If you’re craving a party-perfect, finger-licking crowd pleaser, then these BBQ Chicken Sliders: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Mini Burgers Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Packed with tender shredded chicken smothered in tangy BBQ sauce, nestled into soft slider buns, and topped with crisp coleslaw and pickles, these sliders are a harmonious blend of smoky, sweet, and crunchy that’s hard to resist. Whether it’s game day, a casual get-together, or just a fun dinner, this recipe promises to deliver that irresistible mini burger delight every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you—each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and perfect texture. From the smoky paprika seasoning to the buttery toasted buns, every component adds a little magic to these sliders.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, perfect for shredding and soaking up BBQ sauce.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and adds a subtle richness.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Provides a deep smoky flavor that complements the BBQ sauce beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Adds a gentle, savory hint without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Brings a subtle sweetness and enhances the chicken’s savory profile.
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a touch of heat for those who like a little kick.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (plus extra for serving): The star of the sliders, adding tangy, sweet, and smoky notes.
- 12 slider buns: Soft and small, making each bite manageable and satisfying.
- 1/2 cup coleslaw (store-bought or homemade): Adds a refreshing crunch and creamy contrast.
- 1/4 cup dill pickle chips: Provides zesty acidity to cut through the richness.
- 2 tbsp butter, melted: Perfect for brushing buns to give them a golden, crispy finish.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Sliders: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Mini Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken thighs dry to ensure the seasoning sticks well. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper if you want a little heat, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken thighs in this flavorful marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can really soak in. For even deeper taste, let them marinate up to 4 hours—this step is where the magic begins!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
You have three great options to cook the chicken, each lending a slightly different character but all equally delicious. For quick skillet cooking, sear the chicken thighs on medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side until they’re cooked through and juicy. If you prefer a subtle smoky flavor, grilling over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side is perfect. Or, for a hands-off approach, bake the thighs in a 375°F oven for 20-25 minutes. Whichever method you choose, ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and optimum tenderness.
Step 3: Shred and Sauce
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to lock in juices. Then, if you cooked them in the skillet, pour your BBQ sauce in and bring it to a gentle simmer. Use two forks to shred the chicken finely, then toss it in the bubbling BBQ sauce, letting every shred soak up that luscious, flavorful coating. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes so the sauce melds perfectly with the chicken.
Step 4: Prepare the Buns
Slice your slider buns horizontally and brush the cut sides with melted butter. Toast them either in a warm skillet for 1-2 minutes per side or under the broiler—just keep a close eye to avoid burning. The toasty buns add a delightful crunch and rich flavor that perfectly complement the tangy chicken.
Step 5: Assemble the Sliders
Now for the fun part! Place the bottom halves of your toasted buns on a platter, heap on a generous spoonful of that BBQ chicken, top with a crisp layer of coleslaw and a few dill pickle chips for that zingy crunch, then crown with the bun tops. These sliders are bursting with flavor and texture in every bite.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these beauties immediately while they’re warm and fresh, with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling. They’re absolutely perfect for sharing and guaranteed to disappear fast!
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Sliders: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Mini Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes can elevate these sliders from tasty to unforgettable. Fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley add a bright pop of color and freshness. A dash of sliced jalapeños brings heat for spice lovers, while a sprinkle of crispy fried onions adds a wonderfully savory crunch. Don’t be shy to get creative!
Side Dishes
Pair your BBQ Chicken Sliders with classic sides like crispy kettle chips, baked beans, or a vibrant corn salad. Creamy macaroni and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser alongside these mini burgers, as is a simple garden salad dressed with tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, try serving these sliders on a rustic wooden board with colorful toothpicks or skewers holding them together. You can create a slider sampler with different BBQ sauces to offer a variety of flavors. Mini baskets lined with parchment paper bring a casual, fun, and inviting vibe—perfect for parties or family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the shredded BBQ chicken and buns separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the buns from becoming soggy and keeps the chicken flavorful for up to 3 days.
Freezing
These sliders freeze beautifully! Place the shredded BBQ chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container, and keep buns apart. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat the chicken gently on the stove or microwave, then toast the buns fresh for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the BBQ chicken on the stove over medium-low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally to avoid drying out. Toast buns in a pan or toaster oven to restore their golden crispiness. Assemble just before serving for a fresh slider experience.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, though thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful. If you opt for breasts, watch the cooking time carefully to avoid drying them out.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Choose a BBQ sauce that suits your taste—whether it’s sweet, spicy, smoky, or tangy. Feel free to experiment with homemade or store-bought, but a thicker sauce tends to hold nicely on the shredded chicken.
Can I make the coleslaw from scratch?
Definitely! A simple homemade coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, mayo, vinegar, and a pinch of sugar adds a fresh crunch that complements the sliders perfectly.
Are these sliders kid-friendly?
Yes, these sliders are a great option for kids! If you want to tone down the heat, omit the cayenne pepper and keep the BBQ sauce mild and sweet.
How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, toast the buns well and store chicken and buns separately if prepping ahead. Adding coleslaw just before serving also helps maintain crispness.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about BBQ Chicken Sliders: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Mini Burgers Recipe that brings friends and family together with smiles and satisfied bellies. It’s an easy yet impressive dish that bursts with flavor and can be customized to your liking. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this delightful mini burger adventure—you’re going to love every bite!
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BBQ Chicken Sliders: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Mini Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These BBQ Chicken Sliders are succulent mini burgers made with tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a smoky spice blend, cooked to perfection using your choice of skillet, grill, or oven, and smothered in tangy BBQ sauce. Served on butter-toasted slider buns with crisp coleslaw and dill pickle chips, they’re the perfect flavorful bite-sized meal for gatherings or a casual dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 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)
Sliders and Toppings
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat them evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Choose your preferred cooking method:
Skillet Method: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Sear for 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Grilling Method: Preheat grill to medium heat. Grill chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through with an internal temp of 165°F (74°C).
Baking Method: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken thighs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked. - Shred and Sauce the Chicken: Let the cooked chicken rest a few minutes. If using the skillet method, pour BBQ sauce into the skillet and heat over medium until simmering. Shred the chicken using two forks and add it to the simmering BBQ sauce. Stir to coat evenly and let simmer for a few minutes to absorb flavors.
- Prepare the Buns: Slice the slider buns horizontally. Brush the cut sides with melted butter. Toast the buns in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side or under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Assemble the Sliders: Place the bottom halves of the buns on a serving platter. Spoon generous portions of BBQ chicken onto each bun, then top with coleslaw and dill pickle chips. Cap with the top halves of the buns.
- Serve: Serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping if desired.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce.
- Coleslaw can be homemade or store-bought based on preference and time constraints.
- Chicken can be cooked in skillet, on the grill, or baked in the oven—choose the method that suits your equipment and taste.
- To ensure juicy chicken, avoid overcooking; use a meat thermometer to reach the recommended 165°F internal temperature.
- Slider buns can be substituted with mini burger buns or small rolls if preferred.
- Leftover sliders can be refrigerated and reheated gently to retain moisture.
