There’s nothing quite like a delicious BBQ chicken slider topped with tangy coleslaw to bring joy to your table. These sliders pack a punch with flavor while being easy to prepare, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. As someone who loves grilling and cooking for a crowd, I can confidently say this recipe is a crowd-pleaser!
Why Make This Recipe
- Taste Explosion: The juicy BBQ chicken melds perfectly with crisp coleslaw, creating a delightful contrast of flavors.
- Nutritional Benefits: Packed with protein from the chicken and essential vitamins from the coleslaw veggies, these sliders are not just tasty—they’re nutritious too.
- Convenient: They’re quick to make, taking under an hour from start to finish, which is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Great for casual gatherings, family dinners, or even backyard BBQs, you can easily scale the recipe up to feed a crowd.
- Personal Insight: I love this recipe because it reminds me of summer cookouts with family and friends, creating lasting memories with every bite.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6 sliders
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Cooking Method: Grilled or baked
In this recipe, you’ll grill or bake tender, BBQ-coated chicken thighs, then serve them on soft slider buns with a refreshing, tangy coleslaw on top.
My Experience Making This Recipe
When I first tested this recipe, I was amazed at how easily everything came together. The biggest challenge was finding the right balance between the BBQ sauce and the coleslaw dressing. After tweaking the measurements, I finally hit the sweet spot! Using chicken thighs rather than breasts made a noticeable difference in juiciness, which I absolutely loved.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Sliders with Tangy Coleslaw
To make these sliders, start by marinating chicken thighs in your favorite BBQ sauce. Grill them until cooked through—about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through—or bake them in the oven at 375°F for similar results. After the chicken is cooked, let it rest before shredding. For the coleslaw, mix shredded cabbage and carrots with a combination of mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of sugar. Serve the shredded chicken on slider buns topped with coleslaw for a flavorful bite!
Expert Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Chicken: I recommend using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and moisture, but boneless thighs work in a pinch.
- Marinate Longer: Let the chicken marinate in BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if you can, for deeper flavor.
- Grill with Care: If grilling, make sure your grill is medium-high to avoid burning the sugar in the BBQ sauce. Keep the lid closed for even cooking.
- Coleslaw Crunch: For extra crunch, add sliced jalapeños or chopped apples to your coleslaw mixture. It elevates the flavor profile!
- Bun Selection: Opt for soft, slider-sized buns like brioche or potato buns for the best texture.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Slide Them Up: Serve sliders on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving.
- Accompaniments: Pair with sweet potato fries, potato chips, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
- Presentation: Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to add color and freshness.
- Occasions: These are perfect for tailgate parties, outdoor BBQs, or even cozy family gatherings around the dinner table.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm the chicken in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through. Reheat the coleslaw separately as it’s best served fresh!
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps instead of traditional slider buns.
- Spicy Twist: Add some Sriracha or cayenne pepper to the coleslaw for a spicy kick.
- Vegan Option: Substitute chicken with pulled jackfruit and use a vegan BBQ sauce and coleslaw dressing.
- Creamy Coleslaw: Swap the apple cider vinegar for a splash of lemon juice for a zesty twist in your coleslaw.
Nutritional Highlights
- High in Protein: Each slider offers a healthy dose of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health.
- Low in Carbs: Opting for lettuce wraps instead of buns makes these sliders low-carb for those watching their carbohydrate intake.
- Allergen Information: This recipe contains allergens such as gluten (in buns) and dairy (in coleslaw dressing), so always check labels or modify accordingly.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Dry Chicken: If your chicken turns out dry, ensure you marinated it adequately and avoid overcooking it. Using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F can help.
- Soggy Sliders: Prevent soggy buns by toasting them lightly before assembly or serving the coleslaw on the side.
- Coleslaw Too Wet: If your coleslaw is too watery, try reducing the amount of dressing or adding more shredded cabbage to balance it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but thighs are more forgiving and juicy. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them. -
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the coleslaw a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Cook the chicken ahead of time and reheat just before serving. -
What BBQ sauce is best for this recipe?
Choose a sauce that balances sweetness and tang. A homemade sauce can be a great option, but any quality store-bought sauce works well. -
Can I serve these sliders as an appetizer?
Absolutely! You can cut smaller portions from the sliders, making them perfect finger food for parties or gatherings.
BBQ Chicken Sliders with Tangy Coleslaw
Delicious BBQ chicken sliders topped with tangy coleslaw, perfect for weeknight dinners and gatherings.
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 6 sliders
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or boneless)
- BBQ sauce
- Slider buns (brioche or potato)
- Shredded cabbage
- Shredded carrots
- Mayonnaise
- Apple cider vinegar
- Sugar
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Marinate chicken thighs in BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill chicken over medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, or bake at 375°F until cooked through.
- Let chicken rest, then shred it.
- In a bowl, mix shredded cabbage and carrots with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar to make coleslaw.
- Assemble sliders with shredded chicken and top with coleslaw on slider buns.
Notes
For added crunch, consider adding sliced jalapeños or chopped apples to your coleslaw.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-free option available
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg