BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders - Recipesmelissa.com

BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders are a fun and flavorful twist on the classic pulled pork slider. Using chicken instead of pork results in a lighter, yet equally delicious version of this comfort food favorite. The chicken is cooked until tender, shredded, and then combined with a smoky-sweet BBQ sauce, creating a hearty, flavorful filling for soft slider buns. Add some crisp, creamy coleslaw on top to bring in a refreshing crunch, and you have a slider that will delight your guests or family members.

Whether you’re hosting a game day, a BBQ, or just craving a flavorful sandwich, these sliders are sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps for making the perfect BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders.

Ingredients:

For the Pulled Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for more flavor)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth (or water)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Salt to taste
1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for a tangy kick)

For the Coleslaw:

2 cups shredded cabbage (mix of green and purple cabbage is great)
1 medium carrot, grated
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey or sugar (to taste)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

For the Sliders:

12 slider buns (soft white or whole wheat buns work well)
2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for brushing the buns)
Pickles (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Sear the chicken: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Add the chicken to the skillet and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. The goal is to develop flavor, so don’t worry about fully cooking the chicken at this point.
Add the aromatics: Once the chicken is seared, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
Cook the chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Add the chicken broth (or water) to the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the chicken cook for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked through and tender enough to shred. You can check for doneness by cutting into the chicken and ensuring the inside is no longer pink and the juices run clear.
Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Make the BBQ Pulled Chicken

Combine the shredded chicken with the seasonings: In the same skillet with the cooked onions and garlic, add the shredded chicken. Stir in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything to coat the chicken with the spices.
Add BBQ sauce and vinegar: Pour in 1 cup of BBQ sauce and the optional tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for an added tang. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce. If the mixture looks too dry, add a little more chicken broth or water to achieve the desired consistency. Let the chicken simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Taste and adjust: Taste the BBQ pulled chicken and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add a little honey or brown sugar. For extra heat, you can mix in some hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Step 3: Prepare the Coleslaw

Mix the coleslaw: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and grated carrot.
Make the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or sugar, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the sweetness and tanginess by adding more honey or vinegar, depending on your taste preferences.
Toss the coleslaw: Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture and toss until the coleslaw is evenly coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or honey as needed. If you prefer a crunchier coleslaw, refrigerate it for 15-30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Assemble the Sliders

Prepare the slider buns: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you prefer toasted buns, brush the tops of the slider buns with melted butter and place them in the oven for 5-7 minutes until they are lightly golden and slightly crispy.
Assemble the sliders: Lay the bottom half of the slider buns on a serving platter. Spoon a generous amount of BBQ pulled chicken onto each bottom bun, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Top each with a spoonful of coleslaw. You can also add a slice of pickle for extra flavor and crunch.
Top the sliders: Place the top half of the buns on each slider. If you’d like, you can skewer each slider with a toothpick to keep everything in place.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the BBQ pulled chicken sliders immediately while they’re warm. You can serve them with additional sides like crispy fries, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. These sliders are perfect for any occasion, from casual dinner parties to BBQs, and they’re sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.

Tips for Perfect BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders:

Use chicken thighs for more flavor: While chicken breasts are commonly used for pulled chicken, chicken thighs provide more flavor and moisture, making them an excellent option for this recipe. You can use boneless, skinless thighs or bone-in, skin-on thighs (just be sure to remove the bones before shredding).
Make it spicy: If you like your BBQ pulled chicken sliders with a kick, add some hot sauce or a chopped jalapeño to the BBQ sauce mixture. You can also swap out the vinegar for a spicy vinegar-based BBQ sauce.
Make ahead: You can prepare the BBQ pulled chicken in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can also make the coleslaw ahead of time for even better flavor as it marinates.
Serve with a variety of toppings: Customize your sliders with different toppings. Try adding cheese (cheddar or pepper jack for a little heat), crispy bacon, or sautéed onions for extra texture and flavor.
Use homemade BBQ sauce: If you have time, make your own BBQ sauce from scratch using ingredients like ketchup, molasses, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices. This way, you can control the sweetness, tanginess, and heat levels of your sauce.

Serving Suggestions:

Sides: Serve the BBQ pulled chicken sliders with a variety of sides. Crispy French fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings, or a tangy potato salad all complement the sliders perfectly.
Drinks: For a refreshing drink, pair these sliders with an ice-cold beer, a glass of lemonade, or a sweet iced tea. You can also serve them with a chilled soda or a cocktail like a margarita for a fun, festive vibe.
For a complete meal: Serve a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the sliders and add some freshness.

Conclusion:

BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders are the ultimate combination of smoky, savory, and tangy flavors with the perfect mix of tender chicken, sweet BBQ sauce, and creamy coleslaw. These sliders are simple to make yet packed with flavor, making them a great choice for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a family dinner, a BBQ, or a casual get-together. With a little preparation, you’ll have a meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone’s hunger and leave them coming back for more. Enjoy the juicy, flavorful goodness of these BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders, and get ready for a crowd-pleasing dish!