Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the barbecue sauce just before grilling.

How can I make these sliders spicier?

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the barbecue sauce or use a spicy barbecue sauce.

Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?

If you don't have a grill, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.

How should I store leftovers?

You can store leftover barbecue chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make it vegan, use grilled or baked tofu or tempeh instead of chicken and a plant-based coleslaw dressing.

I remember one summer barbecue where I decided to try out a new recipe for barbecue chicken sliders. We had friends coming over, the sun was shining, and the air was filled with the smell of grilling. I wanted something easy yet satisfying, and these sliders were just the ticket! The combination of sweet and tangy barbecue chicken with creamy, crunchy coleslaw was a total crowd-pleaser. They disappeared in minutes, and everyone raved about how delicious they were. Ever since, these sliders have become a staple at our summer gatherings.

These Barbecue Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw are perfect for summer cookouts, game day gatherings, or even a quick weeknight dinner. They're easy to make, packed with flavor, and always a hit. Plus, they're totally customizable— you can use your favorite barbecue sauce, add a little spice, or even swap out the chicken for pulled pork. The possibilities are endless! They're perfect for kids and adults.

Barbecue Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw

Name: Barbecue Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: BBQ-Classics
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts; 2 tbsp Olive Oil; 1 tsp Smoked Paprika; 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder; 1/2 tsp Onion Powder; 1/4 tsp Black Pepper; to taste Salt; 4 cups Shredded Cabbage; 1 cup Shredded Carrots; 1/2 cup Mayonnaise; 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar; 1 tbsp Sugar; 1/2 tsp Celery Seed; 1 cup Ketchup; 2 tbsp Brown Sugar; 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce; 12 Slider Buns

These Barbecue Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw are the perfect combination of sweet and tangy, making them a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course. Easy to make and packed with flavor, these sliders are great for summer cookouts or a quick weeknight dinner.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 12 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

📖 Instructions

First, let's prep the chicken. In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and a pinch of salt. This blend really brings out the flavor! Rub this mixture all over 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
Now, let's get the grill ready. Preheat your grill to medium heat. If you're using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are evenly distributed. A nice, even heat is key for perfectly grilled chicken. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking— nobody likes stuck chicken!
Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Grill for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to make sure it's safe to eat— nobody wants undercooked chicken!
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial; it allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. Trust me, don't skip this!
While the chicken is resting, let's whip up the coleslaw. In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of shredded cabbage, 1 cup of shredded carrots, and 1/2 cup of mayonnaise. Throw in 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of celery seed, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until everything is nicely coated. The celery seed really makes the coleslaw special!
Now, for the barbecue sauce. If you're using store-bought, that's totally fine! But if you want to elevate these sliders, try making your own. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of ketchup, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. The homemade sauce is worth the extra effort!
Time to assemble the sliders. Lightly toast the inside of 12 slider buns on the grill or in a toaster. Toasting the buns prevents them from getting soggy— nobody likes a soggy bun!
Slice the rested chicken into thin strips or shred it with two forks. Toss the chicken with your favorite barbecue sauce. Make sure each piece is nicely coated. If you like a lot of sauce, don't hold back!
Place a generous spoonful of barbecue chicken on the bottom half of each slider bun. Top with a heaping spoonful of coleslaw. The creamy coleslaw and tangy barbecue chicken are a match made in heaven!
Place the top half of the slider buns on top and serve immediately. These sliders are best enjoyed fresh off the grill, so don't wait too long!
Enjoy your Barbecue Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw! These are guaranteed to be a hit at your next barbecue or potluck. Trust me, everyone will be asking for the recipe!