I want to share a little story about how BBQ Chicken Sliders became a go-to in my kitchen. It started on a hectic weeknight when I needed something quick, satisfying, and a bit special to soothe the family’s hunger. After a few tries—tweaking the sauce, trying different buns, adjusting the spice level—I finally nailed a version that made everyone ask for seconds. Now, BBQ Chicken Sliders feel like a warm hug on a plate. They’re that perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of smoky, all piled high on soft mini chicken sandwiches.
What I love most about this BBQ Chicken Sliders recipe is how it fits into my busy cooking routine. It’s reliable, easy to pull together, and always a crowd-pleaser. When life throws a busy evening my way, these pulled chicken sliders are the answer that makes me feel good about feeding my family wholesome food without hours in the kitchen. And honestly, it’s a recipe where you can play around with flavors or keep it classic—both ways are delicious.
I encourage you, my fellow home cooks, to give these BBQ Chicken Sliders a try. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or serving up some barbecue sandwich sliders for game day, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. You’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again. For some creative inspiration, I often look to other trusted recipes like my garlic parmesan chicken stew or this crispy buffalo chicken taquitos recipe for a different spin on chicken dishes.
If you love a straightforward, satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles, BBQ Chicken Sliders are for you. Let’s jump into the ingredients and the simple steps that make this recipe a family favorite.
What You’ll Need for This BBQ Chicken Sliders:

- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great here; if you prefer, shredded grilled chicken breast is fantastic too)
- 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce (Go for a tangy variety for that classic BBQ Chicken Sliders flavor; no need for anything fancy)
- 12 slider buns or small dinner rolls (soft and slightly sweet buns are perfect for grilled BBQ chicken buns)
- 1/2 cup coleslaw (optional but adds a nice crunch and creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (to toast the buns lightly)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: pickles or sliced jalapeños for an extra zing
If you don’t have shredded chicken ready, a quick swap is to use canned chicken, drained well. It’s an easy shortcut that keeps your BBQ Chicken Sliders tasty but saves time. You’ll find the BBQ sauce in most grocery stores near the condiments aisle. Don’t stress about splurging on expensive sauces; budget-friendly brands often shine in this recipe.
Quick tip: If you plan ahead, making your shredded chicken in bulk lets you whip up this BBQ Chicken Sliders anytime you need a fast comfort meal. Store cooked chicken in airtight containers in the fridge, and your kitchen prep is cut in half next time.
I always include just a little extra BBQ sauce mixed in for moisture—this helps keep the pulled chicken sliders juicy and far from dry, especially useful if you’re assembling these before guests arrive.
This BBQ Chicken Sliders recipe keeps ingredients simple because good cooking should be accessible to everyone. Whether you’re shopping for your first pulled chicken sliders or restocking to create the perfect tangy BBQ chicken sliders, this list has you covered.
How to Make This BBQ Chicken Sliders:
- Prep Your Chicken
Start by shredding your cooked chicken if you haven’t done so already. This step is where you set yourself up for tender, flavorful pulled chicken sliders. Using two forks or your hands will work well here. - Mix with BBQ Sauce
Place the shredded chicken in a bowl, then stir in about 1 cup of BBQ sauce. This is the moment your tangy BBQ chicken sliders start coming together. Taste and adjust the sauce if you want a saucier slider experience. - Warm the Chicken Mixture
Heat the sauced chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes. This step lets the sauce soak in and the chicken warm through. You’ll notice the irresistible aroma filling your kitchen. If your BBQ Chicken Sliders look a bit dry here, just add a splash more BBQ sauce or a few tablespoons of water to loosen it. - Toast the Slider Buns
While your chicken simmers, brush the slider buns lightly with olive oil. Toast them in a skillet or under your broiler for a minute or two until just golden. Grilling them a little adds to the grilled BBQ chicken buns flair and keeps things from being soggy. - Assemble the Sliders
Pile the warm, saucy pulled chicken on each slider bun bottom. If you love a bit of crisp, add a spoonful of coleslaw or some pickles. This combo is what makes barbecue sandwich sliders hit the right balance of flavors and textures. - Serve and Enjoy
Top with the slider bun tops and serve immediately. From start to finish, this BBQ Chicken Sliders takes about 20 to 25 minutes if the chicken is pre-cooked, making it perfect for busy evenings or casual get-togethers.
While your BBQ Chicken Sliders cooks, take a moment to tidy the kitchen or prepare your favorite side dishes. Multitasking here will save time and keep your meal flowing smoothly. If you want to prep ahead, making the pulled chicken mixture a day ahead and reheating will not affect flavor, just keep the buns fresh separately.
I’ve learned that patience pays off with your BBQ Chicken Sliders—especially in the warming step. Don’t rush it, so the sauce can really soak into the chicken for tender, juicy bites.
For a fresh twist, try checking out recipes like chicken shepherd’s pie when you want a comforting change, or see how buffalo chicken taquitos brings the heat here. These make delightful pivots if you love chicken but want a different flavor profile.
Serving Your BBQ Chicken Sliders:

I love serving BBQ Chicken Sliders straight from the skillet, right onto a platter so everyone can help themselves. This family-style serving makes it inviting and relaxed, perfect for casual dinners or weekend gatherings.
