BBQ Chicken Sliders: The Ultimate Recipe for Delicious Mini Burgers

BBQ Chicken Sliders: Prepare to meet your new favorite party food! These aren’t just mini-burgers; they’re flavor explosions packed onto a perfectly sized bun. Imagine tender, juicy shredded chicken, slathered in tangy barbecue sauce, nestled between soft, slightly sweet slider rolls. Are you drooling yet? I know I am!

While the exact origins of barbecue chicken are debated, its roots are deeply intertwined with American culinary history, particularly in the Southern states. Barbecue, as a cooking method, has been a cornerstone of Southern cuisine for centuries, evolving from slow-cooked meats over open fires to the diverse range of sauces and techniques we see today. These BBQ Chicken Sliders take that classic flavor and make it incredibly accessible and fun.

What’s not to love? The combination of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors is simply irresistible. The texture is equally appealing – the soft bun, the tender chicken, and the gooey sauce create a symphony in your mouth. Plus, sliders are incredibly convenient. They’re perfect for potlucks, game day gatherings, or even a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. They’re easy to eat, easy to serve, and always a crowd-pleaser. So, ditch the boring appetizers and get ready to wow your guests with these delectable little bites of barbecue heaven!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand!)
• For the Sliders:
• 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls work great!)
• 1/2 cup coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup dill pickle chips
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Preparing the Chicken:

Okay, let’s get started with the most important part – the chicken! This is where the BBQ flavor really shines, so we want to make sure we get it right. I like to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they’re easy to work with and cook evenly, but you could also use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

1. Prepare the Chicken Breasts: First, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear when we cook them. Then, if the chicken breasts are particularly thick, I like to pound them out a bit with a meat mallet to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and quickly. You can place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap to prevent splattering.
2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. This is our dry rub, and it’s going to give the chicken a fantastic flavor. Sprinkle the dry rub evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, making sure to coat them well. Don’t be shy!
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook the chicken in batches. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, until it’s nicely browned and has a good crust. This searing step is crucial for locking in the juices and adding flavor.
4. Simmer in BBQ Sauce: Once the chicken is seared, pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer in the BBQ sauce for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. The BBQ sauce will thicken and become sticky, coating the chicken beautifully.
5. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. You can also use your hands (carefully, as it will be hot!) or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment for a quicker shredding process.
6. Return to Sauce: Return the shredded chicken to the skillet with the BBQ sauce. Stir to combine, ensuring that all the chicken is coated in the delicious sauce. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes or so, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Preparing the Sliders:

Now that the chicken is ready, let’s move on to assembling the sliders! This is where we add the coleslaw, pickles, and that yummy garlic butter. These additions really elevate the sliders and make them something special.

1. Prepare the Slider Buns: Slice the slider buns in half horizontally. You can use a serrated knife for this to get a clean cut.
2. Make the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and garlic powder. Mix well.
3. Brush the Buns: Brush the cut sides of the slider buns with the garlic butter. This will add flavor and help them toast up nicely.
4. Toast the Buns (Optional): If you want, you can toast the buns in a skillet or under the broiler for a minute or two until they are lightly golden brown. This adds a nice texture and prevents them from getting soggy. Watch them carefully, as they can burn quickly!

Assembling the BBQ Chicken Sliders:

Alright, the moment we’ve been waiting for – assembling the sliders! This is the fun part where everything comes together. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

1. Layer the Bottom Buns: Place the bottom halves of the slider buns on a serving platter or baking sheet.
2. Add the BBQ Chicken: Spoon a generous amount of the shredded BBQ chicken onto each bottom bun. Don’t be shy – we want these sliders to be packed with flavor!
3. Add the Coleslaw: Top the chicken with a spoonful of coleslaw. The coleslaw adds a cool and creamy contrast to the rich BBQ chicken. If you’re not a fan of coleslaw, you can skip this step, but I highly recommend it!
4. Add the Pickle Chips: Add a few dill pickle chips to each slider. The pickles add a tangy and crunchy element that complements the BBQ flavor perfectly.
5. Top with the Top Buns: Place the top halves of the slider buns on top of the fillings.

Baking the Sliders (Optional):

This step is optional, but I find that baking the sliders for a few minutes really helps to melt the cheese (if using) and meld all the flavors together. It also makes them easier to handle.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the Sliders: Place the assembled sliders on a baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until the buns are lightly toasted and the fillings are heated through.

Serving the BBQ Chicken Sliders:

And there you have it – delicious BBQ Chicken Sliders! These are perfect for parties, game days, or a quick and easy weeknight meal. Serve them warm and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese: Add a slice of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or provolone cheese to each slider before baking for a cheesy twist.
• Spicy: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the dry rub for a spicier kick. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce.
• Sweet: Use a sweet BBQ sauce or add a drizzle of honey to the sliders for a sweeter flavor.
• Onion: Add some thinly sliced red onion to the sliders for a bit of bite.
• Bacon: Everything is better with bacon! Add a slice of cooked bacon to each slider for extra flavor and texture.
• Homemade Coleslaw: For a truly homemade experience, make your own coleslaw. There are tons of recipes online, but a simple one with shredded cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar works great.
• Different Buns: Experiment with different types of slider buns. Pretzel buns, brioche buns, or even mini croissants would be delicious.
• Slow Cooker Chicken: For an even easier preparation, you can cook the chicken in a slow cooker. Simply place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, pour the BBQ sauce over them, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Then, shred the chicken and proceed with the recipe.
• Leftovers: Leftover BBQ chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Enjoy your BBQ Chicken Sliders! I hope you love them as much as I do!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! These BBQ Chicken Sliders are truly a must-try recipe for so many reasons. They’re quick, they’re easy, they’re packed with flavor, and they’re incredibly versatile. Seriously, what’s not to love? The sweet and smoky BBQ sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken, all nestled between those soft, pillowy slider buns. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite, and I guarantee they’ll be a hit at your next gathering, family dinner, or even just a satisfying weeknight meal for yourself.

But the best part? You can totally make these your own!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! While I love the classic coleslaw and pickle combination, you could also try adding some crispy fried onions for extra crunch, a slice of cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a melty, gooey delight, or even a dollop of creamy avocado for a touch of richness. For a spicier kick, consider adding a drizzle of sriracha mayo or a few slices of jalapeño.

Think about the buns too! While standard slider buns are perfect, you could also use Hawaiian rolls for a sweeter flavor, or even mini pretzel buns for a salty and chewy twist. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could even serve the BBQ chicken on lettuce wraps or over a bed of quinoa.

And let’s not forget about the sides! These sliders pair perfectly with classic BBQ sides like corn on the cob, potato salad, baked beans, or a simple green salad. For a lighter option, try serving them with some grilled vegetables or a refreshing fruit salad.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with different BBQ sauces. Try a honey BBQ sauce for extra sweetness, a spicy BBQ sauce for a fiery kick, or a tangy vinegar-based BBQ sauce for a unique flavor profile. The possibilities are endless!

These BBQ Chicken Sliders are also fantastic for meal prepping. You can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Then, when you’re ready to eat, simply assemble the sliders and enjoy! This makes them a perfect option for busy weeknights or for packing lunches.

I truly believe that this recipe is a winner. It’s simple enough for even beginner cooks to master, yet flavorful enough to impress even the most discerning palates. It’s the kind of recipe that you’ll find yourself making again and again, and one that your family and friends will be begging you to share.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create some seriously delicious BBQ Chicken Sliders! I’m confident that you’ll love them as much as I do.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any modifications? What were your favorite toppings? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below! I can’t wait to see what you create. Happy cooking!

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