Oh my goodness, let me tell you about BBQ pulled chicken sliders! These little beauties are not just delicious; they’re a total crowd-pleaser! I remember the first time I made them for a gathering—everyone went wild for them! They’re so easy to whip up, and you can have them on the table in just about 30 minutes. Seriously, it’s like magic! The tender, juicy chicken smothered in tangy BBQ sauce, piled high on fluffy slider buns, makes for the ultimate comfort food experience. Plus, they’re super versatile, so you can customize them to your heart’s content. Trust me, once you try these BBQ pulled chicken sliders, they’ll become your go-to dish for any party or casual get-together!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the tastiest BBQ pulled chicken sliders. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken or boil and shred your own. The more tender, the better!
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade recipe—whatever makes your taste buds dance!
- 12 slider buns: I love using soft, fluffy buns; they really soak up the BBQ goodness.
- 1/2 cup coleslaw: This adds a crunchy, refreshing element. You can use store-bought or whip up a quick homemade batch.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This is for brushing the tops of the buns to give them that gorgeous golden finish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a nice depth of flavor to the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic perfectly and enhances the overall taste.
Having all these ingredients prepped and ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. Don’t worry, I promise you’ll love how simple it is to put everything together!
How to Prepare BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making these BBQ pulled chicken sliders! I promise, it’s a breeze, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly they come together. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be savoring the deliciousness in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important because we want those buns to get nice and toasty!
- Mix the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Give it a good mix—make sure every piece of chicken gets coated in that tasty sauce!
- Heat it up: Transfer the chicken mixture to a pan over medium heat. Stir it occasionally until it’s warmed through, which should take about 5–7 minutes. You want it hot but not boiling, so keep an eye on it!
- Prepare the buns: While the chicken is heating, slice the slider buns in half and lay the bottom halves on a baking sheet. This is where the magic happens!
- Layer on the chicken: Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture generously onto each bun. Don’t be shy—pile it high!
- Add the coleslaw: Top the chicken with a spoonful of coleslaw. This adds such a nice crunch and balances the flavors beautifully.
- Finish with the tops: Place the top halves of the buns on the sliders. Then, brush the tops with olive oil for that golden, crispy finish!
- Bake: Pop the sliders in the oven and bake for about 10–15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the buns are golden and slightly crispy.
- Serve: Take them out, let them cool for a minute, and then serve warm. Trust me, your friends and family will be begging for more!
And there you have it! Your BBQ pulled chicken sliders are ready to impress. Just thinking about them makes my mouth water!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These sliders come together in just about 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or a weeknight dinner!
- Flavor Packed: The combination of tender chicken and zesty BBQ sauce creates a mouthwatering flavor explosion in every bite.
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the BBQ sauce or toppings—get creative with different flavors or add your favorite ingredients!
- Perfect for Sharing: These sliders are ideal for parties, picnics, or game day. Everyone loves a good slider, and they’re easy to grab and enjoy.
- Comfort Food Vibes: There’s something so satisfying about pulling apart a warm slider filled with delicious, saucy chicken—it’s pure comfort food!
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and reheat them later. They taste just as good the next day!
Tips for Success
To make sure your BBQ pulled chicken sliders turn out absolutely amazing, I’ve gathered some of my favorite tips that’ll help you nail this recipe every time. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make all the difference!
- Use Quality Chicken: For the best flavor and texture, opt for high-quality cooked chicken. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, but if you have time, poaching or slow-cooking your own can really elevate the taste!
- Adjust the BBQ Sauce: Don’t be afraid to customize the amount of BBQ sauce to your liking! If you like it extra saucy, go ahead and add more. Just keep in mind that too much can make the sliders soggy, so balance is key.
- Let the Sliders Rest: After baking, let the sliders rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes them easier to pull apart without falling apart!
- Experiment with Toppings: While coleslaw is a classic choice, feel free to get creative! Try adding pickles, jalapeños, or even avocado for a fun twist. The crunch and acidity can really enhance the overall flavor.
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep a close watch on your sliders while they bake. You want them golden brown, not burnt! Start checking around the 10-minute mark to ensure perfect buns.
- Make Ahead: If you’re prepping for a party, you can assemble the sliders ahead of time and store them covered in the fridge. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve!
