If you’re craving something finger-licking good, look no further than BBQ Chicken Sliders: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Mini Burgers Recipe. These tender, smoky, saucy mini burgers bring together juicy chicken thighs smothered in rich BBQ sauce, balanced perfectly with crunchy coleslaw and tangy pickle chips all nestled inside buttery toasted slider buns. They are the perfect combination of textures and flavors, making them the star of any casual gathering or a satisfying weekday treat. Trust me, once you try these sliders, they’ll become your go-to recipe for impressing guests or just spoiling yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Building amazing BBQ chicken sliders is all about the right balance of simple, quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, from the spices adding warmth and depth to the luscious BBQ sauce that ties everything together with sweet and tangy magic. Here’s everything you need to make these irresistible mini burgers.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (1.5 lbs): Dark meat stays juicy and tender, perfect for shredding and soaking up the BBQ sauce.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Helps the spices cling to the chicken and adds a subtle richness while cooking.
- Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Brings a lovely smoky flavor that mimics the grill’s char even if you’re cooking indoors.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Adds savory depth without overpowering the other spices.
- Onion powder (1/2 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of sweetness and sharpness.
- Cayenne pepper (1/4 tsp, optional): For those who love a little heat, this spice gives a subtle kick without overwhelming the dish.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and spices.
- Your favorite BBQ sauce (1 cup + extra): Choose a sauce you love—whether tangy, sweet, or smoky—to coat the shredded chicken.
- Slider buns (12): Soft, small buns that hold all the goodness without overpowering the flavors.
- Coleslaw (1/2 cup): Adds a fresh crunch and creamy contrast to the saucy chicken.
- Dill pickle chips (1/4 cup): The tangy brightness cuts through the richness for perfect balance.
- Butter, melted (2 tbsp): For brushing and toasting the buns to golden, buttery perfection.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Sliders: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Mini Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken thighs dry to help the marinade stick beautifully. Mix olive oil with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if desired), salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken in this fragrant spice blend and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to soak up all those flavors. A longer marinate, up to four hours, means even more depth!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
You’ve got options to cook your chicken perfectly based on your equipment and preference. The skillet method gives a lovely sear and is perfect for indoor cooking; just cook each thigh over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through. If grilling, preheat to medium and let those thighs char gently for 5-7 minutes each side, locking in smoky flavor. Or pop them in a 375°F oven on parchment paper for 20-25 minutes for easy, hands-off cooking. No matter which method you choose, aim for an internal temp of 165°F for safe, juicy chicken.
Step 3: Shred and Sauce
Once cooked, let the chicken rest just a few minutes—it helps keep all those juices inside. If you used the skillet, pour your BBQ sauce right in and warm it up until it’s bubbling gently. Use forks to shred the chicken finely, then toss it in the warm sauce so every bite bursts with sticky, tangy goodness. This step is where the sliders really come alive.
Step 4: Prepare the Buns
Don’t overlook the buns! Slice your slider buns carefully, brush both cut sides with melted butter, then toast them in a skillet or under the broiler until golden and crispy. This adds a delightful crunch and buttery aroma that complements the hearty chicken filling perfectly.
Step 5: Assemble Your Sliders
Now for the fun part: build your sliders. Start with the toasted bottom bun, pile on a generous scoop of BBQ chicken, add a dollop of crisp coleslaw, and scatter a few dill pickle chips for zing. Cap it with the top bun, and you’re ready to serve. These little wonders come together quickly but pack a flavorful punch.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your sliders immediately while everything is warm and fresh. Don’t forget extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling—because with sliders this good, more sauce is always better.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Sliders: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Mini Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime can elevate these sliders with bursts of freshness or heat. A sprinkle of chopped green onions or a few crispy fried onions on top gives texture complexity and visual appeal that’s sure to impress your guests.
Side Dishes
Keep it classic with crunchy potato chips or sweet potato fries for a comforting combo. For a lighter option, a crisp garden salad or pickled vegetables provide a refreshing counterpoint. And don’t forget a cold beer or a zesty iced tea to complement the smoky richness of the chicken sliders!
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking sliders on a rustic wooden board for a casual vibe or arrange them on a colorful platter with herbs sprinkled around for a pop of color. You can also serve sliders on mini skewers with a cherry tomato or olive on top for an elegant party presentation that’s sure to wow.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
BBQ Chicken Sliders: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Mini Burgers Recipe is perfect for making ahead. Store leftover shredded BBQ chicken and buns separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This way, the buns stay fresh while the chicken remains flavorful.
Freezing
You can freeze the shredded BBQ chicken by transferring it into a freezer-safe bag or container. It keeps well for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze buns separately to prevent them from becoming soggy. Thaw everything overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat your BBQ chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Toast the slider buns again briefly to regain crispness before assembling your sliders. This ensures every bite tastes fresh and delicious, even the next day.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and flavor, chicken breasts can be used if you prefer leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook to avoid dryness.
What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
Pick a BBQ sauce that you enjoy—whether sweet, smoky, or tangy. A thicker sauce is great to cling to the shredded chicken, but you can tailor it to your taste preferences.
Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
You can swap the chicken with shredded jackfruit or a grilled portobello mushroom for a vegetarian twist, seasoning and saucing them just like the chicken.
Are these sliders freezer friendly once assembled?
It’s best to freeze only the shredded chicken separately. Assembled sliders with coleslaw and pickles don’t freeze well because the buns and toppings can get soggy upon thawing.
How spicy are these sliders?
They have a gentle smoky warmth with optional mild heat from cayenne pepper. You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking or omit the cayenne entirely for no heat.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into making these delightful BBQ Chicken Sliders: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Mini Burgers Recipe. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for casual parties, game day, or a fun family dinner. Once you master this recipe, you’ll keep coming back for that irresistible combo of saucy, tender chicken and crunchy, tangy toppings all hugged by buttery buns. Go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones—you’ll be so glad you did!
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BBQ Chicken Sliders: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Mini Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes (includes marinating time)
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (baking method; skillet and grill times similar, approx. 10-14 minutes)
- Total Time: 1 hour (including marinating and cooking)
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These BBQ Chicken Sliders are the ultimate mini burgers, packed with tender, flavorful chicken thighs marinated in a smoky spice blend and coated in your favorite BBQ sauce. Perfectly toasted slider buns, crunchy coleslaw, and tangy dill pickle chips complete these delicious, crowd-pleasing sandwiches. Ideal for parties, game days, or casual dinners, this recipe offers multiple cooking options including skillet, grill, or oven baking.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (plus extra for serving)
Slider Assembly
- 12 slider buns
- 1/2 cup coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup dill pickle chips
- 2 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing the buns)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes up to 4 hours to enhance flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Choose your preferred cooking method:
• Skillet Method: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Sear for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
• Grilling Method: Preheat grill to medium heat. Grill chicken thighs 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
• Baking Method: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken thighs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake 20-25 minutes until cooked through. - Shred and Sauce: Allow cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes. If using skillet method, pour BBQ sauce into the skillet and heat over medium until simmering. Shred the chicken with two forks and add it to the simmering BBQ sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Let simmer for a few minutes.
- Prepare the Buns: Slice slider buns horizontally. Brush cut sides with melted butter. Toast buns in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side, or under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Assemble the Sliders: Place bottom halves of toasted buns on a serving platter. Spoon generous portions of BBQ chicken onto each bun, top with coleslaw and dill pickle chips, then crown with the top halves of the buns.
- Serve: Serve sliders immediately with extra BBQ sauce on the side if desired for dipping.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken longer for deeper flavor—up to 4 hours works well.
- If you prefer spicier sliders, increase the cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to the BBQ sauce.
- Coleslaw can be homemade or store-bought; for extra flavor, use a vinegar-based slaw.
- Brush buns with butter before toasting for a rich, golden crust.
- Check chicken internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
- These sliders freeze well after assembly; wrap individually and thaw before serving.
