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Close-up of delicious BBQ Chicken Sliders, the perfect bite-sized appetizer.

BBQ Chicken Sliders Easy Dinner

These BBQ Chicken Sliders are the perfect easy dinner or party appetizer. Tender chicken thighs are simmered in flavorful BBQ sauce and served on slider buns with a refreshing coleslaw, creating a delicious combination of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce your favorite brand or homemade
  • 12 Hawaiian rolls or similar slider buns
  • 2 cups prepared coleslaw
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large skillet or grill
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs
  • Baking sheet
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Cut the chicken thighs into smaller, bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes).
  2. In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
  3. Heat a large skillet or grill over medium-high heat.
  4. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
  6. Pour the BBQ sauce over the cooked chicken and stir to coat evenly.
  7. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the chicken to become nicely glazed.
  8. Slice the slider buns in half.
  9. Lightly toast the buns on a baking sheet in a warm oven for a few minutes (optional).
  10. Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture onto the bottom halves of the slider buns.
  11. Top with coleslaw.
  12. Place the top halves of the buns on the sliders.
  13. Serve the BBQ Chicken Sliders warm.

Notes

For extra smoky flavor, add a touch of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce. Store leftover BBQ chicken separately from the buns to prevent sogginess. You can use other cuts of chicken, but chicken thighs provide the best flavor and moisture. The coleslaw can be substituted with other toppings like pickles or onions.