BBQ Chicken Sliders are little bites of smoky, tangy, and tender chicken packed into soft, fluffy slider buns. The chicken is usually coated in a rich barbecue sauce that offers just the right balance of sweet and spice, making every bite a delicious mess. These sliders are perfect for casual gatherings or a quick weeknight meal when you want something comforting but easy to eat.
I love making these sliders because they’re so simple to put together, but they never fail to impress. My favorite trick is to add a little crunch with some coleslaw or pickles on top — it adds a fresh contrast to the juicy chicken that I can’t get enough of. Plus, using smaller buns means everyone can grab one (or maybe three) without feeling too full or weighed down.
Whenever I serve BBQ Chicken Sliders, they always disappear fast, which tells me I’m not the only one who thinks they’re a hit. They’re perfect for sharing with friends during a game night or laid-back weekend BBQ, and I love that they bring people together around the table with smiles and sticky fingers. Honestly, these sliders remind me of good times and easy meals spent with good company.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for shredding. You can swap them with chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor. Thighs stay tender even if cooked a bit longer.
BBQ Sauce: The BBQ sauce gives these sliders their signature sweet and tangy taste. Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce. If you want a spicier kick, try adding hot sauce or smoked paprika to the mix.
Slider Buns: Soft, fluffy buns work best to hold the saucy chicken without falling apart. If you can’t find slider size, small sandwich rolls or mini brioche buns are good options.
Optional Toppings: Coleslaw adds crunch and freshness, balancing the rich BBQ. Pickles add a nice tang, and cheese melts beautifully on warm sliders. Choose your favorites or keep it simple.
How Do I Get Tender, Shreddable BBQ Chicken Every Time?
The key is cooking the chicken slowly until it’s fall-apart tender. Here’s what I do:
- Use a slow cooker or simmer on low heat; avoid high heat which can dry the meat.
- Keep the chicken covered in BBQ sauce and some liquid (water or broth) to stay moist.
- Cook long enough so the chicken easily pulls apart with forks—no tough bites.
- After shredding, stir the chicken back into the sauce to soak up even more flavor.
Patience here makes a big difference. The result is juicy, flavorful BBQ chicken perfect for piling onto buns without getting dry or stringy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker or large pot – I love using a slow cooker because it makes the chicken super tender without much fuss.
- Forks – perfect for shredding the cooked chicken easily.
- Measuring cups and spoons – makes it simple to measure out the BBQ sauce and liquids.
- Small spoon or spatula – for mixing the shredded chicken with the sauce and spreading on buns.
- Cutting board and knife – handy if you want to prepare toppings like onions or cheese.
- Serving dish or platter – to present your sliders in style.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftovers instead of raw chicken for quick prep.
- Add sliced pickles, coleslaw, or cheese on top for extra flavor and crunch.
- Mix in hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika for a spicy twist.
- Try different buns like brioche or Hawaiian rolls for a sweeter touch.
BBQ Chicken Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 12 slider buns (soft and fluffy)
- ½ cup water or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for browning)
- Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, sliced onions, or cheddar cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then slow cooking for 3-7 hours depending on your method. Using a slow cooker on low takes about 6-7 hours, or 3-4 hours on high. If you cook on the stove, allow about 90 minutes to simmer. Assembling the sliders takes just a few minutes afterward.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a slow cooker or large pot. Pour the BBQ sauce and water (or chicken broth) over the chicken, making sure it’s all coated. If using a slow cooker, cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender. Alternatively, simmer on low heat for about 90 minutes if using a pot on the stove.
2. Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, take the chicken out and shred it with two forks. It should be easy to pull apart. Return the shredded chicken to the pot or slow cooker and mix well so it soaks up all the BBQ sauce.
3. Assemble the Sliders:
Lightly toast the slider buns if you like. Spoon a generous amount of the BBQ chicken onto the bottom half of each bun. Add any toppings you want—coleslaw, pickles, sliced onions, or cheese all work great. Finish with the top bun and serve right away. Enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Sliders!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for BBQ Chicken Sliders?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and shred easily.
Can I Make BBQ Chicken Sliders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare and shred the chicken in advance, then refrigerate the chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove and assemble the sliders just before serving to keep buns fresh.
How Should I Store Leftover BBQ Chicken Sliders?
Store leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep slider buns separate and assemble fresh when ready to eat.
What Are Some Great Toppings for BBQ Chicken Sliders?
Classic options like coleslaw, pickles, sliced onions, or cheddar cheese add great flavor and texture. You can also try jalapeños or avocado slices for a fun twist!
