Family Fun Center BBQ Chicken Sliders

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

Mini BBQ chicken sliders topped with coleslaw and pickles perfect for game day or family gatherings. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, BBQ sauce, slider buns for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 12, 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: 30 min Serves 12 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a bowl, toss 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder until evenly coated. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
  2. Step 2: While chicken cooks, mix 2 cups coleslaw mix with 1/3 cup mayonnaise and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar in a bowl. Toss well and chill until ready to assemble.
  3. Step 3: Once chicken is done, shred it using two forks and stir in 1 cup BBQ sauce until well combined and heated through.
  4. Step 4: To assemble sliders, place a generous scoop of BBQ chicken on the bottom half of each of the 12 slider buns, top with a tablespoon of coleslaw and one pickle slice, then cover with the bun tops. Serve immediately for a fun family meal.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Family Fun Center BBQ Chicken Sliders take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Family Fun Center BBQ Chicken Sliders?

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 bbq sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Family Fun Center BBQ Chicken Sliders?

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 Family Fun Center BBQ Chicken Sliders for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). 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 Family Fun Center BBQ Chicken Sliders?

American chicken 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.

Related recipes