BBQ Chicken Sliders with Tangy Slaw (Printable)

Pulled BBQ chicken on mini buns topped with tangy cabbage slaw. Easy to make, perfect for feeding a crowd.

# 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 - 0.5 cup chicken broth
04 - 1 tbsp olive oil
05 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 0.5 tsp garlic powder
07 - 0.5 tsp onion powder
08 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Slaw

09 - 2 cups shredded green cabbage
10 - 1 cup shredded red cabbage
11 - 0.5 cup shredded carrots
12 - 0.25 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

# Method:

01 - In a large pot or slow cooker, combine chicken, barbecue sauce, chicken broth, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat or on high in a slow cooker for 25 to 30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender. Remove chicken and shred with two forks, then return to sauce and simmer for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Add shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots. Toss until evenly coated and set aside.
03 - Brush slider buns with melted butter and toast in a skillet or oven until golden brown on both sides.
04 - Place a generous spoonful of pulled BBQ chicken on the bottom half of each bun. Top with a scoop of slaw, cover with bun tops, and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They come together in under an hour but taste like you spent all day slow cooking.
  • The crunchy slaw cuts through the rich BBQ sauce in a way that makes every bite feel balanced.
  • You can prep the chicken and slaw ahead, then assemble right before serving so you're not stuck in the kitchen.
  • They're impossible to mess up, even if you're new to pulled meat or hosting a crowd.
02 -
  • Don't skip the simmering step after shredding, it's what makes the chicken truly soak up the sauce instead of just being coated.
  • Make the slaw at least 15 minutes ahead so the flavors have time to marry, but don't let it sit for hours or it'll get watery.
  • Toast the buns right before assembling, if you do it too early they'll lose their crunch.
03 -
  • Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken if you like a little kick that sneaks up on you.
  • Use a serrated knife to slice the buns, it keeps them from tearing and makes for cleaner, prettier sliders.
  • If you're doubling the recipe, cook the chicken in batches so it simmers properly instead of steaming in a crowded pot.
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