When the summer sun went down, I had friends over in my backyard. The smell of grilled meat filled the air. Everyone loved the BBQ chicken sliders.
These sliders are a hit at any party. They’re tasty, simple to make, and everyone wants more. I can make 12 sliders in just 30 minutes.
I mix shredded chicken with barbecue sauce and cheese. It’s a simple recipe that tastes amazing. It’s great for game days or any gathering. Let’s explore how to make these sliders and keep your guests happy!
What Are BBQ Chicken Sliders?
BBQ chicken sliders are small sandwiches with shredded chicken and BBQ sauce. They have cheese and seasonings on top. These sandwiches are great for parties because they’re easy to eat.
The main part is chicken breasts, cooked and shredded. You can change the sauce and toppings to make them your own. This makes BBQ chicken sliders fun to make and eat.
To start, you need BBQ sauce, mayonnaise, and cheese. It takes 15 minutes to make 12 sliders. Each one is full of juicy chicken and BBQ sauce, loved by everyone.
Benefits of BBQ Chicken Sliders as Party Food
BBQ chicken sliders are perfect for parties. They’re small, so guests can enjoy them without stopping their chats. Everyone loves these easy sliders, from kids to grown-ups.
Making these sliders is simple. This means I can relax and have fun at the party, not stuck in the kitchen.
These sliders are easy to make in big batches. This way, everyone gets enough to eat. Plus, they go well with many sides and dips.
Imagine them with coleslaw or chips. The choices are endless. Guests leave happy and full.
Essential Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Sliders
Making tasty BBQ chicken sliders starts with picking the right ingredients. You need tender chicken and tasty toppings. Here’s what you need for the best sliders.
Chicken Options
Choose between chicken breasts or thighs for your sliders. Breasts are tender, while thighs are juicier. Use 2 cups of shredded chicken for 12 sliders.
Brining your chicken for 18 to 24 hours adds flavor.
Selecting the Right BBQ Sauce
BBQ sauce is key for tasty chicken. Sweet Baby Ray’s is a good choice. Start with ½ cup of sauce and add more as needed.
Drizzle more sauce on top before serving for extra taste.
Bun Choices for Sliders
The bun is important for your sliders. Sweet Hawaiian rolls or brioche buns are great. They should be soft and sweet, holding the filling well.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Sliders
Making BBQ Chicken Sliders is fun. It mixes juicy chicken with tasty flavors. First, I pick how to cook the chicken. I can use a slow cooker for deep flavor or cook it on the stovetop for a quick meal.
Then, I add BBQ sauce. It can be homemade or store-bought. Lastly, putting the sliders together is easy and fun.
Cooking Chicken: Slow Cooker vs. Stovetop
Choosing between slow cooker and stovetop cooking depends on time. Slow cooker chicken cooks for 4 to 5 hours. Stovetop cooking takes just 20 minutes.
Seasoning the chicken well is important. It makes the sliders taste better.
Preparing the BBQ Sauce
BBQ sauce is key for flavor. I mix it with the chicken. This makes the chicken moist and tasty.
I use 1.5 cups of BBQ sauce. One cup goes with the chicken, and half a cup for drizzling.
Assembling the Sliders
Assembling the sliders is fun. I put chicken, cheese, red onion, and parsley on a bun. Then, I bake them at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes.
BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
I’m excited to share my BBQ chicken sliders recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser that takes just about 30 minutes. These homemade BBQ sliders are perfect for any gathering or game day. I’ve made a step-by-step guide to help you easily make this delightful dish.
Ingredients List
- 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls or brioche work well)
- 3 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1¼ cups of your favorite BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- Suggested cheese toppings: smoked cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack
- Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, red onions, jalapeños, cilantro
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, honey, pineapple juice, and mayonnaise.
- Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Slice the slider buns in half and place the bottom half in a baking dish.
- Layer the BBQ chicken mixture over the bottom buns.
- Add your choice of cheese on top, followed by the top half of the buns.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and buns are golden.
- Let the sliders cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade BBQ sliders!
Variations of BBQ Chicken Sliders
BBQ Chicken Sliders are a blank slate for creativity. I love trying new things with them. Adding crispy bacon or different cheeses makes them richer.
Trying different sauces is another fun way to change things up. Spicy jalapeño BBQ sauce adds a kick. Sweet honey BBQ sauce is a tasty contrast.
Toppings can make a big difference too. Crunchy coleslaw or tangy pickles add flavor and texture. You can make each slider unique, whether you like classic or bold flavors.
Serving Suggestions for BBQ Chicken Sliders
When serving BBQ chicken sliders, choose appetizers that match. This makes your gathering more fun. It’s important to have a variety of options for everyone.
Pairing with Other Appetizers
For great BBQ chicken sliders, mix old and new appetizers. Here are some picks:
- Tater Tots with dipping sauces
- Fresh Vegetable Platter with ranch dressing
- Chips with guacamole or salsa
- Stuffed Mini Peppers, ready in about 15 minutes
- Avocado Corn Salad, a refreshing dish that takes only 15 minutes to prepare
Offering different dips is also a good idea. This lets guests mix and match. It makes the meal more fun.
Making these appetizers is easy. They need just a few ingredients. You can find recipes that cook in 10 to 40 minutes. This way, you can impress with many flavors.
Adding drinks like water, soda, and cocktails makes the meal complete. It keeps everyone happy and refreshed. BBQ chicken sliders become a hit with all these flavors and colors.
How to Store and Reheat BBQ Chicken Sliders
After enjoying BBQ chicken sliders, it’s key to store them right. This keeps their flavor and quality. You can keep them fresh for days or even longer with simple methods.
Refrigeration Tips
Let the sliders cool down first. Then, store them in the fridge for 3-4 days. Use an airtight container to keep them moist and fresh.
For extra freshness, put parchment paper between the sliders. This absorbs extra moisture.
Freezing for Later Use
Freezing is great for longer storage. Vacuum-seal or use freezer-safe bags. This way, you can keep them for up to three months.
But, if you have coleslaw, it might change texture when thawed. So, remove it before freezing.
To reheat, use the oven. Cover with foil for 5-8 minutes. Then, uncover for 2-3 minutes. This makes them taste almost as fresh as new!
Best Sides to Serve with BBQ Chicken Sliders
BBQ chicken sliders taste better with the right sides. Classic sides like baked beans are a hit. They take just 15 minutes to make.
Coleslaw adds a nice crunch. You can make it creamy or light. Try a Hawaiian coleslaw with cabbage and pineapple for something new.
Smoked mac and cheese is a tasty choice. It cooks at 225 degrees to keep noodles perfect. Cornbread with maple butter is sweet and pairs well with the sliders.
Fresh corn on the cob is quick and healthy. It grills in about 10 minutes. La Rosa Chicken and Grill has great sides like Garlic Parsley Potatoes and Cucumber Salad.
| Side Dish | Prep Time | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Baked Beans | 15 minutes | Beans, Onion, Bacon |
| Hawaiian Coleslaw | 15 minutes | Green Cabbage, Pineapple, Carrots |
| Smoked Mac and Cheese | Varies | Pasta, Cheese, Milk |
| Cornbread | 20-25 minutes | Flour, Sugar, Maple Butter |
| Fresh Corn on the Cob | 10 minutes | Corn |
Choosing the right sides makes a meal complete. With over 35 options, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy these sides with BBQ chicken sliders.
Tips for Making the Best BBQ Chicken Sliders
When I make BBQ chicken sliders, I use the best ingredients. I also use smart ways to prepare them. This makes the sliders taste better and feel special.
Choosing Fresh Ingredients
Fresh ingredients are key for great BBQ chicken sliders. Fresh chicken makes them tender and juicy. Good produce adds crunch and health benefits.
Choose fresh veggies for the slaw. Shredded green cabbage and grated carrots add texture and flavor.
Enhancing Flavors with Additional Toppings
Try different toppings to make your sliders better. Spicy mayo and cheeses like smoked cheddar and Gouda add flavor. Fresh herbs like cilantro or green onion also help.
Each topping brings a special touch. It makes your sliders a fun treat.
Using fresh ingredients and tasty toppings makes sliders delicious. These tips will make your BBQ chicken sliders a hit at any party.
Homemade BBQ Sliders with Coleslaw
Homemade BBQ sliders are amazing. The best is BBQ chicken with coleslaw. It makes a simple meal special.
The crunchy coleslaw goes great with tender chicken. It’s a perfect mix.
I start with 1.5 pounds of chicken thighs. This makes about 3 cups of shredded chicken. The chicken and BBQ sauce mix is delicious.
For the BBQ sauce, I use a 15-ounce can of tomato sauce. I simmer it for 10 minutes to get the best flavor.
The coleslaw has shredded cabbage and carrots. I mix it with a tangy dressing. This adds a nice crunch to the sliders.
Each slider has about 434 calories. It’s filling but not too heavy. You can add cheese or pickles for extra flavor.
These sliders are great on Hawaiian rolls or whole wheat buns. They’re perfect for any time.
Why BBQ Chicken Sliders are Great for Game Day
BBQ chicken sliders are my top pick for game day. They taste amazing and are simple to make. This makes them perfect for football parties.
I can make them early and keep them warm. This lets me enjoy the game and my guests without worrying about cooking.
These sliders are small, which makes people want to share. They’re great for making game day fun with friends or family. The mix of chicken, BBQ sauce, and cheese is a hit with everyone.
These sliders are also good for you. They have protein, carbs, and a bit of fat. This keeps everyone happy while watching the game. So, add BBQ chicken sliders to your game day menu. They’re a winner!
