Are you ready to elevate your next gathering with a burst of flavor? BBQ Chicken Sliders with Pickles are here to steal the show! These tasty bites combine juicy shredded chicken, zesty BBQ sauce, and crunchy pickle slices, all nestled in soft buns. Perfect for parties or weeknight dinners, this recipe is simple yet packed with deliciousness. Let’s dive into the world of sliders that everyone will love!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
– 1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 12 mini hamburger buns
Additional Ingredients
– 1 cup dill pickles, sliced
– ½ cup coleslaw mix
– ¼ cup mayonnaise
Seasoning and Garnish
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
When it comes to BBQ chicken sliders, the key is using great ingredients. Start with cooked shredded chicken. You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie for ease. The BBQ sauce is crucial. You can make your own or grab a good store-bought one.
Don’t skip the mini hamburger buns. They hold everything together perfectly. For crunch and tang, add sliced dill pickles. The coleslaw mix adds a nice texture. Mix it with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This creamy topping brightens the sliders.
Finally, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and flavor. It makes your sliders look great on the plate. Each ingredient plays a role in making these sliders a tasty treat. Enjoy the mix of flavors and textures in every bite!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
– In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with 1 cup of BBQ sauce.
– Mix well until the chicken is fully coated in the sauce. This step adds a rich flavor to the meat.
Making the Coleslaw
– In another bowl, mix ¼ cup of mayonnaise with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
– Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste.
– Stir in ½ cup of coleslaw mix until it is evenly coated. The coleslaw adds a crunchy texture.
Assembling the Sliders
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Take 12 mini hamburger buns and place them on a baking sheet.
– Spoon a generous portion of the BBQ chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each slider bun.
– Add a couple of pickle slices on top of the chicken for a tangy kick.
– Finish with a small spoonful of coleslaw on each slider.
Toasting the Sliders (Optional)
– If you want a warm, crispy bun, place the assembled sliders in the oven.
– Toast for 5-7 minutes until the buns turn golden brown. This step enhances the overall flavor and texture.
Tips & Tricks
Enhancing Flavor
To create a homemade BBQ sauce, combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika. This mix gives a sweet and tangy taste. You can add spices like cayenne for heat or honey for more sweetness.
For pickles, dill pickles work great, but you can try bread and butter pickles for a sweet twist. Each type of pickle brings a unique flavor that can change the whole slider experience.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your sliders with crispy fries or a fresh garden salad. Fries add crunch, while salads provide a light balance.
For a stunning presentation, stack the sliders on a rustic wooden board. Place extra pickles and a bowl of coleslaw on the side. Guests can customize their sliders just the way they like.
Cooking Tips
To get the right chicken texture, use cooked, shredded chicken. The sauce should coat the chicken well. Avoid overcooking the mixture to keep the chicken tender.
For leftover BBQ chicken, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It lasts for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the mixture for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge before using.
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can switch up the proteins in your sliders. Pulled pork makes a great choice. Turkey is also tasty and lighter. For toppings, try jalapeños for some heat. Cheese can add a creamy touch that many enjoy.
Flavor Combinations
BBQ sauces come in many flavors. You can choose spicy sauces for a kick or sweet ones if you prefer. Mixing coleslaw with apples adds sweetness. Adding nuts gives a nice crunch and taste.
Dietary Modifications
If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free buns. Many brands make tasty gluten-free versions. For a vegan meal, swap chicken for jackfruit or mushrooms. You can make coleslaw with a vegan mayo to keep it plant-based.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your BBQ chicken sliders fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will prevent them from drying out. If you have leftover components, like the chicken or coleslaw, store them separately. This way, the buns stay soft and the coleslaw remains crunchy. You can use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to cover the sliders too. If you want to freeze extra sliders, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. This helps keep the flavors intact.
Reheating Tips
When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, you can reheat your sliders in a few ways. The best method is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the sliders on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes. This keeps the buns soft and warms the chicken well. If you want a quick option, use the microwave. Heat them for 30 seconds to 1 minute. To keep the buns from getting tough, cover them with a paper towel.
Shelf Life
In the fridge, your BBQ chicken sliders last about 3 to 4 days. If you notice any off smell or changes in color, it’s best to toss them. When freezing, they can last up to 3 months. Just remember to check for freezer burn. This can happen if they are not sealed well. If your sliders feel dry or hard, they are no longer good to eat.
FAQs
How do I make homemade BBQ sauce for sliders?
To make simple BBQ sauce, you need a few easy ingredients. Gather:
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Mix all these in a bowl. Taste and adjust to your liking. This sauce pairs great with chicken!
Can I prepare the sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep sliders early. Start by making the BBQ chicken. Keep it in the fridge for up to two days. You can also mix the coleslaw and store it separately. When ready to serve, just assemble the sliders. This saves time and makes serving easy!
What can I serve with BBQ chicken sliders?
Great sides for sliders include:
– French fries
– Potato salad
– Coleslaw
– Corn on the cob
– Baked beans
These sides add color and flavor to your meal. They also balance the richness of the sliders!
Are BBQ chicken sliders kid-friendly?
Absolutely! To make sliders fun for kids, let them help assemble. Use smaller pickle slices, and offer toppings like cheese. You can even use fun-shaped buns. Kids love to customize their food. It makes the meal more exciting!
In this blog post, we covered how to make delicious BBQ chicken sliders. We looked at all the ingredients, from the chicken to the coleslaw. I shared easy steps to prepare and assemble the sliders. You also got tips on flavors and variations to try.
Keep these insights in mind next time you want a simple meal. Enjoy making these sliders for family or friends. They are tasty, fun, and perfect for any gathering. Happy cooking!
