Save to Pinterest Celebrate the 4th of July with these irresistible BBQ chicken sliders, where juicy, tender shredded chicken melds beautifully with a tangy, crunchy coleslaw. Nestled on soft, toasted slider buns, these sliders are a perfect fit for any festive summer gathering, offering ease and flavor in every bite.
Save to Pinterest What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔
Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.
Free. No spam. Just easy meals.
These sliders combine a smoky BBQ chicken base with a fresh, vibrant coleslaw, elevating the classic summer sandwich to new heights. Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ or looking for a festive crowd-pleaser, this recipe delivers on taste and convenience.
Ingredients
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
- For the BBQ Chicken
- 1 ½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup (240 ml) BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
- ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Coleslaw
- 3 cups (225 g) shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup (70 g) shredded red cabbage
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- ¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For Assembly
- 8 slider buns
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for toasting buns, optional)
Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇
Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.
Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the BBQ Chicken:
- a. Season chicken breasts with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
b. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and sear 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned.
c. Add chicken broth and BBQ sauce to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-18 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and tender.
d. Remove chicken, shred with two forks, then return to the skillet. Toss with sauce and simmer uncovered for 3-5 minutes until thickened. - 2. Make the Coleslaw:
- a. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
b. Add shredded green and red cabbage and grated carrot. Toss well to coat evenly. Set aside. - 3. Toast the Buns (Optional):
- a. Brush slider buns with melted butter.
b. Toast in a skillet or under the broiler until golden brown. - 4. Assemble the Sliders:
- a. Place a generous scoop of BBQ chicken on each bottom bun.
b. Top with a heap of coleslaw.
c. Cover with the top bun and serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For an extra smoky flavor, swap your regular BBQ sauce with chipotle BBQ sauce or add a dash of liquid smoke to the chicken while it simmers. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken to speed up the process—simply shred and warm it in the BBQ sauce as directed.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Customize the coleslaw by adding different shredded vegetables like purple cabbage or sliced green onions. For a dairy-free option, omit the butter when toasting the buns. Slider buns can be swapped for mini brioche or pretzel rolls to suit your taste.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these sliders alongside classic BBQ sides like pickles, potato chips, or grilled corn for a festive summer spread. Pair them with a crisp American lager or a refreshing sparkling lemonade to complete the meal.
Save to Pinterest With its perfect balance of smoky BBQ chicken and crisp coleslaw, these sliders bring together the best of summer flavors in handheld form. Their ease and flavor make them a go-to recipe for celebrating the season and any occasion that calls for delicious, crowd-friendly food.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make the chicken tender and flavorful?
Simmer chicken breasts in BBQ sauce and chicken broth after searing, allowing them to absorb smoky, tangy flavors while becoming tender enough to shred easily.
- → Can I prepare the coleslaw ahead of time?
Yes, the coleslaw can be made up to one day in advance and refrigerated to allow flavors to meld and maintain a crisp texture.
- → What’s the best way to toast the slider buns?
Brush buns with melted butter and toast them in a skillet or under the broiler until golden brown for a rich, crispy finish.
- → Are there good alternatives for BBQ sauce?
For a smoky twist, try chipotle BBQ sauce or add a dash of liquid smoke to intensify the flavor profile.
- → How can I speed up the cooking process?
Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken shredded and warmed in BBQ sauce as a quick shortcut without sacrificing flavor.