Smoky BBQ Chicken Slider Recipe
Why Smoky BBQ Chicken Sliders?
These sliders pack all the flavors of a classic BBQ dish into a mini sandwich that’s ideal for parties or casual meals. Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, especially when grilled and coated in a smoky BBQ sauce. Piled onto soft slider buns and topped with coleslaw for a crunchy finish, these sliders are a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to eat.
Grilling small pieces of chicken can be tricky, but using the Braize Large Grill Basket makes it easy. The basket keeps the chicken secure and ensures even cooking without worry about losing pieces through the grates. Plus, the removable handle makes flipping simple for perfectly grilled, saucy chicken.
Smoky BBQ Chicken Slider Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup smoky BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For the Sliders:
- 8-10 slider buns, lightly toasted
- 1 cup coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
- Pickles, for topping (optional)
- Extra BBQ sauce, for drizzling
Directions:
Preparing the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil and season both sides with salt and pepper. The olive oil helps prevent sticking and adds flavor, while the salt and pepper bring out the natural taste of the chicken.
Prepping Your Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. A hot grill will give the chicken a beautiful char and cook it through quickly.
Grilling the Chicken
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Place Chicken in Grill Basket: Arrange the chicken thighs in the Large Grill Basket in a single layer. This will help them cook evenly and avoid flare-ups from dripping fat.
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Grill the Chicken: Grill the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Brush generously with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking, letting the sauce caramelize for that smoky, sticky finish.
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Rest and Slice: Once the chicken is grilled to perfection, remove it from the basket and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, perfect for piling onto the slider buns.
Assembling the Sliders
To assemble the sliders, place a few pieces of BBQ chicken on each toasted slider bun. Top with a spoonful of coleslaw for crunch and a pickle slice for tangy flavor if desired. Drizzle with a bit of extra BBQ sauce for an extra kick, then add the top bun. Repeat for all sliders and serve hot.
BBQ chicken sliders are one of my go-to recipes when I want something simple, flavorful, and fun to eat. The smoky sauce, tender chicken, and crunchy coleslaw create a perfect bite every time. They’re easy to make in batches, making them ideal for feeding a crowd, and they always disappear fast at gatherings!
Serving Suggestions
These Smoky BBQ Chicken Sliders are perfect on their own, but you can serve them with sides like potato salad, corn on the cob, or baked beans for a complete BBQ meal. They’re great as party appetizers, casual dinners, or even as part of a slider bar with other mini sandwiches.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
- Yes, chicken breasts work well too! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as they cook a bit faster than thighs.
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What other toppings can I add to the sliders?
- Try adding cheese, sliced red onion, or even jalapeños for a bit of heat.
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Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Grill the chicken and keep it covered. Reheat gently on the grill or in the oven before assembling the sliders.
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Can I make these sliders in the oven?
- Yes! You can bake the chicken thighs at 400°F (200°C) until cooked through, then brush with BBQ sauce before broiling for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce.
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What sides go well with BBQ Chicken Sliders?
- These sliders pair perfectly with potato salad, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a side of baked beans for a full BBQ experience.
Ready to make these delicious, smoky sliders?
Smoky BBQ Chicken Sliders bring the best of BBQ flavor to a mini sandwich that’s perfect for any occasion. Fire up your grill and give these Smoky BBQ Chicken Sliders a try! Don’t forget to share your tasty creations with us on social media @CookingWithBraize. We’d love to see your take on this crowd-pleasing dish!