BBQ Chicken Sliders Coleslaw

Featured in: Weekend Chill Plates

Pulled chicken slow-cooked in barbecue sauce delivers succulent flavor, while a crisp, tangy coleslaw adds freshness and texture. Assembly is straightforward: mound the savory chicken onto slider buns, crown with vibrant slaw, and serve right away. Ideal for gatherings, this dish delights with its mix of smoky, sweet, and zesty notes. Customize the heat level by blending in hot sauce to the barbecue sauce. Pair with sweet potato fries or a salad for a complete meal. The ingredients and preparation are simple, resulting in a mouthwatering, crowd-pleasing main. Allergen awareness is recommended due to gluten and eggs in buns and mayonnaise.

Updated on Fri, 31 Oct 2025 14:16:00 GMT
Savory BBQ chicken sliders topped with tangy coleslaw, perfect for summer gatherings.  Save
Savory BBQ chicken sliders topped with tangy coleslaw, perfect for summer gatherings. | williesnack.com

Tender pulled chicken smothered in barbecue sauce, served on soft sliders with a zesty coleslaw for the perfect bite.

I first made these BBQ chicken sliders for a family picnic and they quickly became everyone's favorite, disappearing within minutes.

Ingredients

  • Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: 2 lbs (900 g)
  • Barbecue sauce: 1 cup (240 ml)
  • Coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots): 1 cup (150 g)
  • Mayonnaise: ½ cup (120 ml)
  • Apple cider vinegar: 2 tablespoons
  • Sugar: 1 tablespoon
  • Salt and pepper: To taste
  • Slider buns: 8

Instructions

Cook Chicken:
In a slow cooker, add the chicken thighs and pour the barbecue sauce over them. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
Prepare Coleslaw:
In a bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
Shred Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks and mix it with the barbecue sauce in the slow cooker.
Assemble Sliders:
Place a generous portion of BBQ chicken on each slider bun and top with a spoonful of tangy coleslaw. Serve immediately.
Delicious pulled BBQ chicken sliders garnished with zesty coleslaw for added crunch.  Save
Delicious pulled BBQ chicken sliders garnished with zesty coleslaw for added crunch. | williesnack.com

These sliders are now a staple at our family cookouts, especially enjoyed by kids and adults alike around the backyard table.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these sliders with sweet potato fries or a light salad for a complete meal.

Required Tools

You will need a slow cooker, mixing bowl, and two forks to prepare this recipe.

Nutritional Information

Each serving provides about 320 calories, 10 g total fat, 40 g carbohydrates, and 20 g protein.

Mouthwatering BBQ chicken sliders on soft buns, bursting with flavor and freshness. Save
Mouthwatering BBQ chicken sliders on soft buns, bursting with flavor and freshness. | williesnack.com

Enjoy these BBQ chicken sliders fresh and warm for the best flavor. They are sure to become a family favorite.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What cut of chicken works best for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for their tenderness and flavor, ensuring easy shredding after cooking.

How is the tangy coleslaw prepared?

Coleslaw mix is tossed with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper, resulting in a creamy, zesty slaw.

Can I make the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and shred chicken in advance, then reheat gently before serving to maintain moisture.

Are there gluten-free options for buns?

Gluten-free slider buns are available at most supermarkets; check labels to ensure suitability for dietary needs.

How can I add more spice to the dish?

Blend hot sauce or extra spices into the barbecue sauce to achieve your desired level of heat and flavor complexity.

What goes well as a side dish?

Sweet potato fries and light salads pair wonderfully, balancing the savory richness of the main.

BBQ Chicken Sliders Coleslaw

Barbecue chicken layered with tangy slaw on soft buns offers bold flavors and a comforting bite.

Prep time
15 min
Time to cook
30 min
Total duration
45 min
Created by Willie Cooper


Skill level Easy

Cuisine American

Total yield 8 Number of servings

Dietary notes No dairy

What You'll Need

Meats

01 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
02 1 cup barbecue sauce

Vegetables

01 1 cup coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots)

Condiments

01 1/2 cup mayonnaise
02 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
03 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
04 Salt and pepper, to taste

Bread

01 8 slider buns

How to make it

Step 01

Cook Chicken in Slow Cooker: Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour barbecue sauce evenly over the meat. Set to low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.

Step 02

Prepare Tangy Coleslaw: Combine coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir until evenly coated and set aside.

Step 03

Shred Chicken: Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it thoroughly with the barbecue sauce.

Step 04

Assemble Sliders: Layer shredded barbecue chicken onto each slider bun, top with a generous spoonful of prepared coleslaw, and serve immediately.

Tools you'll need

  • Slow cooker
  • Mixing bowl
  • Two forks

Allergy details

Review ingredients for potential allergens and ask a medical expert if unsure.
  • Contains gluten (slider buns) and eggs (mayonnaise); verify ingredients for gluten-free or egg-free options as needed.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutritional info is for reference only. For health questions, check with a medical professional.
  • Energy: 320
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Proteins: 20 g