. Simply shred the leftover chicken and mix it with your favorite BBQ sauce. This method not only reduces prep time but also enhances the flavor since the meat is already seasoned. It’s a fantastic way to repurpose leftovers into a tasty meal.
What sides pair well with BBQ Chicken Sliders?
BBQ chicken sliders are versatile and can be paired with various sides. Popular options include sweet potato fries, coleslaw, baked beans, or a fresh garden salad. These sides complement the savory flavors of the sliders while adding texture and color to your meal. Choose sides based on your guests’ preferences to create a delightful dining experience.
Conclusion for BBQ Chicken Sliders:
BBQ chicken sliders are an easy and delicious choice for any gathering or family dinner. With simple ingredients like shredded chicken mixed in tangy barbecue sauce served on soft slider buns, these sliders deliver satisfying flavors that everyone loves. You can customize them with toppings like coleslaw or pickles for an extra crunch. Whether you’re using fresh or leftover chicken, this recipe guarantees a quick meal option that doesn’t compromise on taste. Enjoy crafting these delightful sliders at your next event!

BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6 sliders 1x
Description
BBQ Chicken Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining tender shredded chicken coated in smoky-sweet barbecue sauce, all tucked into soft slider buns. Perfect for game day gatherings or casual family dinners, these sliders are not only delicious but incredibly easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 12 slider buns
- 1 cup coleslaw mix
- Dill pickles for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and place them in a baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C). Let cool slightly and shred the chicken using two forks.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until well-coated.
- Slice the slider buns in half and fill each bun with a generous portion of the BBQ chicken mixture. Top with coleslaw and pickles if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider (approx. 130g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg