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BBQ Chicken Sliders are the perfect combination of tangy barbecue sauce, rich melted mozzarella, and crunchy coleslaw, all bundled in soft slider buns. The aroma of sautéed red onions and barbecue-coated shredded chicken makes this dish irresistible. Quick to make and loaded with flavor, these sliders are ideal for casual meals or party gatherings.
Table of Contents
- Why BBQ Chicken Sliders Are Perfect for You
- Everything You Need for BBQ Chicken Sliders
- How To Make BBQ Chicken Sliders Step by Step
- Where Did BBQ Chicken Sliders Come From?
- Easy Ingredient Swaps for BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Meal Prep and Reheating Tips
- Common Questions About BBQ Chicken Sliders
Why BBQ Chicken Sliders Are Perfect for You
- Quick and easy: With less than 30 minutes of prep and cook time, BBQ chicken sliders simplify dinner when you’re short on time.
- Great for parties: Their small size and bold flavors make them ideal for serving a crowd, perfect for party dinner recipes or dish ideas for graduation parties.
- Customizable toppings: Use pickles, extra coleslaw, or your favorite condiments to tailor each slider to everyone’s taste.
- Perfect balance of textures: The tender BBQ chicken pairs beautifully with crunchy coleslaw and gooey cheese, creating a satisfying bite every time.
Everything You Need for BBQ Chicken Sliders
- 2 cups cooked, shredded halal chicken (e.g. rotisserie chicken or boiled chicken breast)
- 1 cup halal barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup shredded halal mozzarella cheese
- 12 slider buns (halal-certified or vegetarian-friendly)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1/2 cup coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Pickles for topping
The barbecue sauce is essential for creating the tangy, smoky flavor that defines these sliders. Mozzarella cheese adds creaminess, while the coleslaw mix delivers the perfect crunch to balance each bite.
How To Make BBQ Chicken Sliders Step by Step
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped red onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and pour in the barbecue sauce. Stir well until the chicken is evenly coated and heated through, approximately 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the halved slider buns on a baking tray.
- Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the bottom half of each slider bun, followed by a small dollop of mustard.
- Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture evenly onto the bottom halves of the slider buns. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken.
- Place the baking tray in the oven and bake for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted.
- While the sliders bake, season the coleslaw mix with a pinch of salt and pepper, and toss well to combine.
- Remove the sliders from the oven and top each one with a handful of coleslaw. Add pickles if desired for extra tang.
- Place the top halves of the buns over the toppings and serve immediately while warm.
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Where Did BBQ Chicken Sliders Come From?
BBQ chicken sliders draw inspiration from the classic barbecue flavors of the southern United States. They adapt the beloved combination of shredded chicken and tangy barbecue sauce into a portable, party-friendly format. The addition of coleslaw and slider buns aligns with southern traditions and the casual dining ethos of handheld foods.
Easy Ingredient Swaps for BBQ Chicken Sliders
If rotisserie chicken isn’t available, boiled chicken breast works just as well and makes this recipe even more budget-friendly. For a different flavor profile, substitute mozzarella cheese with cheddar or pepper jack for a bit of kick. You can also use a vegan barbecue sauce and plant-based cheese for a vegetarian-friendly option.
You might also enjoy our honey bbq chicken rice.
Meal Prep and Reheating Tips
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, individually wrap each slider in foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat sliders in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through, and add fresh coleslaw before serving.
Looking for something similar? Try our italian grinder sliders.
For more ideas, check out our best ever teriyaki chicken skewers.
Common Questions About BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Can I use a different type of bread? Yes, while slider buns are ideal, you can use Hawaiian rolls or mini brioche buns for extra sweetness.
- Can these sliders be made ahead of time? Prep the BBQ chicken and coleslaw in advance, but assemble and bake the sliders just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Use gluten-free slider buns and double-check that your barbecue sauce is gluten-free for an easy adaptation.
BBQ Chicken Sliders
Ingredients
- 2 cup cooked, shredded halal chicken e.g. rotisserie chicken or boiled chicken breast
- 1 cup halal barbecue sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup shredded halal mozzarella cheese
- 12 slider buns halal-certified or vegetarian-friendly
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1/2 cup coleslaw mix shredded cabbage and carrots
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- pickles optional, for topping
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped red onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and pour in the barbecue sauce. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated and heated through, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the halved slider buns on a baking tray.
- Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the bottom halves of the slider buns, followed by a small dollop of mustard.
- Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture evenly onto the bottom halves of the slider buns.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the BBQ chicken. Place the baking tray in the oven and bake for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- While the sliders are in the oven, season the coleslaw mix with a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss well to combine.
- Remove the sliders from the oven and top each one with a small handful of the coleslaw mix. Add pickles if desired.
- Place the top halves of the buns over the toppings and serve immediately.
Notes
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