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

Scale

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)

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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.