Juicy BBQ Chicken Sliders

Featured in: Simple Feasts

Enjoy a delightful meal featuring tender, juicy shredded BBQ chicken served on soft slider buns topped with melted cheddar and fresh coleslaw. Paired with golden, seasoned fries baked to a crispy finish, this dish is perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners. The chicken is seared and baked with a flavorful blend of smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powders infused into a rich barbecue sauce. Fries seasoned with sea salt, black pepper, and paprika complement the sliders beautifully, delivering a satisfying combination of textures and flavors.

Updated on Sun, 09 Nov 2025 10:45:00 GMT
Juicy BBQ chicken sliders stacked high with coleslaw and melted cheese.  Save
Juicy BBQ chicken sliders stacked high with coleslaw and melted cheese. | sugarprairie.com

Juicy shredded BBQ chicken served on soft slider buns with crispy golden fries is a perfect combo for casual gatherings or family dinners. This classic American main dish brings irresistible flavors everyone will love.

The first time I made these BBQ chicken sliders & fries, my family couldn&t stop reaching for seconds. The homemade fries baked to a golden crisp were just as popular as the saucy, cheesy sliders.

Ingredients

  • Chicken & Sauce: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade), 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Sliders: 12 slider buns, 6 slices cheddar cheese (halved), 1 cup coleslaw (prepared or homemade), 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
  • Fries: 4 large russet potatoes, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

Prep Ingredients:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Sear Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 2 minutes per side until golden.
Bake Chicken:
Transfer chicken to a baking dish. Pour chicken broth and barbecue sauce over the chicken. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature: 165°F/74°C).
Make Fries:
Meanwhile, cut potatoes into 1/4-inch thick fries. Toss with vegetable oil, sea salt, black pepper, and paprika. Spread evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
Shred Chicken:
Remove chicken from oven. Shred with two forks and toss with sauce in the baking dish.
Toast Buns:
Brush slider buns with melted butter and toast lightly in oven for 3 to 4 minutes.
Assemble Sliders:
Place shredded BBQ chicken on bottom half of each bun, top with cheddar cheese and a spoonful of coleslaw. Cover with top bun.
Serve:
Serve the sliders hot with crispy fries on the side.
Crispy fries served alongside savory BBQ chicken sliders for casual gatherings.  Save
Crispy fries served alongside savory BBQ chicken sliders for casual gatherings. | sugarprairie.com

My kids love helping assemble the sliders—each person picks their favorite toppings for a fun, interactive meal. We laugh at the table over how fast the fries disappear!

Customize Your Sliders

Try adding pickles, jalapeños, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for extra zest. Swap cheddar for pepper jack or your favorite cheese.

Make-Ahead Tips

Cook the chicken in advance and refrigerate up to 2 days. Assemble sliders just before serving and reheat fries in the oven to keep them crisp.

Serving Suggestions

Serve sliders with extra coleslaw, ranch dip, or spicy ketchup. Pair with sweet tea or lemonade for a classic summer meal.

Deliciously shredded BBQ chicken on tender buns, perfectly paired with golden fries. Save
Deliciously shredded BBQ chicken on tender buns, perfectly paired with golden fries. | sugarprairie.com

Bring the family together with these irresistible BBQ chicken sliders and crisp fries. They'll be a hit at your next gathering!

Kitchen Help

How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?

Searing the chicken breasts before baking locks in moisture, while baking covered in barbecue sauce helps maintain juiciness.

Can I prepare the fries without an oven?

Yes, fries can be cooked in an air fryer or deep-fried until golden and crispy for a quicker method.

What variants can I add to the sliders for extra flavor?

Adding pickles or sliced jalapeños to the sliders introduces complementary tangy and spicy notes.

Is it possible to slow cook the chicken instead?

Absolutely. Slow cook the chicken on low for about 4 hours until tender, then shred and toss with sauce.

What type of cheese works best for these sliders?

Cheddar cheese slices add a rich, creamy texture that melts nicely over the shredded chicken.

Juicy BBQ Chicken Sliders

Tender shredded BBQ chicken on slider buns with cheddar and coleslaw, served alongside crispy golden fries.

Setup duration
20 min
Heat duration
35 min
Complete duration
55 min
Created by Molly Evans

Classification Simple Feasts

Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 6 Portions

Nutrition guidelines None specified

Components

Chicken & Sauce

01 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 1 cup barbecue sauce
03 1/2 cup chicken broth
04 1 tablespoon olive oil
05 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
08 Salt and pepper to taste

Sliders

01 12 slider buns
02 6 slices cheddar cheese, halved
03 1 cup coleslaw
04 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Fries

01 4 large russet potatoes
02 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
03 1 teaspoon sea salt
04 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
05 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Method steps

Phase 01

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

Phase 02

Season chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and evenly season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper on both sides.

Phase 03

Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken breasts for 2 minutes per side until golden brown.

Phase 04

Bake chicken with sauce: Transfer chicken to a baking dish, pour chicken broth and barbecue sauce over the chicken, then cover tightly with foil.

Phase 05

Cook chicken: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Phase 06

Prepare fries: Cut potatoes into 1/4-inch thick fries, toss with vegetable oil, sea salt, black pepper, and paprika, then spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Phase 07

Bake fries: Bake fries for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.

Phase 08

Shred chicken: Remove chicken from oven, shred with two forks, and mix with sauce remaining in the baking dish.

Phase 09

Toast buns: Brush slider buns with melted butter and toast lightly in the oven for 3 to 4 minutes.

Phase 10

Assemble sliders: Layer shredded BBQ chicken on bottom halves of toasted buns, top with cheddar cheese and coleslaw, then cover with top halves.

Phase 11

Serve: Serve sliders warm alongside the crispy fries.

Kitchen tools needed

  • Large skillet
  • Baking dish
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Two forks for shredding
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Pastry brush

Dietary concerns

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (slider buns)
  • Contains milk (cheddar cheese, butter)
  • May contain eggs (in coleslaw)
  • May contain soy (in some barbecue sauces and buns)

Dietary breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 570
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 67 g
  • Proteins: 32 g