BBQ Chicken Sliders: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Mini Burgers

BBQ Chicken Sliders: Prepare to meet your new favorite party appetizer and weeknight dinner solution! Imagine juicy, shredded chicken, simmered in a tangy and smoky barbecue sauce, piled high on soft, sweet rolls. These aren’t just mini sandwiches; they’re a flavor explosion in every bite, guaranteed to disappear in minutes.

While the exact origins of the slider are debated, their popularity soared in the mid-20th century, offering a convenient and affordable way to enjoy a satisfying meal. The addition of barbecue chicken elevates this classic to a whole new level of deliciousness. Barbecue, with its roots in the Caribbean and the American South, brings a rich history of slow-cooked meats and flavorful sauces to the table. Combining these two culinary traditions creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

People adore BBQ Chicken Sliders for their incredible taste and ease of preparation. The combination of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors is simply irresistible. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile! Perfect for game day gatherings, potlucks, or a quick and easy family dinner, these sliders are always a crowd-pleaser. The soft, pillowy buns provide the perfect canvas for the flavorful chicken, creating a delightful textural contrast that keeps you coming back for more. So, get ready to experience the ultimate in handheld deliciousness with this recipe for BBQ Chicken Sliders!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (plus extra for serving)
• 12 slider buns
• 1/2 cup coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup dill pickle chips
• 2 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing the buns)

Preparing the Chicken:

1. First, let’s get the chicken ready. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it’s what gives the chicken its flavor!
3. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly with the spice mixture. Make sure every piece is well covered. You can even massage the spices into the chicken a little bit.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be. If you have time, you can marinate it for up to 4 hours.

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Now it’s time to cook the chicken. You have a couple of options here: you can grill it, bake it, or cook it in a skillet. I prefer using a skillet for this recipe because it’s quick and easy.
2. Skillet Method: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs to the skillet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook the chicken in batches.
3. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
4. Grilling Method: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the chicken thighs for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they’re cooked through and have nice grill marks. Again, make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Baking Method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re cooked through. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet, grill, or oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
7. While the chicken is resting, pour your favorite BBQ sauce into the same skillet you used to cook the chicken (if using the skillet method). Heat the BBQ sauce over medium heat until it’s simmering.
8. Shred the chicken using two forks. This is super easy to do while the chicken is still warm.
9. Add the shredded chicken to the simmering BBQ sauce and stir to coat it evenly. Let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the sauce.

Preparing the Slider Buns:

1. While the chicken is simmering in the BBQ sauce, prepare the slider buns. Slice the slider buns in half horizontally.
2. In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop.
3. Brush the cut sides of the slider buns with the melted butter. This will give them a nice golden color and a slightly crispy texture when toasted.
4. You can toast the buns in a skillet over medium heat for a minute or two per side, or you can toast them in the oven under the broiler for a minute or two. Watch them carefully so they don’t burn!

Assembling the BBQ Chicken Sliders:

1. Now for the fun part: assembling the sliders!
2. Place the bottom halves of the toasted slider buns on a serving platter.
3. Spoon a generous amount of the BBQ chicken onto each bun.
4. Top the chicken with a spoonful of coleslaw. I love the creamy crunch that coleslaw adds to these sliders.
5. Add a few dill pickle chips on top of the coleslaw. The pickles add a nice tangy flavor that complements the BBQ chicken perfectly.
6. Place the top halves of the slider buns on top of the fillings.
7. Serve the BBQ chicken sliders immediately. You can serve them with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: If you like your BBQ chicken with a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice rub or use a spicy BBQ sauce.
• Add cheese: For extra cheesy sliders, add a slice of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese on top of the chicken before adding the coleslaw and pickles.
• Use different toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Try adding sliced red onion, jalapeños, or even a fried egg.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the BBQ chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it before assembling the sliders.
• Coleslaw variations: Experiment with different coleslaw recipes. A vinegar-based coleslaw would also be delicious with these sliders.
• Bun options: While slider buns are traditional, you could also use Hawaiian rolls or even small brioche buns.
• Slow Cooker Option: For an even easier method, you can cook the chicken in a slow cooker. Place the marinated chicken in the slow cooker with 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken and then toss with BBQ sauce.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve these sliders with a side of potato salad, macaroni salad, or corn on the cob for a complete meal.
• They’re also great for parties and potlucks.
• These sliders are perfect for game day!

Enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Sliders!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These BBQ Chicken Sliders are truly a game-changer. From the juicy, flavorful chicken to the perfectly toasted buns, every bite is an explosion of deliciousness. I genuinely believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a good BBQ flavor, and especially for those looking for a quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing meal.

What makes these sliders so special? It’s the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy. The homemade BBQ sauce, with its blend of spices and a touch of brown sugar, really elevates the chicken to another level. And the slider format? Pure genius! They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, game days, or even just a fun weeknight dinner. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to customize to your liking.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

While these BBQ Chicken Sliders are fantastic on their own, there are so many ways to make them even more amazing! For a classic pairing, serve them with coleslaw and potato salad. The cool, creamy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich BBQ flavor, while the potato salad adds a comforting and familiar side. If you’re looking for something a little lighter, try serving them with a simple green salad or some grilled corn on the cob.

Want to kick things up a notch? Consider adding some crispy fried onions or a slice of cheddar cheese to each slider. The onions add a delightful crunch and a hint of savory flavor, while the cheese melts beautifully and adds a creamy richness. You could also experiment with different types of BBQ sauce. If you prefer a spicier flavor, try adding a dash of hot sauce or some chili flakes to the sauce. For a sweeter flavor, add a little more brown sugar or honey.

Another fun variation is to use pulled pork instead of chicken. Simply substitute the shredded chicken with your favorite pulled pork recipe and follow the rest of the instructions. You could also try using different types of buns. Hawaiian rolls are a popular choice for sliders, but you could also use brioche buns or even pretzel rolls for a unique twist.

For a vegetarian option, you can easily substitute the chicken with grilled or pan-fried tofu or tempeh. Marinate the tofu or tempeh in the BBQ sauce before cooking to infuse it with flavor. You can also add some grilled vegetables, such as bell peppers and onions, to the sliders for extra flavor and texture.

No matter how you choose to serve them, these sliders are guaranteed to be a hit. They’re the perfect combination of flavor, convenience, and fun. I’ve made these for countless gatherings, and they’re always the first thing to disappear!

I truly hope you give this recipe a try. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. And when you do, please don’t hesitate to share your experience with me! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Did you make any variations? What did you serve them with? I’m always eager to hear your feedback and learn from your culinary adventures. Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Sliders!