Grilled Cajun-Spiced Chicken Sliders with Tangy Slaw

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Mini grilled chicken sandwiches seasoned with a smoky Cajun rub, topped with zesty coleslaw for a perfect game day treat. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this Cajun spice mix evenly over 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs. Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the chicken and let marinate for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges are slightly charred, then let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into slider-sized pieces.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp mayonnaise, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 tsp celery seed, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth. Toss 2 cups shredded green cabbage and 1 shredded medium carrot in this dressing until well coated.
  4. Step 4: Toast 8 mini slider buns lightly on the grill for 1-2 minutes until warm and slightly crisp. Assemble sliders by layering grilled chicken pieces and 2 tbsp of the tangy slaw on each bun bottom. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Chicken Sliders with Tangy Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Chicken Sliders with Tangy Slaw?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Cajun-Spiced Chicken Sliders with Tangy Slaw?

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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Chicken Sliders with Tangy Slaw for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Chicken Sliders with Tangy Slaw?

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.

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