You know those nights when you need to get dinner on the table, fast, but you still want it to feel like a real meal? That’s where these BBQ Chicken Sliders come in. They’re the perfect little handheld solution, packed with smoky, tangy flavor and so incredibly easy to make. We’re talking tender shredded chicken coated in your favorite BBQ sauce, piled onto soft rolls, and maybe even topped with a little crunchy slaw or a slice of melty cheese. They’re a total crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners, game day, or even a casual get-together with friends. And the best part? You can whip them up in no time flat.
Why You’ll Love This
Honestly, what’s not to love? These sliders are the ultimate in easy, satisfying comfort food. They come together with minimal effort, which is a huge win on a busy night. You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry right now. They’re a fantastic way to use up leftover or rotisserie chicken, making them both budget-friendly and a great way to cut down on food waste. And the flavor? It’s that familiar, crowd-pleasing BBQ taste that everyone from the kids to your pickiest uncle will happily devour. A total home run.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast: The star of the show! Using a rotisserie chicken saves so much time.
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce: For that classic, tangy-sweet flavor we all love.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: This keeps the chicken mixture moist and saucy without making it soggy.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: A little splash brightens up the rich BBQ sauce.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Just a touch to balance the acidity and enhance the caramelized flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For a warm, savory backbone.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This is my secret weapon for that backyard barbecue smokiness.
- 12 slider buns or small dinner rolls: Soft and pillowy is the way to go here.
- 6 slices provolone or cheddar cheese, halved: Optional, but oh-so-good for a melty, cheesy layer.
Step By Step Method
- If you’re starting with raw chicken breasts, place them in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and no longer pink. Remove, let cool slightly, and shred with two forks. You can also use the stand mixer method for super easy shredding!
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated and the mixture is heated through, about 5-7 minutes. You just want it to be warm and bubbly.
- While the chicken heats, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you plan to toast the whole tray of sliders. This step is optional but highly recommended for a warm, crispy bun.
- Slice your entire package of slider buns in half horizontally to create a top and bottom slab. Place the bottom slab in a baking dish.
- Spread the warm BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the bottom slab of buns. If you’re using cheese, layer the halved slices over the chicken.
- Place the top slab of buns over the cheese and chicken. If toasting, brush the tops with a little melted butter and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden. If not toasting, you can simply assemble and serve.
- Once out of the oven (or right after assembling), use a sharp knife to slice along the perforations into individual sliders. Serve immediately!
Serving Ideas & Pairings
These sliders are a meal all on their own, but I love rounding things out with a few simple sides. A classic, creamy coleslaw is my go-to—either piled right on top of the slider for crunch or served on the side. Some quick pickles or a tangy cucumber salad cut through the richness beautifully. For something heartier, a simple pasta salad, baked beans, or even just a handful of crispy potato chips does the trick. And for the kids? Serve these sliders alongside some apple slices and carrot sticks for a well-rounded plate.
Creative Variations
The basic recipe is perfection, but don’t be afraid to get creative! For a Hawaiian twist, use Hawaiian sweet rolls and add a ring of canned pineapple on each slider. If you like a little kick, stir a teaspoon of chili powder or a few dashes of hot sauce into the BBQ mixture. For a lighter option, swap the buns for lettuce wraps. You can even change up the protein—this method works wonderfully with shredded smoked turkey or even canned chickpeas for a plant-based version. The possibilities are truly endless.
Storage Tips
Leftovers are a beautiful thing. Let the BBQ chicken mixture cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll keep for 3-4 days. I don’t recommend storing the fully assembled sliders, as the buns will get soggy. Instead, keep the chicken and buns separate. You can also freeze the cooled chicken mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth to bring it back to life.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need anything fancy to make this happen! A medium saucepan for heating the chicken mixture is key. A baking dish (like a 9×13) is perfect for assembling and toasting the whole tray of sliders at once. You’ll also want a good knife for slicing the buns and shredding the chicken if you’re starting from raw. That’s really it! This is one of those wonderfully simple recipes that proves you don’t need a kitchen full of gadgets to make something delicious.
Quick Dinner Ideas
When you’re short on time, recipes like these BBQ Chicken Sliders are an absolute lifesaver. They fit right into a rotation of healthy dinner recipes that don’t take all evening to prepare. Using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is the ultimate shortcut for quick and easy dinner recipes. It turns this into a 15-minute meal, max. This is one of my favorite shredded chicken recipes because it feels special but requires practically zero effort. It’s the kind of simple chicken recipe that reminds you that a great meal doesn’t have to be complicated.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen chicken? Absolutely! Just make sure it’s fully thawed and cooked through before shredding and adding to the sauce.
- What’s the best way to shred chicken? My hands-down favorite method is to use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on low speed—it shreds it perfectly in seconds! Otherwise, two forks work just fine.
- My mixture is a bit dry. How can I fix it? No worries! Just add a splash more chicken broth or even a little more BBQ sauce until it reaches your desired saucy consistency.
- Can I make these ahead of time? You can definitely make the BBQ chicken mixture a day or two ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just reheat it gently before assembling your sliders.