With these tips, you’ll be a BBQ pulled chicken slider pro in no time! Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Variations
One of the best parts about BBQ pulled chicken sliders is how versatile they are! You can easily switch things up to suit your taste or to keep things exciting. Here are some fun variations you might want to try:
- Different BBQ Sauces: Experiment with various BBQ sauces! Whether you prefer a sweet and tangy sauce, a spicy chipotle, or a smoky mesquite, each one will give your sliders a unique twist.
- Buffalo Style: If you love a little heat, mix in some buffalo sauce with your BBQ sauce for a zesty kick. Top with blue cheese crumbles and celery slaw for a true buffalo experience!
- Hawaiian Twist: Add pineapple chunks to the chicken mixture and use teriyaki sauce instead of BBQ. Top with fresh cilantro for a tropical delight!
- Tex-Mex Flair: Stir in some taco seasoning with the chicken and BBQ sauce, and top with guacamole and jalapeños for a fun Tex-Mex twist. You could even swap the coleslaw for some zesty Mexican corn salad!
- Cheesy Goodness: Before baking, sprinkle shredded cheese like cheddar or pepper jack over the chicken mixture. The melted cheese adds a creamy layer that makes these sliders even more indulgent!
- Veggie Delight: For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for shredded jackfruit or mushrooms. Toss them in the same BBQ sauce and follow the same steps for a delicious meatless slider!
These variations are just a starting point—feel free to get creative and make these sliders your own! It’s all about what flavors you love and what you have on hand. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying BBQ pulled chicken sliders, it’s always good to know what you’re working with nutritionally! Here’s an estimated breakdown for one slider:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 15g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. So, if you’re making your own BBQ sauce or using different buns, the nutritional content might change a bit. But no matter the numbers, one thing’s for sure—these sliders are a deliciously satisfying treat!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made a batch of these irresistible BBQ pulled chicken sliders and have some leftovers? No worries! I’ve got you covered on how to store and reheat them so they stay just as tasty as when they first came out of the oven.
First things first, let your sliders cool completely before storing them. This helps prevent condensation and keeps them from getting soggy. Once they’re cool, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each slider tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and pop them into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Now, when it comes to reheating, you have a couple of options. For the best texture, I recommend reheating them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), unwrap the sliders (if they’re frozen, there’s no need to thaw), and place them on a baking sheet. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to keep them from drying out. Bake for about 15–20 minutes, or until they’re heated through and the buns are nice and warm. If you want that crispy top again, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking!
If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave. Just pop one slider on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel (this keeps it moist), and heat for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. But be careful—microwaves can make the buns a bit chewy, so I always suggest the oven for the best results!
With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your BBQ pulled chicken sliders again and again. Deliciousness awaits!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken for these sliders?
Absolutely! If you have frozen chicken, just make sure to cook it thoroughly before shredding. You can use a slow cooker or instant pot to make the process easier, and then mix it with your BBQ sauce for that delicious flavor.
What type of BBQ sauce should I use?
This really depends on your taste preference! You can go for a classic sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, or if you like a bit of heat, a spicy version will do wonders. You could even make your own if you’re feeling adventurous! Learn more about making BBQ sauce.
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can assemble the sliders and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve. They’re perfect for meal prep!
How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?
To prevent soggy buns, make sure not to over-sauce the chicken mixture. A good rule of thumb is to use enough sauce to coat the chicken without making it swimming in BBQ sauce. Also, letting the sliders cool slightly after baking will help maintain their texture.
What sides go well with BBQ pulled chicken sliders?
These sliders pair wonderfully with a variety of sides! Think classic coleslaw, potato salad, or even some crispy sweet potato fries. A refreshing cucumber salad or corn on the cob can also complement the flavors nicely!
bbq pulled chicken sliders: 5 simple steps to deliciousness
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
BBQ pulled chicken sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make dish perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 12 slider buns
- 1/2 cup coleslaw
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Heat the mixture in a pan over medium heat until warm.
- Slice the slider buns in half and place the bottom halves on a baking sheet.
- Layer the BBQ chicken mixture on the buns.
- Add a spoonful of coleslaw on top of the chicken.
- Place the top halves of the buns on the sliders.
- Brush the tops with olive oil.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until the buns are golden.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to your taste.
- You can use store-bought or homemade coleslaw.
- These sliders can be made ahead of time and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: bbq pulled chicken sliders, sliders, BBQ chicken, easy recipes
