BBQ Chicken Sliders with Tangy Coleslaw: The Ultimate Mini Sandwich for Every Occasion
There’s something magical about the combination of smoky, saucy BBQ chicken paired with a crisp, tangy coleslaw—all nestled inside a soft, pillowy slider bun. These BBQ Chicken Sliders with Tangy Coleslaw bring together the best of both worlds: tender pulled chicken drenched in rich barbecue sauce, and a crunchy, zesty slaw that cuts through the sweetness with a perfect balance of acidity and creaminess.
Perfect for game day, summer cookouts, or even a casual weeknight dinner, these sliders are easy to make, fun to eat, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or preparing a simple family meal, this recipe will make you look like a backyard BBQ hero—without the need for a grill.
Why You’ll Love These BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Quick and easy: You can whip these up in less than 40 minutes with minimal effort.
- Crowd-pleaser: Great for parties, potlucks, and picnics.
- Make-ahead friendly: The chicken and coleslaw can be prepared ahead of time for effortless assembly.
- Flavor-packed: A beautiful balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy in every bite.
These sliders are not just sandwiches—they’re a full sensory experience, from the tender pull of the chicken to the creamy crunch of the slaw.
Ingredients
For the BBQ Chicken:
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Tangy Coleslaw:
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
- 12 slider buns or small dinner rolls
- 2 tbsp melted butter (optional, for brushing buns)
- Pickles (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the chicken is fully coated in sauce. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes until hot and slightly thickened. Set aside. - Make the Coleslaw:
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper. Add the shredded cabbages and grated carrot. Toss everything until well coated. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld. - Toast the Buns (Optional):
Slice the slider buns in half and brush with melted butter. Toast lightly on a skillet or in the oven for 2–3 minutes until golden brown. This step adds texture and prevents sogginess. - Assemble the Sliders:
Place a generous scoop of BBQ chicken on the bottom half of each slider bun. Top with a spoonful of tangy coleslaw. Add the top bun and secure with a toothpick if needed. - Serve and Enjoy:
Arrange the sliders on a platter. Garnish with chopped parsley or a slice of pickle on top. Serve warm and watch them disappear in minutes!
BBQ Chicken Sliders with Tangy Coleslaw
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, honey, vinegar, paprika, salt, and pepper in a skillet. Heat for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Add cabbage and carrot; toss well. Chill for 15 minutes.
- Toast slider buns lightly with butter if desired.
- Assemble sliders: add BBQ chicken, top with coleslaw, and place bun tops. Garnish and serve.
Notes
Tips for the Perfect Sliders
- Use rotisserie chicken: It saves time and adds extra flavor.
- Balance your sauce: If your BBQ sauce is too sweet, add a splash of vinegar or hot sauce.
- Don’t overdress the slaw: A lightly coated coleslaw keeps the sliders from becoming soggy.
- Keep warm: If making for a crowd, keep the shredded BBQ chicken warm in a slow cooker on low.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
These sliders are ideal for prepping ahead:
- Chicken: Cook and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Coleslaw: Make up to 24 hours ahead but keep it chilled until serving time.
- Buns: Assemble just before serving to maintain the perfect texture.
To reheat, simply warm the chicken mixture in a saucepan or microwave and assemble fresh sliders.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Cheesy BBQ Sliders: Layer a slice of cheddar or pepper jack cheese on the chicken before topping with coleslaw.
- Pulled Pork Version: Substitute chicken with leftover pulled pork for a Southern twist.
- Hawaiian Style: Use sweet Hawaiian rolls and add pineapple tidbits to the slaw.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these sliders with sides that complement the smoky BBQ flavor:
- Baked sweet potato fries or potato wedges
- Creamy mac and cheese
- Grilled corn on the cob
- A pitcher of homemade lemonade or iced tea
Whether you serve them as appetizers, main course bites, or tailgate food, these sliders are a total crowd favorite.
Fun Fact: The Origins of the Slider
The term “slider” originally came from sailors in the U.S. Navy who described small, greasy burgers that “slid” down easily. Since then, sliders have evolved into gourmet mini sandwiches that can feature everything from pulled meats to vegetarian fillings. These BBQ Chicken Sliders honor that heritage while adding a modern, flavor-packed twist.
Conclusion
If you’re craving comfort food that’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for sharing, these BBQ Chicken Sliders with Tangy Coleslaw are your go-to recipe. Every bite offers a balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy notes that make it impossible to stop at just one.
Simple enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests—these sliders prove that big flavor can come in small packages.
