BBQ chicken sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining smoky, tender chicken with soft, pillowy buns. Imagine biting into a slider bursting with flavor, where each mouthful is a symphony of sweet and tangy goodness.

These sliders evoke memories of summer cookouts and family gatherings, where laughter fills the air while delicious aromas waft from the grill. Whether it’s game day or a casual get-together, BBQ chicken sliders bring everyone together for a memorable feast.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- BBQ chicken sliders are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy weeknights
- Their smoky-sweet flavor profile pairs well with various toppings, so you can customize each slider to your liking
- The visual appeal of these mini sandwiches creates an inviting atmosphere at any event
- They’re versatile too—great for parties or quick meals at home
Sharing BBQ chicken sliders at our last family reunion earned me the title of “Slider Queen” after my cousins couldn’t get enough of them.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade sauce; it’s crucial for that smoky flavor.
Slider Buns: Look for soft, fluffy buns that can hold all that juicy goodness without falling apart.
Coleslaw: This adds crunch and freshness; store-bought or homemade works wonderfully.
Pickles: Sweet or dill pickles add an extra zing to each bite.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep the Chicken: Start by preheating your grill or slow cooker to medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper for an extra flavor boost.
Cook the Chicken: Grill or slow-cook the chicken until it’s cooked through and has beautiful grill marks, about 6-8 minutes per side on a grill. For slow cooking, aim for 4-6 hours on low.
Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding it using two forks. This helps retain moisture and makes shredding easier.
Add BBQ Sauce: Mix in your favorite BBQ sauce with the shredded chicken until every piece is generously coated in that tantalizing sauce.
Assemble Your Sliders: Slice your slider buns in half and place a generous amount of BBQ chicken on each bottom half. Top with coleslaw and pickles before adding the bun tops.
With these steps complete, you’re now ready to serve up these irresistible BBQ chicken sliders! Enjoy them at your next gathering or simply as a delightful weeknight meal.
You Must Know
- BBQ Chicken Sliders are perfect for parties and game days, offering a sweet and smoky flavor that everyone loves
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep or grill your own for a smoky touch
- The aroma will have your guests drooling before the first bite!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve juicy BBQ chicken sliders, start by shredding cooked chicken, then mix it with your favorite BBQ sauce. While it’s warming on the stovetop, prepare your slider buns in the oven for a crispy finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your sliders! Swap out BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce, or add pickles, cheese, or coleslaw to elevate flavors and textures that excite the taste buds.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, microwave them for 30 seconds or warm in the oven until heated through and slightly crispy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the juiciest sliders, always use shredded rotisserie chicken mixed with quality BBQ sauce
- Don’t forget to toast your buns lightly before serving; this prevents sogginess
- Lastly, serve with a side of crunchy coleslaw to balance flavors perfectly
Nothing beats the joy of hosting friends while serving these sliders; their cheers and compliments still echo in my mind as I recall that unforgettable game day!
FAQ
What type of BBQ sauce works best for BBQ Chicken Sliders?
Sweet and tangy sauces like Kansas City-style enhance flavor without overpowering the chicken.
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the chicken mixture ahead and assemble sliders just before serving.
Are BBQ Chicken Sliders suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Store components separately for easy assembly throughout the week without sacrificing freshness.

BBQ Chicken Sliders
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
No reviews
- Author: Clara Rosewood
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 8 sliders 1x
Description
BBQ chicken sliders are a delightful fusion of smoky, tender chicken and soft, pillowy buns, perfect for any gathering. With a burst of sweet and tangy flavors in every bite, these sliders evoke memories of joyful summer cookouts and family reunions. Easy to make and customizable with various toppings, they are sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more.
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 8 slider buns (soft and fluffy)
- 1 cup coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup pickles (sweet or dill)
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or slow cooker to medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through; or slow-cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Let the chicken rest, then shred it using two forks.
- Mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until well coated.
- Slice slider buns in half, place BBQ chicken on the bottom half, top with coleslaw and pickles, then add the bun tops.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling/Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg