BBQ Chicken Sliders with Tangy Slaw (Print Version)

Tender pulled BBQ chicken topped with tangy slaw on toasted mini buns. Ideal for entertaining and weeknight meals.

# What You Need:

→ Pulled BBQ Chicken

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
02 - 1 cup barbecue sauce, plus extra for serving
03 - 0.5 cup chicken broth
04 - 1 tbsp olive oil
05 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 0.5 tsp garlic powder
07 - 0.5 tsp onion powder
08 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Slaw

09 - 2 cups shredded green cabbage
10 - 1 cup shredded red cabbage
11 - 0.5 cup shredded carrots
12 - 0.25 cup mayonnaise
13 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
14 - 1 tsp honey
15 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Assembly

16 - 12 mini slider buns
17 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted, optional for toasting

# Directions:

01 - In a large pot or slow cooker, combine chicken, barbecue sauce, chicken broth, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat or on high in a slow cooker for 25 to 30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender. Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return to the sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
02 - In a large bowl, mix together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Add shredded cabbages and carrots, then toss until evenly coated. Set aside.
03 - Brush buns with melted butter and toast in a skillet or oven until golden brown.
04 - Place a generous spoonful of pulled BBQ chicken on the bottom half of each bun. Top with a scoop of slaw. Cover with the bun tops and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They vanish from the table faster than you can refill the platter, which means everyone actually likes them.
  • The contrast between warm, saucy chicken and cold, crunchy slaw makes every bite feel balanced and exciting.
  • You can prep everything ahead and just assemble when guests arrive, so you're not stuck in the kitchen during the party.
  • They work for fancy gatherings and casual Tuesday dinners equally well, no adjustment needed.
02 -
  • Don't skip the simmer after shredding; those extra five minutes let the chicken absorb the sauce instead of just sitting in it.
  • Make the slaw at least 15 minutes ahead so the flavors meld, but don't let it sit more than a few hours or it gets watery.
  • If your buns are too soft, they'll disintegrate under the sauce, so toasting them isn't just for flavor.
03 -
  • Use rotisserie chicken if you're short on time; just shred it, toss it with warmed barbecue sauce, and you're halfway done.
  • For a gluten free version, swap in gluten free buns and double check your barbecue sauce label.
  • If the slaw feels too thick, add a teaspoon of water or vinegar to loosen it without losing flavor.
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