I still remember the first time I made these BBQ Chicken Sliders—honestly, it was one of those “wow, why didn’t I try this sooner?” moments. I was craving something flavorful but fuss-free for a casual weekend hangout with friends. These sliders hit all the right notes: tender pulled chicken drenched in smoky barbecue sauce, nestled in soft, mini buns. The first bite? Bliss.
Since then, BBQ Chicken Sliders have carved out a special place in my rotation because they’re just downright joyful to make and eat. They’re perfect for when I want to impress without stressing, or when I just want a cozy night with good food that feels like a warm hug. I love how this recipe strikes the balance between approachable and packed with flavor—the kind of dish that sparks happy chatter around the table.
If you’re anything like me, juggling busy days and craving something that feels both comforting and exciting, these BBQ Chicken Sliders are going to be your new meal MVP. Whether you’re pulling together mini chicken burgers for a game day, or looking for smoky chicken sliders that everyone will devour, you’re in for a treat.
I’m so excited to share this recipe with you! It’s meant to bring that same easy joy to your kitchen and your table. Trust me, once you dive into these barbecue chicken sandwiches, you’ll find yourself coming back again and again.
What You’ll Need:
Here’s the ingredient list for these delicious BBQ Chicken Sliders—super easy to track down, and flexible if you need to swap things around.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if you prefer leaner meat)—great for shredded pulled chicken sliders!
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (choose your favorite smoky variety)
- 12 slider buns (soft, small buns for mini chicken burgers)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (adds a little bite and crunch)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (melty and sharp, but you can swap for mozzarella or pepper jack)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing or grilling)
- Salt and pepper (a pinch to season the chicken)
- Optional: pickle slices and coleslaw (for that classic barbecue chicken sandwiches vibe)
Out of chicken thighs? No worries! Chicken breasts or even a rotisserie chicken work quickly if you’re short on time. You can find all of these at any regular grocery store, making this BBQ Chicken Sliders recipe super budget-friendly.
A quick kitchen nugget: I like to toss the chicken thighs with a little extra barbecue sauce before cooking to lock in flavor. Leftovers? Store your pulled chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for longer. These BBQ Chicken Sliders reheat beautifully without drying out.
Let’s Cook This Together:
Now we’re in the fun part—making these BBQ Chicken Sliders together. Grab your apron!
- Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper. This baseline seasoning makes a huge difference for your smoky chicken sliders.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken thighs for about 4 minutes per side. Don’t worry if they aren’t fully cooked yet; we’ll finish them in the barbecue sauce.
- Simmer chicken in barbecue sauce: Transfer the chicken to a slow cooker or a deep pot, pour the barbecue sauce all over, and let it cook on low for 1.5 to 2 hours. If you don’t have that long, a covered pan on low heat works—just turn the chicken occasionally.
- When the chicken is tender, shred it with two forks. This pulled chicken is the heart of our sliders, loaded with smoky flavor and juicy goodness.
- Toast the slider buns lightly on a grill or in a pan. That slight crisp keeps the buns from getting soggy when you pile on the barbecue chicken sandwiches.
- Assemble your sliders: Pile the smoky pulled chicken high, sprinkle shredded cheese so it melts down into the meat while still warm, add thin onion slices, and top with pickles or slaw if you want some crunch.
- Serve it up warm and watch your friends or family dig into those mini chicken burgers with huge smiles!
From start to finish, these BBQ Chicken Sliders take about 2 to 2.5 hours if you simmer low and slow. But the hands-on work is minimal, making it perfect for multitasking or prepping other snacks like my chicken avocado ranch burritos while these simmer.
Your kitchen will be filled with the most irresistible, smoky aromas that make waiting totally worth it. If your BBQ Chicken Sliders look a little saucy or the buns get a touch messy, that’s part of the fun—juicy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.
If you’re short on time, a shortcut is to use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken tossed in warmed barbecue sauce. It’s a great way to get the pulled chicken sliders vibe on a weeknight.
How to Serve & Savor It:
These BBQ Chicken Sliders shine in a bunch of moments—game nights, casual get-togethers, or when you want a fun mini burger without the fuss. I love pairing them with crisp coleslaw or some crunchy kettle chips. The cool, tangy crunch balances the smoky chicken beautifully.
