BBQ Chicken Sliders with Slaw (Print View)

Pulled BBQ chicken on mini buns topped with crunchy cabbage slaw. Ideal for gatherings and casual meals.

# Components:

→ Pulled BBQ Chicken

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
02 - 1 cup barbecue sauce, plus extra for serving
03 - 1/2 cup chicken broth
04 - 1 tbsp olive oil
05 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
07 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
08 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Cabbage Slaw

09 - 2 cups shredded green cabbage
10 - 1 cup shredded red cabbage
11 - 1/2 cup shredded carrots
12 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
13 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
14 - 1 tsp honey
15 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Assembly

16 - 12 mini slider buns
17 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (optional)

# Preparation Steps:

01 - In a large pot or slow cooker, combine chicken breasts, barbecue sauce, chicken broth, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat for 25-30 minutes, or on high in a slow cooker until chicken is cooked through and tender. Remove chicken and shred using two forks, then return to the sauce and simmer for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Add shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots. Toss until evenly coated and set aside until assembly.
03 - Brush mini slider buns with melted butter and toast in a skillet or oven until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes.
04 - Place a generous spoonful of pulled BBQ chicken on the bottom half of each bun. Top with a scoop of cabbage slaw and cover with the bun top. Serve immediately with additional barbecue sauce on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • These sliders come together in under an hour and feed a crowd without much fuss.
  • The crisp slaw cuts through the rich barbecue chicken in a way that feels bright and satisfying.
  • They're small enough to grab with one hand, which makes them perfect when you're standing around talking.
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully, and the chicken tastes even better the next day.
02 -
  • Don't skip the toasting step, it makes a real difference in texture and keeps the buns from turning mushy.
  • If the chicken looks dry after shredding, add a splash more barbecue sauce before the final simmer.
  • Make the slaw at least 10 minutes ahead so the flavors have time to marry together.
03 -
  • Use a rotisserie chicken if you're short on time, just shred it and toss with warmed barbecue sauce.
  • Add a pinch of chili flakes to the chicken mixture if you want a little kick without overwhelming the sweetness.
  • Toast the buns cut side down in a dry skillet for a deeper, slightly caramelized flavor.
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