BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pulled chicken simmered in a tangy barbecue sauce and served on mini buns with creamy slaw for a festive and handheld July 4th treat. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 375 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, barbecue sauce, mini slider buns for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 8 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs in a slow cooker and pour 1 cup barbecue sauce over them. Cook on low for 6 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
  2. Step 2: While the chicken cooks, prepare the coleslaw by combining 1 cup shredded green cabbage, 1 cup shredded red cabbage, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate.
  3. Step 3: When the chicken is done, shred it with two forks directly in the slow cooker and stir to coat with the barbecue sauce.
  4. Step 4: Lightly toast 8 mini slider buns on a skillet or oven at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until warm and slightly crisp.
  5. Step 5: Assemble the sliders by spooning a generous 3 oz portion of the pulled chicken onto each bun bottom, topping with 2 tbsp coleslaw, and placing the bun top over.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately for a satisfying handheld meal with patriotic colors in the slaw.

Frequently asked questions

How long does BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw take to make?

Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep barbecue sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw?

American bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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