Crunchy BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe

If you’re looking for a guaranteed party-pleaser or a weeknight dinner that’ll have everyone raving, Crunchy BBQ Chicken Sliders deliver on all fronts. These sliders are bursting with smoky barbecue flavor, juicy chicken, cool and creamy Alabama white BBQ slaw, and that all-important crunch from layers of crispy chips. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, every bite is a joyride of taste and texture you simply can’t resist!

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of everyday ingredients, each element comes together to create pure sandwich magic! From pillowy soft rolls to the snappy bite of BBQ chips, here’s how everything supports the incredible flavor and feel of these sliders.

• King’s Hawaiian rolls: Their sweetness and ultra-soft texture make the perfect slider base, soaking up sauces without going soggy.
• Toasted sesame seeds: Add a nutty finish and subtle crunch to the golden, buttery tops of your rolls.
• Coleslaw mix: Brings cool crispness and a splash of color; tosses effortlessly with the creamy white BBQ sauce.
• Red onion (sliced thin): A gentle bite and pop of purple freshness to balance the barbecue richness.
• Barbecue chips (Grippo’s, if possible): The crowning touch for crunch and smoky, tangy flavor you’ll crave.
• Chicken stock: Infuses the chicken with another layer of savory depth during cooking.
• Chicken breast tenders or thighs: Both are juicy options for shredding; thighs give a little extra richness.
• Onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt: Simple spices that round out the savory profile and bring everything together.
• BBQ sauce: Use your favorite brand for that signature tangy, smoky coating.
• Grated onion plus juice: Adds an extra burst of juicy, savory sweetness to the chicken mix.
• Brown sugar: A dash of caramel-like depth that plays beautifully off the barbecue notes.
• Worcestershire sauce: Bumps up umami complexity for lip-smacking good meat.
• Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy backbone of your Alabama white BBQ dressing.
• Apple cider vinegar: Its tang balances the richness of the mayo and perks up the whole slaw.
• Dijon mustard: Brings sharp, zesty notes to the white BBQ sauce.
• Creamy horseradish: A subtle heat that makes your tastebuds dance.
• Lemon juice: Injects a fresh, citrusy tang that cuts through all the big flavors.
• Hot sauce, cayenne pepper: Add as much or as little as you like for the perfect hit of heat.
• Garlic powder, onion powder: Meld seamlessly into the sauce for bold, full-bodied flavor.
• Salt & pepper: Bring every ingredient into savory balance.

How to Make Crunchy BBQ Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Cook and Shred the Chicken

Add your chicken, chicken stock, grated onion (with all its flavorful juice), brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and the spice blend into a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Let it work its magic until the chicken is tender and shreds easily. This slow simmering means every single bite is moist and packed with flavor. Once done, remove the chicken and shred it using forks (or even your stand mixer for extra speed!).

Step 2: Crisp Up the BBQ Chicken

Spread the shredded chicken onto a foil-lined baking sheet, then drizzle extra BBQ sauce over the top. Broil for a few minutes, watching closely, until you see gloriously caramelized, crispy edges form. This quick blast transforms your chicken from delicious to absolutely irresistible, thanks to those chewy-charred tidbits that make Crunchy BBQ Chicken Sliders unforgettable.

Step 3: Toast the Rolls

Slice your King’s Hawaiian rolls horizontally, separating the tops from the bottoms. Give the insides a quick toast under the broiler until they’re golden brown. Then melt some butter, brush it over the tops, sprinkle them with sesame seeds, and send them back under the broiler for just a minute—just long enough to bring out the deep nutty flavor and impart that bakery shop finish.

Step 4: Make the Alabama White BBQ Coleslaw

In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, creamy horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire, hot sauce, cayenne, and seasonings. Pour most of this irresistible Alabama white BBQ sauce over your coleslaw mix until it’s beautifully coated but still crunchy. Save about a third of the sauce for drizzling over your finished sliders.

Step 5: Assemble the Crunchy BBQ Chicken Sliders

Layer the coleslaw on the bottom buns, then pile on the juicy, caramelized BBQ chicken. Drizzle the reserved white sauce over the top for an extra hit of tangy creaminess. Sprinkle on the thinly sliced red onions for a gentle zip of flavor, and finish everything off with a layer of barbecue chips for that glorious signature crunch. Cap them with the sesame-studded tops, slice, and prepare for rave reviews!

How to Serve Crunchy BBQ Chicken Sliders

Garnishes

You can make these sliders pop even more with a bright, herby sprinkle—think fresh cilantro, chopped scallions, or a dusting of smoked paprika. A few extra chips on top or toothpicks with pickles make for a showstopping handheld feast.

Side Dishes

Pair your Crunchy BBQ Chicken Sliders with a classic backyard spread: creamy potato salad, grilled corn on the cob, zippy pickles, or even a simple green salad. If you’re feeling extra festive, a side of ranch or extra white BBQ for dipping is always a hit.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these beauties on a large wooden board for a casual, help-yourself vibe, or arrange them in cupcake liners for an easy, mess-free party option. Stack them high on a cake stand for a slider “tower” that doubles as a centerpiece. Don’t forget bowls of extra chips so everyone can customize their own crunch factor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store all components separately: keep the chicken, slaw, and chips in different airtight containers. The chicken and slaw will last in the fridge for up to 3 days, but only assemble sliders right before eating to keep everything snappy-fresh and delicious.

Freezing

The shredded BBQ chicken freezes beautifully—just cool it down, seal in an airtight freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Skip freezing the slaw and chips, as they’re best enjoyed fresh. When you’re ready for more Crunchy BBQ Chicken Sliders, just reheat the meat and you’re halfway there.

Reheating

Warm up your chicken gently in a covered skillet or microwave with a splash of chicken broth or BBQ sauce to keep everything juicy. Assemble sliders as usual and enjoy just as you would on day one—crispy, saucy, and full of flavor!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?

Absolutely! Shred up rotisserie chicken and toss it with the BBQ sauce and seasonings. You’ll save time, and the flavor is still wonderful—just broil as directed for that signature crispy edge.

What kind of chips work best for the “crunch”?

Grippo’s Barbecue are classic if you can get them, but any thick-cut, sturdy BBQ, plain, or sour cream and onion chips will do the trick. Go for maximum crunch factor!

Is there a substitute for Alabama white BBQ sauce?

If you’re short on ingredients, a mixture of mayo, a splash of vinegar, and a bit of mustard makes a quick, tangy substitute, though the full recipe is worth it for its unique flavor punch.

Can I make the sliders ahead for a party?

You can prep all the parts ahead (chicken, slaw, toasted buns), but assemble them last minute. This way, your Crunchy BBQ Chicken Sliders stay perfectly fresh and don’t lose their crunch.

How spicy are these sliders?

The heat is mild to medium as written, but it’s super easy to adjust. Add more hot sauce or cayenne for a kick, or keep it tame so everyone can dig in.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to bring the wow-factor to your next get-together or simply shake up your weeknight menu, these Crunchy BBQ Chicken Sliders are the ultimate treat. Every element delivers bold flavor and irresistible texture, so don’t wait—gather your ingredients and experience the crunch and crave-worthy deliciousness for yourself!

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