BBQ Chicken Sliders with Slaw (Printable)

Tender pulled BBQ chicken on mini buns with crispy cabbage slaw. Ready in 50 minutes, yields 12 sliders.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pulled BBQ Chicken

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
02 - 1 cup barbecue sauce, plus extra for serving
03 - 1/2 cup chicken broth
04 - 1 tbsp olive oil
05 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
07 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
08 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Slaw

09 - 2 cups shredded green cabbage
10 - 1 cup shredded red cabbage
11 - 1/2 cup shredded carrots
12 - 1/4 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 (optional)

# Directions:

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 for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender. Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return to sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
02 - In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Add shredded cabbages and carrots, then toss until evenly coated. Set aside.
03 - Brush buns with melted butter and toast in a skillet or oven until golden.
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 Tips:

01 -
  • They come together fast enough to save you when company shows up early.
  • The tangy slaw cuts through the rich sauce in a way that keeps you reaching for more.
  • You can prep the chicken ahead and just assemble when youre ready to eat.
  • Theyre small enough that no one feels guilty eating three.
02 -
  • Dont skip returning the shredded chicken to the sauce, thats where the moisture comes from.
  • Make the slaw at least ten minutes before serving so the cabbage softens just a bit.
  • If the chicken looks dry, add more broth or sauce while its cooking.
03 -
  • Press the sliders gently with your palm after assembly so they hold together without falling apart.
  • Toast the buns cut side down in the same pan you used for the chicken to pick up extra flavor.
  • If the slaw feels too wet, drain it lightly before piling it on the sliders.
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