Easy BBQ Chicken Sliders

These easy, high-protein BBQ chicken sliders are loaded with tender shredded chicken, crunchy cabbage, smoky sauce, and pickles on soft buns.

These sliders are ideal for summer BBQs, game day spreads, and busy weeknight dinners. They bring all the backyard BBQ vibes without the fuss.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Perfect for get-togethers: Easy to prep and serve, these sliders are crowd-pleasing favourites for parties, BBQs, or game day.
• Saucy and satisfying: The tender shredded chicken is smothered in BBQ sauce and layered with melty cheese on soft buns for the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients and substitutions

• Chicken breast – Swap with boneless thighs for juicier meat or pulled jackfruit for a vegetarian option.
• BBQ sauce – Use any store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce you love.

Quick slaw

• Red cabbage – Green cabbage or a bagged coleslaw mix works just as well.
• Carrot – Shredded carrot or thinly sliced bell pepper can be used.
• Vinegar – Apple cider, white wine, or rice vinegar are all good alternatives.
• Honey – Maple syrup or agave syrup for a different sweetness.
• Avocado oil – Olive oil or any neutral oil like canola or grapeseed works.

To serve

• Slider buns – Use brioche buns, dinner rolls, or even mini pretzel buns for a fun twist.
• Melted butter – Optional, but you can also brush with olive oil or skip entirely.
• Pickles – Dill slices, bread and butter pickles, or spicy pickles for more kick.
• Cilantro – Fresh parsley if you’re not a fan of cilantro.

How to make BBQ chicken sliders

Step 1: Cook the chicken.

Boil chicken, drain and shred. Add BBQ sauce and mix until fully coated.

Step 2: Make the slaw.

Combine cabbage, carrot matchsticks, vinegar, honey, avocado oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

Step 3: Prep the slider buns.

Slice the tops away from the bottoms to create even layers.

Step 4: Assemble.

Place the bottom buns on a baking sheet and evenly spread the BBQ chicken on top.

Step 5: Bake.

Add the top buns, brush with melted butter, and bake until golden brown.

Step 6: Add toppings and serve.

Remove from the oven, lift off the top buns, and add slaw, pickles, and chopped cilantro over the chicken. Re-place the tops and serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How do I stop the sliders from getting soggy?

Don’t overload them with too much sauce or slaw. Let cooked chicken cool slightly before assembling and bake them just long enough to warm through without steaming the buns.

Can I make these ahead for a party?

Totally! Assemble up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours. Bake right before serving so they’re warm and fresh.

Can I use a slow cooker for the chicken?

Yes! Cook chicken breasts in BBQ sauce on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours until they’re easy to shred.

What to serve with this dish

Make your slider night even more delicious with these easy, crowd-pleasing sides that pair perfectly with all that saucy BBQ goodness!

• Healthy Sweet Potato Salad or Healthy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
• Instant Pot Baked Beans
• Creamiest Instant Pot Corn Chowder
• The BEST Arugula Salad

How to store and reheat

Store: Keep cooked sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If making ahead, I recommend storing the chicken and coleslaw separately up to 2 days in advance.

Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350 F for 10–15 minutes or microwave briefly until heated through.

Freeze and reheat from frozen: Wrap sliders tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake at 350 F until warmed through.