If you need ideas for sides, grilled corn or a simple salad always rounds out the meal right. And for extra flavor fun, you can serve barbecue chicken sandwiches with pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of ranch.
Presentation tip: Serve the sliders on a rustic wooden board with a bowl of extra barbecue sauce on the side for dunking. It instantly turns an everyday meal into something share-worthy.
Leftover BBQ Chicken Sliders? They make killer taco fillings or get layered over nachos for a smoky chicken slider twist. I’ve also tossed the pulled chicken into the easy chicken spaghetti recipe for a saucy pasta dinner that feels like comfort food gold.
These sliders work all year round, but I especially love them in spring and summer when BBQ vibes are at their peak.
Your Questions, Answered:
Can I prep parts of this BBQ Chicken Sliders ahead?
Absolutely! You can make the pulled barbecue chicken up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to eat, just warm it and assemble your sliders.What’s a good swap for slider buns?
Mini croissants or even soft dinner rolls work beautifully. A lettuce wrap is a great low-carb easy swap for these pulled chicken sliders too.Can I use grilled BBQ chicken instead of slow-cooked?
Yep! Grilled BBQ chicken breasts sliced thin make for a tasty alternative if you want a less saucy version of your smoky chicken sliders.How many does this recipe serve?
This batch makes about 12 mini chicken burgers, perfect for 6-8 people as finger food.What’s a quick BBQ chicken sauce I can make at home?
Mix ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, and smoked paprika for a quick, DIY sauce that’s perfect for these barbecue chicken sandwiches.Any ideas for making these pulled chicken sliders more spicy?
Add a dash of cayenne or swap in a spicy barbecue sauce. Topping with sliced jalapeños amps up the heat too.Can I freeze leftover BBQ Chicken Sliders?
Yes! Keep the chicken separate in an airtight container, and freeze buns too. Reheat chicken gently, and assemble sliders when ready to eat.
If you want even more inspiration, check out this smoky pulled barbecue chicken recipe or see what others are saying about side dishes that pair well with shredded barbecue chicken sliders.
Final Foodie Thoughts:
BBQ Chicken Sliders are one of those recipes I keep coming back to because of their perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors—with a texture that’s just right. They feel like food that can bring people together easily, whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal.
My Top BBQ Chicken Sliders Tips:
- Always shred the chicken once it’s tender for that classic pulled chicken sliders vibe.
- Toast the buns for a little crunch that keeps your barbecue chicken sandwiches from getting soggy.
- Don’t skimp on the barbecue sauce—go bold for maximum smoky flavor.
Variations I love include adding coleslaw for crunch, swapping chicken thighs for grilled BBQ chicken strips for a lighter version, or turning these into mini chicken burgers with a quick pan-seared patty.
Out of all the versions, the slow-cooked pulled chicken with extra sauce gets requested the most in my house—it’s a total crowd-pleaser.
Make these BBQ Chicken Sliders your own! Play with spices, toppings, and sides until you find your favorite combo. I hope you get as much joy from making and eating them as I do.
For more everyday food inspiration, you’ll want to try my chicken avocado ranch burritos or whip up a warm bowl of turmeric ginger chicken noodle soup on cooler days.
I’m so excited for you to try these BBQ Chicken Sliders—trust me, they’re going to be a star meal on your table!
If you want to peek at what others are saying or get inspired with a slightly different spin, check out this fun BBQ Chicken Sliders smoked spatchcock chicken post. Happy cooking, friend!
BBQ Chicken Sliders
These BBQ Chicken Sliders are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender shredded chicken smothered in tangy barbecue sauce, perfect for a quick lunch or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Snack
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 12 slider buns
- 1 cup coleslaw (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Pickles for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken and barbecue sauce until well mixed.
- Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
- Brush the slider buns with melted butter, then toast them lightly on the skillet.
- Fill each bun with a generous scoop of BBQ chicken.
- Add coleslaw and pickles on top if desired for extra crunch and flavor.
- Serve the sliders warm and enjoy!
Notes
For a smoky flavor, try adding a dash of smoked paprika to the chicken mixture or use homemade BBQ sauce. Serve with sweet potato fries for a complete meal.