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- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken - 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand) - 1/2 cup diced red onion - 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/4 cup diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 12 mini slider buns - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Large mixing bowl - Skillet - Spatula - Toaster oven or separate skillet for toasting buns {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by taking a large bowl. Add 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken. Pour in 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. Mix well, so every piece of chicken gets coated. Next, add 1/2 cup of diced red onion. Then, toss in 1/4 cup of diced jalapeños. You can use fresh or pickled ones for a nice kick. Finally, add 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until it looks even. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Now, we need to heat our tasty mixture. Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Let the oil warm up for a minute. Then, spoon the BBQ chicken mixture into the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure it heats evenly. You'll know it's done when the cheese melts and everything is hot. While the chicken warms up, prepare your slider buns. Take 12 mini slider buns and split them in half. You can toast them on a separate skillet or use a toaster oven. Lightly toast them until they turn golden brown. This step adds a nice crunch. Once done, they are ready for the BBQ chicken mixture. Choosing the right BBQ sauce is key. I love using a smoky and sweet sauce. Look for one that has a rich flavor. You can also try a spicy sauce for extra zest. Brands like Sweet Baby Ray’s and Stubbs are great options. If you make your own, balance sweetness with tang. This makes the chicken taste amazing. To boost that cheesy goodness, use sharp cheddar cheese. It melts well and adds flavor. You can mix in cream cheese for a creamy texture. Another fun option is to add mozzarella on top. Melt it under the broiler for a few seconds. This creates a gooey layer you’ll love. Cheese makes everything better! Jalapeños add a nice kick to the sliders. If you want mild heat, use pickled jalapeños. They give flavor without being too spicy. For a stronger taste, use fresh jalapeños. Remove the seeds for less heat. You can also mix in some hot sauce for a fiery twist. Adjusting heat makes this recipe fun for everyone! Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quick and easy option, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds great flavor to your sliders. Experiment with BBQ Sauces: Try different BBQ sauces to find your favorite flavor profile. A spicy or sweet BBQ sauce can elevate the taste of your sliders. Add Extra Toppings: Consider adding extra toppings like pickles, avocado, or coleslaw for added texture and flavor. Make it Ahead: You can prepare the chicken mixture a day in advance. Just reheat it before serving for a hassle-free gathering. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese for your BBQ chicken sliders. Try using pepper jack for a spicy kick. Mozzarella gives a nice stretch and mild taste. You can also use gouda for a smoky flavor. Each cheese brings its own twist to the dish. Chicken isn’t the only option for sliders. You can use shredded beef or pork too. These meats work well with BBQ sauce and keep the slider juicy. If you prefer turkey, it’s leaner but still tasty. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if needed. Want a veggie option? Try using jackfruit as a meat substitute. It absorbs flavors well and has a nice texture. You can also use grilled mushrooms for a meaty bite. Lentils or chickpeas mixed with BBQ sauce make a hearty filling. These options keep everyone happy at the table! After a fun meal, store any leftover sliders in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze sliders, first, let them cool completely. Wrap each slider in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped sliders in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Make sure to label the bag with the date. To reheat, unwrap the sliders and place them on a baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use a microwave. If using a microwave, place the slider on a plate and cover it with a paper towel. Heat for 30-60 seconds until warm. Enjoy your sliders as if they were just made! BBQ chicken sliders last about 3 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. Make sure to keep the sliders separate from any toppings, like cilantro. Yes, you can prepare these sliders ahead of time. You can make the BBQ chicken mixture a day early. Just store it in the fridge. On the day of your event, just heat it up and assemble the sliders. Many sides go well with BBQ chicken sliders. Here are some ideas: - Coleslaw - Potato salad - Corn on the cob - Sweet potato fries - Chips and salsa These sides add a nice balance to the meal. To make your sliders spicy, add more jalapeños. You can use fresh or pickled ones. You can also mix in some hot sauce with the BBQ sauce. This adds heat without changing the flavor too much. You now know how to make delicious BBQ chicken sliders. We covered the ingredients, tools, and steps to prepare them. I shared tips for flavor and texture enhancements. You can also explore fun variations and storage options for leftovers. Remember, these sliders are easy and versatile. Feel free to mix and match ingredients to suit your taste. Enjoy every bite and impress your friends with your new skills!

BBQ Chicken Sliders with a Kick!

Delicious mini sliders filled with BBQ chicken, cheese, and jalapeños for a spicy twist.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 0.5 cup diced red onion
  • 0.5 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 0.25 cup diced jalapeños
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 12 mini slider buns mini slider buns
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro for garnish
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce, mixing well until the chicken is thoroughly coated.
  • Add the diced red onion, jalapeños, and shredded cheddar cheese to the BBQ chicken mixture. Stir everything together until evenly incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
  • Once the skillet is hot, add the BBQ chicken mixture to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and the cheese is melted.
  • While the chicken mixture is cooking, split the mini slider buns in half and lightly toast them on a separate skillet or in a toaster oven until golden brown.
  • Spoon a generous amount of the BBQ chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each slider bun.
  • Top with the other half of the bun, press down gently, and garnish each slider with fresh cilantro.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy these flavorful sliders at your next gathering!

Notes

Serve immediately for the best flavor.
Keyword appetizer, BBQ, chicken, sliders, spicy