BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe

Cooked shredded chicken: This is the main protein, and using cooked chicken saves time and makes the sliders juicy.

BBQ sauce: Adds the smoky, tangy flavor that makes these sliders special.

Slider buns: Small buns perfect for making bite-sized sandwiches.

Coleslaw: Optional crunchy topping that adds freshness and a little creaminess.

Grilling the slider buns until they’re lightly toasted is a simple step that really makes a difference in your BBQ chicken sliders. Here’s how to get it just right:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat so it’s warm but not too hot.
2. Place the buns cut side down on the grill.
3. Keep a close eye on them because they toast quickly—usually about 1 to 2 minutes.
4. When you see nice golden brown marks and the buns feel a little crisp, take them off the grill.

Toasting the buns like this adds a little crunch and stops them from getting soggy when you add the BBQ chicken mixture. It also gives the sliders a warm, fresh taste that makes every bite better.

When I first tried this, I left the buns on the grill too long and ended up with burnt edges. It was a bummer, but I learned to watch them carefully and move them around if one spot was hotter. Now, I love toasting buns because it’s a quick way to add flavor and texture without any extra ingredients. Plus, it makes the sliders feel a bit more special, like you’re eating at a backyard cookout.

So, don’t skip this step! Toasting your slider buns is a small trick that makes your BBQ chicken sliders taste even better and hold together nicely when you add the BBQ sauce and optional coleslaw.

• cooked shredded chicken - Substitute with pulled pork: Pulled pork has a similar texture and works well with BBQ sauce, providing a rich and savory flavor.

• cooked shredded chicken - Substitute with jackfruit: Jackfruit is a great vegetarian option that mimics the texture of shredded chicken when cooked and seasoned properly.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce offers a sweet and savory alternative that pairs well with shredded meats or jackfruit.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with buffalo sauce: For a spicy twist, buffalo sauce can be used to give the sliders a tangy and spicy flavor.

• slider buns - Substitute with mini ciabatta rolls: Mini ciabatta rolls provide a slightly crusty texture that complements the filling well.

• slider buns - Substitute with lettuce wraps: For a low-carb option, lettuce wraps can be used to hold the filling, adding a fresh and crunchy element.

• coleslaw - Substitute with pickled red onions: Pickled red onions add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that complements the BBQ filling.

• coleslaw - Substitute with sliced avocado: Sliced avocado provides a creamy texture and mild flavor that balances the richness of the BBQ sauce.

• Allow the bbq chicken mixture to cool completely before storing. This helps maintain the texture and flavor.
• Store the shredded chicken and bbq sauce mixture separately from the slider buns to prevent sogginess.
• Place the cooled bbq chicken mixture in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the bbq chicken mixture. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• When ready to use, thaw the bbq chicken mixture in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat the bbq chicken mixture gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of bbq sauce if needed to refresh the flavors.
• Store slider buns in a bread box or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a resealable plastic bag for up to 1 month.
• To reheat frozen slider buns, wrap them in aluminum foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
• If you have leftover assembled bbq chicken sliders, wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• To reheat assembled bbq chicken sliders, remove the plastic wrap and rewrap in aluminum foil. Warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through.
• Avoid storing coleslaw with the sliders, as it can make the buns soggy. Store coleslaw separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Wrap each slider individually in aluminum foil to keep them moist.
  3. Place the wrapped sliders on a baking sheet.
  4. Heat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through.
  5. For a crispy bun, unwrap the sliders for the last 2-3 minutes of heating.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the sliders on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent the buns from drying out.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Let them sit for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute evenly.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Place the sliders in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  3. Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is thoroughly warmed.
  4. If the buns are getting too crispy, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
  2. Place the sliders in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
  3. Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are warming evenly.
  4. For a crispier bun, increase the temperature to 350°F (175°C) for the last 1-2 minutes.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the sliders on a baking tray.
  3. Heat for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is hot and the buns are toasty.
  4. For extra moisture, you can cover the sliders with aluminum foil for the first half of the heating time.

• Grill: Used to preheat to medium heat and toast the slider buns until lightly toasted.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the shredded chicken and bbq sauce.

• Tongs: Handy for placing and removing the slider buns from the grill.

• Spatula: Useful for spreading the bbq chicken mixture onto the buns.

• Knife: Can be used to slice the slider buns if they are not pre-sliced.

• Serving platter: Ideal for arranging and serving the assembled sliders.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the 2 cups of shredded chicken and 1 cup of bbq sauce.

• Spoon: Useful for mixing the chicken and bbq sauce together in the mixing bowl.

Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the store instead of cooking and shredding your own.

Pre-made coleslaw: Buy pre-made coleslaw to skip the chopping and mixing.

Toast buns in bulk: Toast all slider buns at once on a baking sheet in the oven instead of individually on the grill.

Batch assembly: Lay out all the slider buns and assemble the sliders in an assembly line to speed up the process.

Store-bought bbq sauce: Use your favorite store-bought bbq sauce to avoid making it from scratch.