BBQ Chicken Sliders with Slaw (Printable)

Tender pulled BBQ chicken on mini buns topped with crispy slaw—ideal for entertaining or casual dining.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pulled BBQ Chicken

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
02 - 1 cup barbecue sauce, plus extra for serving
03 - 1/2 cup chicken broth
04 - 1 tbsp olive oil
05 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
07 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
08 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Cabbage Slaw

09 - 2 cups shredded green cabbage
10 - 1 cup shredded red cabbage
11 - 1/2 cup shredded carrots
12 - 1/4 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)

# Directions:

01 - Combine chicken, barbecue sauce, chicken broth, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large pot or slow cooker. Cook over medium heat for 25–30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender. Remove chicken and shred with two forks, then return to sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
02 - Whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. 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 and cover with the bun tops. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They come together fast enough to save you when company shows up unannounced.
  • The slaw adds crunch and brightness that cuts through the rich, smoky chicken perfectly.
  • Everyone gets their own little sandwich, which makes serving a crowd feel effortless.
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully, so you can enjoy them all over again the next day.
02 -
  • Shred the chicken while its still hot; it pulls apart much more easily and absorbs the sauce better.
  • Dont skip the slaw, it might seem like an extra step, but the crunch and tang are what make these sliders memorable.
  • If youre making these ahead, keep the chicken, slaw, and buns separate until youre ready to serve so nothing gets soggy.
03 -
  • Use chicken thighs instead of breasts if you want richer, juicier meat that shreds like a dream.
  • Make the slaw an hour ahead and let it chill in the fridge so the flavors marry and the cabbage softens just a bit.
  • Toast the buns right before assembling, warm buns with cold slaw and hot chicken create the perfect contrast.
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