These Spicy BBQ Chicken Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser—packed with smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors, they’re perfect for game days, backyard cookouts, or even a fun weeknight dinner. Juicy shredded chicken is tossed in a bold homemade barbecue sauce with just the right kick of heat, then piled onto soft slider buns and topped with creamy slaw for the perfect bite.
Spicy BBQ Chicken Sliders
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 4 hours hrs
Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American
For the chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
For the slaw
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other
- 8 slider buns
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds optional
Cook the Chicken
Place chicken breasts in a slow cooker with chicken broth, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook on low for 4 hours (or high for 2 hours). Once done, shred with two forks.
Make the BBQ Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, combine all BBQ sauce ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Set aside.
Mix the Chicken
Toss the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce.
Prepare the Slaw
In a bowl, mix shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and refrigerate until ready to use.
Assemble the Sliders
Slice slider buns in half and brush with melted butter. Toast them on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for 5 minutes until golden.
Build & Serve
Pile BBQ chicken onto the bottom buns, top with slaw, then cover with the top buns. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately!
Pairings
These sliders go great with classic sides like crispy fries, baked beans, or a fresh corn salad. For drinks, a cold beer or a tangy lemonade perfectly balances the heat.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs will be juicier and add even more flavor.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the chicken and slaw a day ahead, then assemble and warm up the sliders before serving.
3. How can I make them even spicier?
Add extra cayenne pepper, use a spicier hot sauce, or throw in some sliced jalapeños for extra heat!
