When you want something that’s easy to throw together but still delivers big flavor, these BBQ Chicken Sliders with Homemade Slaw are a solid go-to. You get tender, saucy chicken layered onto soft rolls, with a crunchy, creamy slaw that adds just the right contrast. It’s the kind of no-fuss meal that’s crowd-friendly and uses what you’ve got.
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I love how these sliders fit into just about any plan—family dinner, casual party, and they make the perfect game day recipe. They’re quick to assemble, easy to portion, and feel special without any extra work. You can prep everything ahead and just assemble and pop them in the oven whenever you’re ready. No need to fuss when something this easy gets the job done.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Barbecue Chicken Sliders with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
If you follow my simple instructions, you’ll have a batch of warm, flavorful sliders in no time.
Prep the Oven and Dish
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish and preheating your oven to 350°F. This gives the sliders a golden crust and heats everything through evenly.
Mix the BBQ Chicken
Add your shredded chicken to a bowl and toss it with the barbecue sauce, plus half of the salt and pepper. Make sure it’s evenly coated—this is where all the flavor starts.
Make the Homemade Slaw
In a separate bowl, stir together the green and purple cabbage, carrots, remaining salt and black pepper, paprika, sour cream, lemon juice, and mayonnaise.
Give it a good mix until it’s creamy and well combined. This adds the perfect cool crunch to balance the saucy chicken.
Assemble the Sliders
Slice the entire pack of slider buns in half horizontally, like a sandwich bun. You could use Hawaiian sweet rolls if you prefer.
Place the bottom half into the baking dish, spread the BBQ chicken on the bottom of the rolls, and then pile on the coleslaw.
Place the top half of the rolls back on and press gently.
Finish and Bake
Melt the butter and brush it over the tops of the buns to help them get that golden, slightly crispy finish.
Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the sliders are heated through and the tops are golden brown.
Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the sliders sit for a minute or two, so they firm up a bit and the fillings settle.
For a pop of color, sprinkle a few chopped cilantro leaves on top—it’s optional but looks great and adds a fresh touch.
Serve them warm, and enjoy!
BBQ Chicken Sliders with Homemade Slaw
Add Preferred SourceIngredients
- 1 pack 12-count rolls
- 1 ½ cups cooked chicken shredded
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- ½ cup shredded green cabbage
- ½ cup shredded purple cabbage
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 1 teaspoon salt divided
- 1 teaspoon pepper divided
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- ½ tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a mixing bowl, toss the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper until well coated.1 ½ cups cooked chicken, 1 cup BBQ sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper
- In a separate bowl, combine the green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, remaining salt and pepper, paprika, sour cream, lemon juice, and mayonnaise. Stir until evenly mixed.½ cup shredded green cabbage, ½ cup shredded purple cabbage, ½ cup shredded carrots, 1 teaspoon paprika, ⅓ cup sour cream, ½ tablespoon lemon juice, 1 cup mayonnaise
- Slice the rolls in half horizontally and place the bottom half in the prepared baking dish.1 pack
- Spread the BBQ chicken evenly over the rolls, then layer the slaw on top. Cover with the top half of the rolls. Melt the butter and brush it over the buns.1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the sliders are heated through.
- Remove from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken: It cuts down on prep time and still gives you juicy, flavorful results.
- Toss the chicken while it’s warm: Warm chicken soaks up the BBQ sauce better, making every bite more flavorful.
- Shred the cabbage finely: This gives you a better bite and keeps the slaw from overwhelming the sliders.
- Save some slaw for serving: Adding extra slaw on the side is a nice touch if anyone wants more crunch.
- Slice the rolls as one unit: A serrated bread knife makes this easier and keeps the rolls from tearing.
- Keep an eye on baking time: If the tops brown too fast, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Rest before serving: Letting the sliders sit for a minute or two makes them easier to cut and serve.
Nutrition
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
I’ve made these tons of times, and here are a few tips to help everything come out just right.
- Use rotisserie chicken: It cuts down on prep time and still gives you juicy, flavorful results. If you don’t have this, choose boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs.
- Toss the chicken while it’s warm: Warm chicken soaks up the BBQ sauce better, making every bite more flavorful.
- Shred the cabbage finely: This gives you a better bite and keeps the slaw from overwhelming the sliders.
- Save some slaw for serving: Adding extra slaw on the side is a nice touch if anyone wants more crunch.
- Slice the rolls as one unit: A serrated bread knife makes this easier and keeps the rolls from tearing.
- Keep an eye on baking time: If the tops brown too fast, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Rest before serving: Letting the sliders sit for a minute or two makes them easier to cut and serve.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, wrap them in aluminum foil to keep them from burning before popping them in the oven.
If you want to freeze them, skip the slaw and just add some once you’re ready to serve, as it doesn’t thaw well and tends to get watery after freezing. Wrap the sliders tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge and reheat.
What to Serve With BBQ Chicken Sliders
These sliders pair well with just about anything—classic choices like potato wedges, baked beans, or macaroni salad work great.
Even kettle chips or sweet potato fries are a win here. Basically, anything that plays well with sweet, tangy, and a little creamy will level up your meal with these sliders.
More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home
I’ve got more easy, flavorful ideas like this chicken sliders recipe if you’re looking to build out your menu with meals that are big on taste and short on prep.
