Spicy BBQ Chicken Sliders (Printer View)

Smoky chicken with tangy barbecue sauce in soft slider buns, ideal for casual entertaining.

# What you'll need:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
08 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt

→ BBQ Sauce

09 - 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
10 - 2 tablespoons hot sauce

→ For Serving

11 - 8 slider buns
12 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
13 - 1/2 cup sliced pickles

# Method:

01 - Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt until evenly coated.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken thighs and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through and lightly charred. Transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes.
03 - Using two forks, shred chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return to skillet and pour in barbecue sauce and hot sauce. Toss to coat and warm through for 2-3 minutes.
04 - Toast slider buns if desired. Layer shredded lettuce, pickles, and generous portions of spicy BBQ chicken onto each bun. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Perfect for game day parties and family gatherings
  • Quick to assemble once you prep the chicken ahead
  • Customizable heat level to suit everyone
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully for tomorrow's lunch
02 -
  • High in protein for a satisfying meal
  • Make ahead friendly for easy meal prep
  • Great main dish or party appetizer
03 -
  • Always toast your slider buns for the best texture and sturdiness
  • Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after shredding helps the meat absorb even more sauce
  • Mixing a tiny bit of mayonnaise into your slaw keeps it crisp and adds a creamier bite without overpowering the dish
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