July 4 BBQ Chicken Sliders (Printable Version)

Tender BBQ chicken on soft buns topped with crisp coleslaw, ideal for festive summer meals.

# What You'll Need:

→ BBQ Chicken

01 - 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 cup BBQ sauce
03 - 0.5 cup chicken broth
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
05 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
08 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Coleslaw

09 - 3 cups shredded green cabbage
10 - 1 cup shredded red cabbage
11 - 1 medium carrot, grated
12 - 0.25 cup mayonnaise
13 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
14 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
15 - 1 teaspoon honey
16 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Assembly

17 - 8 slider buns
18 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

# Directions:

01 - Season chicken breasts with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and sear 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned.
02 - Add chicken broth and BBQ sauce to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-18 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and tender.
03 - Remove chicken and shred with two forks, then return to the skillet. Toss with sauce and simmer uncovered for 3-5 minutes until thickened.
04 - In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
05 - Add shredded green and red cabbage and grated carrot to the dressing. Toss well to coat evenly and set aside.
06 - Brush slider buns with melted butter. Toast in a skillet or under the broiler until golden brown.
07 - Place a generous scoop of BBQ chicken on each bottom bun. Top with a heap of coleslaw. Cover with the top bun and serve immediately.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • Quick and easy to prepare in just 45 minutes, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities
  • Perfect crowd-pleaser that serves 8, ideal for summer gatherings and BBQ parties
  • The combination of smoky BBQ chicken and tangy coleslaw creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures
  • Slider format makes them easy to eat while mingling, no forks required
  • Can be customized with your favorite BBQ sauce to suit your taste preferences
02 -
  • Use a large skillet with a lid to ensure even cooking and to trap moisture for tender chicken
  • Don't overdress the coleslaw—you want it creamy but not soggy, so start with less dressing and add more if needed
  • Toast the buns for extra flavor and to prevent them from getting soggy from the BBQ sauce
  • Let the shredded chicken simmer uncovered for a few minutes to thicken the sauce and ensure it clings to the meat
  • Assemble sliders just before serving to keep the buns from becoming too soft
  • Check BBQ sauce labels if serving guests with dietary restrictions, as some contain gluten or soy
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