BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders

Name: BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 8 sliders
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Slider buns; Pickles (optional for garnish); Coleslaw (optional for topping)

Highlighted under: Celebration Feast Ideas

I’ve absolutely fallen in love with making BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders, especially for gatherings and casual get-togethers. The juicy chicken slathered in sweet, tangy barbecue sauce, piled high on mini buns, is always a crowd-pleaser. In just a few simple steps, you can whip up these flavorful sliders, and I promise, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will make your mouth water. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to customize to suit everyone's taste preferences.

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2026-02-24T18:02:18.835Z

When I first tried making BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders, I was amazed at how simple yet rewarding the process was. Cooking the chicken low and slow in the oven makes it incredibly tender, allowing it to soak up the flavors of that delicious barbecue sauce. I recommend using a good quality barbecue sauce that you enjoy; it really enhances the overall flavor of the sliders.

One tip I discovered is to toast the slider buns lightly before assembling; this adds a delightful crunch that holds up well against the juicy chicken. Garnishing with pickles or coleslaw takes these sliders to the next level. Trust me, once you give them a go, they’ll become a regular part of your meal rotation!

Why You'll Love These Sliders
Smoky-sweet BBQ flavor that everyone adores
Tender chicken that pulls apart easily
Perfectly sized for snacking or a meal

Flavor Profiles

The BBQ sauce you choose plays a crucial role in shaping the flavor of your pulled chicken sliders. A sweet and smoky option can enhance the natural juiciness of the chicken, whereas a spicy barbecue sauce can add a delightful kick. Brands vary significantly in flavor profiles, so try a couple before making your final choice. Additionally, feel free to mix in different sauces or spices to customize the flavors according to your personal preference.

Another common addition is apple cider vinegar, which can be mixed with the barbecue sauce for a zesty contrast that cuts through the sweetness. A couple of tablespoons mixed in can transform the overall flavor, adding brightness without overpowering the dish. Balancing the sweetness with a tangy element will elevate your sliders and make them even more enjoyable.

Perfecting Texture

For the ideal pulled chicken texture, make sure to not overcook the chicken breasts. Instead of drying them out, slow-cook them until they are just tender and easily shred with a fork. The chicken should appear slightly glistening and easy to pull apart. If you want more moisture, you can add a bit of reserved barbecue sauce after shredding to keep the chicken juicy and flavorful.

The way you assemble the sliders is equally important. Lightly toasting the slider buns creates a protective barrier against moisture, preventing them from becoming soggy. A quick toast for 3-4 minutes in the oven or on a skillet at medium heat is sufficient. This not only enhances the bun's flavor but adds an inviting crunch that complements the tender chicken nicely.

Make-Ahead Tips

Preparing pulled chicken sliders ahead of time can save you valuable effort during gatherings. You can cook and shred the chicken the day before, then store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Just reheat it in the oven or microwave, mixing in any additional barbecue sauce for moisture. This way, the flavors can meld together overnight, offering an even richer taste when you’re ready to serve.

If you end up with leftovers, they're easy to freeze. Portion out the pulled chicken and freeze it in separate bags or containers. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. These sliders make a quick, satisfying meal on busy weekdays, maintaining their flavor and texture even after freezing. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of water or extra barbecue sauce to keep the chicken moist.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make the delightful BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders:

Pulled Chicken Ingredients

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Slider buns
Pickles (optional for garnish)
Coleslaw (optional for topping)

Once you have everything ready, you can start cooking the chicken to create the sliders!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders:

Cook the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour the barbecue sauce over the top, cover with foil, and bake for 60 minutes.

Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Using two forks, shred the chicken in the dish until it's well combined with the barbecue sauce.

Assemble the Sliders

Toast the slider buns lightly in the oven or on a skillet. Spoon generous amounts of the pulled chicken onto each bun, add any desired toppings such as pickles or coleslaw, and serve immediately.

Enjoy your mouth-watering BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, marinate the chicken in barbecue sauce for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This will enhance the flavor and ensure it's extra juicy.

Serving Suggestions

These sliders are incredibly versatile when it comes to toppings. While pickles and coleslaw are classic choices, consider adding sliced jalapeños for a spicy twist or a drizzle of ranch dressing for extra creaminess. You can also experiment with different types of coleslaw, such as a vinegar-based slaw versus a creamy one, to see which one pairs best with your pulled chicken. Don't hesitate to let your creativity shine and find your perfect topping combination.

For a fun twist on presentation, serve sliders on a charcuterie board alongside potato chips, sliced veggies, or a fresh salad. This buffet-style serving allows guests to customize their sliders according to their appetites and preferences. Plus, it encourages mingling and makes for an interactive dining experience.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your pulled chicken seems dry after shredding, it may have cooked at too high a temperature or for too long. To remedy this, mix in additional barbecue sauce. For future batches, maintaining the oven at the recommended low temperature will yield tender, juicy chicken, preventing dryness.

On the other hand, if your sliders are too saucy and messy, simply use less sauce next time, or consider keeping some sauce separate for dipping. This approach keeps the buns from getting soggy and enhances the overall eating experience. Always aim for a perfect balance of sauce to chicken, ensuring flavors marry without overwhelming the slider.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling up this recipe for a larger crowd is straightforward. Simply multiply the ingredient quantities by the number of servings you need, ensuring you maintain the same cooking time; however, you may want to check for doneness if using multiple dishes or larger quantities, as it may require a few additional minutes.

Conversely, if you're preparing a smaller serving for just one or two, consider using only half the ingredients but keeping the same flavor combinations. You can also save leftover pulled chicken for sandwiches, tacos, or salads—the options are endless, making this dish a fantastic go-to for meal prep.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option and will give a richer flavor.

→ How can I make these sliders ahead of time?

You can cook and shred the chicken a day in advance. Just reheat before serving.

→ What size buns should I use for sliders?

Mini slider buns are preferred, usually about 2-3 inches in diameter.

→ Can I freeze the pulled chicken?

Yes, the pulled chicken freezes well. Just make sure it's stored in an airtight container.