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Flavorful Carolina BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe Easy Homemade Coleslaw Included

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Tender, smoky Carolina BBQ chicken paired with crisp, tangy homemade coleslaw nestled inside soft slider buns. A quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for family gatherings and casual meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 3 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 slider buns
  • Butter for toasting buns (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the BBQ Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
  3. Shred the Chicken: Remove chicken from the slow cooker and transfer to a large bowl. Use two forks or shredding claws to pull the meat apart. Pour some of the cooking liquid back over the shredded chicken to keep it moist and flavorful. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Make the Fresh Coleslaw: In a separate bowl, combine shredded cabbage and carrots. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Pour dressing over the veggies and toss until everything is evenly coated. Refrigerate slaw for 15-20 minutes before serving.
  5. Toast the Slider Buns: Lightly butter the insides of each bun. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and toast buns until golden brown.
  6. Assemble the Sliders: Pile generous portions of shredded BBQ chicken onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with a spoonful of fresh coleslaw. Place the top bun on and serve immediately.

Notes

If you want a gluten-free option, swap slider buns for gluten-free rolls or lettuce wraps. For dairy-free needs, use vegan mayo in the coleslaw. Toast buns lightly to prevent sogginess. Coleslaw can be made a day ahead but add just before serving. Keep an eye on chicken moisture when shredding and add cooking juices if dry.

Nutrition

Keywords: Carolina BBQ chicken, sliders, homemade coleslaw, BBQ chicken sliders, easy BBQ recipe, slow cooker chicken, Southern BBQ, party food, game day recipe

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/flavorful-carolina-bbq-chicken-sliders-recipe-easy-homemade-coleslaw-included/