Go Back
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 12 slider buns - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup coleslaw (store-bought or homemade) - Fresh cilantro, for garnish To make BBQ pulled chicken sliders, start with quality ingredients. Chicken thighs give a juicy and tender texture. You can use your favorite BBQ sauce, whether it's homemade or store-bought. The sauce adds rich flavor and moisture. For seasoning, olive oil helps to sauté the onions and garlic. The onion gives sweetness, while garlic adds depth. Smoked paprika gives a touch of smokiness, while onion powder, garlic powder, and cumin round out the flavors. Salt and pepper are essential for taste. When it comes to toppings, coleslaw provides a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken. You can buy it or make your own. Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and a fresh taste that brightens the sliders. These ingredients come together to create a delicious meal that’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Each bite is a mix of flavors and textures that you and your guests will love. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 finely chopped onion. Cook the onion for about 5 minutes until it turns soft and clear. Now, stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute. This will create a nice base for your chicken. Next, add 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the skillet. Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This mix of spices will give your chicken great flavor. Now, it's time to sear the chicken thighs. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes until they get a nice brown color. After searing, pour in 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. Make sure the chicken is well-coated. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 30-35 minutes. This slow cooking will make the chicken tender and juicy. Once the chicken is cooked, take it out and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the skillet and mix well with the BBQ sauce. While the chicken simmers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice 12 slider buns in half and place them on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown. Now it’s time to assemble! Spread a good amount of pulled chicken on the bottom half of each slider bun. Top it with a spoonful of coleslaw and place the top half of the bun on each slider. Enjoy your delicious BBQ pulled chicken sliders! Choosing the best BBQ sauce Pick a BBQ sauce that matches your taste. A tangy sauce adds zest. A sweet sauce gives a rich flavor. You can even mix sauces for a unique taste. Recommended seasoning adjustments Feel free to tweak the spices. Add more smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. A pinch of cayenne can bring some heat. Experiment until you find what you love. Ensuring chicken tenderness To keep the chicken tender, cook it low and slow. This method helps break down the meat fibers. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Recommended cooking methods You can use various methods to cook the chicken. Slow-cook in a crockpot for ease. Grill it for a smoky flavor. Each method brings a different taste. How to layer the sliders Start with the bottom bun. Add a generous scoop of pulled chicken. Next, add a spoonful of coleslaw for crunch. Finally, place the top bun gently on top. Ensuring less soggy buns To avoid soggy buns, toast them lightly. This creates a barrier against moisture. You can also serve the coleslaw on the side. This keeps the buns crisp longer. Pro Tips Choose the Right Chicken: Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures that your pulled chicken remains juicy and flavorful. Avoid chicken breasts, which can dry out during cooking. Homemade BBQ Sauce: For a unique flavor, consider making your own BBQ sauce. This allows you to customize the sweetness and spiciness to your liking. Coleslaw Variations: Experiment with different types of coleslaw, like spicy or vinegar-based, to add a twist to your sliders. This can enhance the overall flavor profile. Keep it Warm: If serving at a gathering, keep the pulled chicken warm in a slow cooker to maintain its temperature and moisture until it's time to serve. {{image_2}} You can change up the meat in this recipe. Pulled pork works great, too. If you want a plant-based option, try jackfruit. It shreds like chicken and takes on flavors well. You can also switch up the coleslaw. A vinegar-based slaw brings a bright taste. Try adding apples or nuts for a twist. Customize to fit your taste! Want more heat? Make spicy BBQ pulled chicken! Add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce. You can also mix in some chopped chipotle peppers for a smoky kick. Don’t forget toppings! Cheese adds creaminess, and jalapeños bring heat. Choose your favorite toppings to make each slider unique. Buns are key for sliders. Try brioche for a sweet touch or whole wheat for a healthy option. You can also use lettuce leaves for a low-carb version. For sides, fries and chips are classic. You could also serve with a fresh salad or some crunchy pickles. These sides balance the rich flavors of the sliders perfectly. To store BBQ pulled chicken, let it cool first. Place it in a sealed container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days. This helps keep the chicken tender and tasty. Always check for any off smell before eating. To freeze leftover sliders, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, take them out and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. For reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Unwrap the sliders and place them on a baking sheet. Heat for about 15 minutes, or until warm. This keeps the buns nice and soft. To keep flavor and texture, store the chicken and buns separately. This way, the buns do not get soggy. You can also add fresh coleslaw just before serving. This adds crunch and freshness. You can use several options for pulled chicken. Here are some great choices: - Chicken breasts: They are lean but can dry out. Cook them gently for best results. - Pulled pork: Use slow-cooked pork for a richer flavor. - Turkey: Ground turkey works well too. It’s lean and tasty. - Jackfruit: This plant-based option is great for a vegan version. It shreds nicely like meat. Yes, you can prepare the chicken ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Cook and store: You can cook the pulled chicken and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Freezing: Freeze the shredded chicken in airtight bags. It lasts for up to 3 months. - Reheat: When ready, reheat in a skillet or microwave until hot. If you want to add heat, try these simple ideas: - Hot sauce: Mix your favorite hot sauce into the BBQ sauce. - Jalapeños: Add sliced jalapeños to the sliders for fresh heat. - Spicy seasoning: Use cayenne pepper or chili powder when cooking the chicken. - Pepper jack cheese: Add a slice for a creamy, spicy kick. These tips will help you make BBQ pulled chicken sliders that fit your taste! This blog post guides you through making delicious BBQ pulled chicken sliders. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tasty toppings. I also shared tips for better flavor and variations to suit your taste. Don’t forget proper storage for any leftovers. Try these sliders at your next gathering. They are easy to make and sure to impress everyone. Enjoy the fun of cooking, and please share your results!

BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders

Delicious sliders made with tender pulled chicken and BBQ sauce, topped with coleslaw.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 unit onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • to taste unit salt and pepper
  • 12 unit slider buns
  • 1 cup coleslaw
  • for garnish unit fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  • Add the chicken thighs to the skillet. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until browned.
  • Pour in the BBQ sauce, ensuring the chicken is well-coated. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and allow to simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  • Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then return it to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce.
  • While the chicken is simmering, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the slider buns in half and place them on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Spread a generous amount of BBQ pulled chicken onto the bottom half of each slider bun. Top with a spoonful of coleslaw and place the top half of the bun on each slider.
  • Arrange the sliders on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Notes

Feel free to customize the coleslaw to your liking.
Keyword BBQ, easy recipe, pulled chicken, sliders