Shredded Chicken BBQ Sliders Recipe

There’s something irresistible about sliders—they’re bite-sized, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. These Shredded Chicken BBQ Sliders are a crowd-pleasing recipe that combines juicy, smoky barbecue chicken with soft, buttery buns. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, preparing a quick dinner, or looking for an easy potluck dish, these sliders are sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes if you have pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken on hand.
2. Customizable: You can tweak the toppings and sauces to match your taste preferences.
3. Perfect for Entertaining: Easy to assemble in bulk, making them ideal for feeding a crowd.
4. Family-Friendly: The sweet and tangy BBQ sauce is always a favorite among kids and adults alike

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Chicken

1. Shred the Chicken: If using cooked chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces with a fork or your hands.
2. Cook with Sauce: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add shredded chicken, barbecue sauce, and chicken broth (if using). Stir well to combine and heat for 5–7 minutes until warmed through.

Step 2: Assemble the Sliders

1. Prepare the Buns: Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves intact. Place the bottom half of the buns in a baking dish or on a lined baking sheet.
2. Layer the Ingredients:
   • Spread the shredded BBQ chicken evenly over the bottom buns.
   • Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the chicken.
   • Add optional toppings like pickle slices or red onion if desired.
   • Place the top half of the buns over the filling.

Step 3: Add the Butter Topping

1. Make the Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley.
2. Brush the Buns: Use a pastry brush to generously coat the tops of the buns with the butter mixture.

Step 4: Bake the Sliders

1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake: Cover the sliders loosely with foil to prevent over-browning and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Cut and Serve: Use a sharp knife to cut the sliders apart.
2. Garnish: Serve with extra barbecue sauce or a side of coleslaw.

Tips for Success

1. Choose the Right BBQ Sauce: A smoky, sweet, or tangy sauce can drastically change the flavor profile. Use your favorite or make your own.
2. Keep the Chicken Juicy: Add a little chicken broth or extra BBQ sauce to prevent dryness.
3. Toast the Buns Lightly: For extra texture, toast the bun bottoms slightly before assembling.
4. Customize the Cheese: Swap cheddar for pepper jack if you want a spicy kick.

Variations

Pulled Pork Sliders

Substitute shredded chicken with pulled pork for a classic BBQ slider twist.

Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce instead of BBQ sauce, and add blue cheese crumbles for a spicy alternative.

Vegetarian Option

Use shredded jackfruit or plant-based chicken substitutes for a meat-free version.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Pair with sweet potato fries, potato chips, or a fresh salad.
• For Parties: Serve alongside other finger foods like wings, deviled eggs, or veggie platters.
• Beverages: A refreshing lemonade, iced tea, or a light beer pairs perfectly with the sliders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a time-saving option that works perfectly for this recipe.

What Type of Buns Should I Use?

Hawaiian rolls are a popular choice because of their slight sweetness, but any soft dinner rolls will do.

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes! Assemble the sliders up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Use gluten-free slider buns and ensure your barbecue sauce is gluten-free.

Conclusion

These Shredded Chicken BBQ Sliders are the perfect combination of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. With their soft buns, melty cheese, and tender chicken, they’re bound to be a hit no matter the occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet family dinner, this recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.

Yield: 12

Shredded Chicken BBQ Sliders Recipe

Print

There’s something irresistible about sliders—they're bite-sized, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. These Shredded Chicken BBQ Sliders are a crowd-pleasing recipe that combines juicy, smoky barbecue chicken with soft, buttery buns. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, preparing a quick dinner, or looking for an easy potluck dish, these sliders are sure to be a hit.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 12 slider buns
• Coleslaw (optional, for topping)
• Pickles (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before shredding it using two forks or a hand mixer.

2. Prepare the BBQ Sauce

1. In the same skillet, pour in the barbecue sauce over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Add the shredded chicken back to the skillet and mix well to coat the chicken with the BBQ sauce. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, until the sauce is heated through and the chicken is fully combined with the sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.

3. Assemble the Sliders

1. Lightly toast the slider buns under the broiler or in a toaster oven if desired.
2. Spoon a generous amount of the shredded BBQ chicken onto the bottom half of each slider bun.
3. Top with coleslaw and pickles (optional). Place the top bun over the chicken to complete the slider.

4. Serve

1. Serve immediately with chips, fries, or a simple salad.

Notes

Slow Cooker Option: For an even easier method, place the chicken breasts, barbecue sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, then shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker and mix with the sauce.

Extra Flavor: Add a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar to the BBQ sauce for extra sweetness or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick.

Variations: You can swap out the BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce or honey mustard sauce for a different flavor profile.