July BBQ Chicken Sliders

Celebrate summer gatherings with these 4th of July BBQ Chicken Sliders featuring juicy shredded BBQ chicken layered on soft slider buns and topped with a crisp, tangy coleslaw. This easy-to-make American classic is perfect for backyard barbecues and festive occasions, offering a delightful combination of smoky, savory chicken and refreshing slaw for every handheld bite.

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Whether hosting a festive 4th of July cookout or a casual summer party, these sliders bring people together with their bold flavors and effortless assembly. The creamy coleslaw balances the rich BBQ chicken, creating a refreshing and delicious handheld meal everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• For the BBQ Chicken:
• 1 ½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup (240 ml) BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Coleslaw:
• 3 cups (225 g) shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup (70 g) shredded red cabbage
• 1 medium carrot, grated
• ¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For Assembly:
• 8 slider buns
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for toasting buns, optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the BBQ Chicken:

a. Season chicken breasts with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
b. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and sear 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned.
c. Add chicken broth and BBQ sauce to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-18 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and tender.
d. Remove chicken, shred with two forks, then return to the skillet. Toss with sauce and simmer uncovered for 3-5 minutes until thickened.

2. Make the Coleslaw:

a. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
b. Add shredded green and red cabbage and grated carrot. Toss well to coat evenly. Set aside.

3. Toast the Buns (Optional):

a. Brush slider buns with melted butter.
b. Toast in a skillet or under the broiler until golden brown.

4. Assemble the Sliders:

a. Place a generous scoop of BBQ chicken on each bottom bun.
b. Top with a heap of coleslaw.
c. Cover with the top bun and serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Ensure the chicken is cooked through and tender before shredding for the best texture. To achieve a deeper smoky flavor, consider using chipotle BBQ sauce or adding a dash of liquid smoke to the cooking sauce. Preparing the coleslaw a day ahead allows the flavors to meld and saves time on the day of serving.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a quicker alternative, substitute cooked rotisserie chicken shredded and warmed in BBQ sauce. Change up the BBQ sauce variety to suit your preferred flavor profile, such as sweet, spicy, or smoky. Swap mayonnaise in the coleslaw for Greek yogurt for a lighter twist, or add chopped fresh herbs for additional freshness.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these sliders alongside classic BBQ sides like pickles, potato chips, or grilled corn on the cob to complete your backyard feast. Pair them with a crisp American lager or refreshing sparkling lemonade for the perfect summer refreshment.

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With their perfect balance of smoky BBQ chicken and crunchy, tangy coleslaw, these sliders are sure to be a standout at any summer celebration. Easy to prepare and universally loved, they bring the taste of a classic American backyard barbecue right to your plate.

Common Questions

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken for these sliders?

Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Simply shred the chicken and warm it in your preferred BBQ sauce before assembling the sliders.

→ What type of BBQ sauce works best?

Choose a BBQ sauce you enjoy; smoky, sweet, or tangy varieties all complement the shredded chicken well. For added depth, chipotle BBQ sauce adds a smoky twist.

→ How can I make the coleslaw ahead of time?

Mix the coleslaw dressing and cabbage mixture up to one day in advance. Keep it chilled in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and crispness.

→ Is toasting the slider buns necessary?

Toasting buns is optional but recommended. It adds a golden, slightly crispy texture that helps prevent sogginess when adding the BBQ chicken and coleslaw.

→ What sides pair well with these sliders?

Classic sides include pickles, potato chips, or grilled corn. A crisp American lager or sparkling lemonade also complements the flavors nicely.