They really shine when paired with classic sides like crispy sweet potato fries, tangy coleslaw, or a simple green salad. The cool crunch balances the warm, tender pulled chicken sliders perfectly. For a no-fuss option, carrot sticks or a handful of kettle chips do the trick.
Looking for an occasion where these mini chicken sandwiches are a hit? Think game day, potlucks, or even a laid-back weeknight dinner when you want something filling but fuss-free. The smaller size makes these BBQ Chicken Sliders great finger food for parties or informal meals.
Leftovers? No problem! I like to turn leftover barbecue sandwich sliders into a tasty lunch by removing the buns, reheating the chicken, and serving it over rice or mixed greens. It’s a simple way to stretch the meal without boring repeats.
Sometimes, I’ve tried seasonally inspired variations, swapping the BBQ sauce for a chipotle version in the fall or adding fresh peach salsa in the summer to brighten things up. Each change keeps this recipe feeling fresh and exciting.
Friends and family always ask for this BBQ Chicken Sliders whenever we gather, saying it hits that sweet spot of comfort and flavor. If you enjoy this, you might love checking out this Summer BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe from a great barbecue community online, which adds some nice seasonal flair.
Common Questions About This BBQ Chicken Sliders:
Can I make parts of this BBQ Chicken Sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the shredded chicken and mix it with BBQ sauce a day ahead. Store it in the fridge, then warm it gently before assembling your sliders. Just toast the buns fresh to keep them soft.
What’s a good substitute for shredded chicken in this BBQ Chicken Sliders?
If you’re short on chicken, shredded rotisserie turkey, pulled pork, or even jackfruit work well. Each shifts the flavor a bit, but the method stays the same, giving you tasty barbecue sandwich sliders any way you slice it.
How can I adjust this BBQ Chicken Sliders for more or fewer people?
Scaling is simple. Just multiply or reduce the ingredients. For a crowd, double or triple the chicken and sauce, and grab more buns. For a smaller family, halve the recipe. It stays just as delicious either way.
Can I use frozen chicken for the pulled chicken sliders?
Yes! Just thaw it fully before shredding and mixing with BBQ sauce. Frozen cooked chicken works fine, but takes a little longer to warm up.
What kind of BBQ sauce is best for BBQ Chicken Sliders?
A tangy BBQ sauce is my favorite, but feel free to try anything from sweet to smoky to spicy. This gives you a chance to make your BBQ Chicken Sliders uniquely yours.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
You can use whole grain or lower-calorie buns and swap regular BBQ sauce for a reduced-sugar version. Adding more veggies like extra coleslaw or pickles boosts freshness and nutrition too.
Can I grill the chicken instead of using cooked shredded chicken?
Definitely. Grilled chicken adds a whole new layer of flavor to BBQ Chicken Sliders. Just grill the chicken, shred it, then mix with your BBQ sauce before assembling.
If you want extra tips on BBQ techniques, this helpful Facebook post about burnt and turnt BBQ Chicken Sliders shares some fun tricks to get that perfect bite.
For another take on pulled chicken, you might enjoy these Easy Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw from Fannetastic Food, which includes a creamy no-mayo option if that’s your thing.
Final Thoughts on This BBQ Chicken Sliders:
BBQ Chicken Sliders have earned a special spot in my recipe box because they combine ease, flavor, and that homemade feel in one neat package. Whether I’m feeding just us or serving guests, they deliver every time without stress.
My Top Tips for This BBQ Chicken Sliders:
- Always warm the chicken with the sauce to soak up flavor.
- Toast the buns lightly to add texture and prevent sogginess.
- Don’t rush the assembly; serve as soon as possible for the freshest sliders.
Some of my favorite variations include adding smoky chipotle BBQ sauce, creamy coleslaw toppings, or spicy jalapeños inside the mini chicken sandwiches. The version with coleslaw on top probably gets requested the most in my house—it’s a family favorite for sure.
I hope you enjoy making this BBQ Chicken Sliders as much as I do. It’s a straightforward recipe that gives you plenty of room to make it your own. The joy really comes from sharing these with friends or family around the table.
If you want more comforting chicken recipe ideas, give my garlic parmesan chicken stew or chicken shepherd’s pie a look. They’re both great options when you want a different flavor but keep that comforting, homey feeling.
Remember, cooking at home should feel doable and fun. These BBQ Chicken Sliders are proof that simple ingredients plus a little love make something delicious. So go ahead, dive in, make a batch, and savor those moments of sharing good food with people you care about. You’ve got this!
BBQ Chicken Sliders
These BBQ Chicken Sliders feature tender shredded chicken in a tangy barbecue sauce, served on soft slider buns for a perfect party appetizer or casual meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 sliders
- Category: Dinner
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 8 slider buns
- 1/2 cup coleslaw (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Pickles for topping (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until well coated.
- Brush the bottom halves of the slider buns with melted butter and layer with BBQ chicken.
- Top each with a spoonful of coleslaw and pickles if desired.
- Cover with the top halves of the buns.
- Optional: Toast sliders in an oven or skillet for 3-5 minutes until warm and slightly crispy.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For extra flavor, add a slice of cheddar cheese before topping with the bun or serve with tangy pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick.

