Pulled Smoked Chicken Sliders with Spicy Coleslaw

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

Juicy pulled smoked chicken nestled in soft slider buns topped with a spicy, creamy coleslaw for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 150 minutes pairs chicken thighs, boneless skinless, smoked paprika, garlic powder 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: 30 min Cook: 120 min Serves 8 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rub 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs with 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Let marinate 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat smoker or grill to 250°F. Smoke chicken thighs for 2 hours or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and meat is tender.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken from heat, let cool slightly, then shred using two forks. Toss shredded chicken with 3/4 cup BBQ sauce.
  4. Step 4: In a bowl, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/2 cup grated carrot, 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp hot sauce, 1 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix well to create spicy coleslaw.
  5. Step 5: Toast 8 slider buns lightly on grill for 1 minute. Assemble sliders by layering pulled smoked chicken on buns and topping with a generous scoop of spicy coleslaw.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 150 minutes (30 min prep + 120 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 Pulled Smoked Chicken Sliders with Spicy 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 smoked paprika from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pulled Smoked Chicken Sliders with Spicy 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 Pulled Smoked Chicken Sliders with Spicy 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 Pulled Smoked Chicken Sliders with Spicy 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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