BBQ Chicken Sliders

Tangy shredded chicken sandwiched between mini buns, these BBQ chicken sliders are an absolute crowd-pleaser and are simple to make in the pressure cooker!

BBQ Chicken Sliders on a white platter

Why this recipe works


Our instant pot BBQ chicken is transformed into mini sliders, and they are perfect for potlucks and parties! These BBQ chicken sliders are packed with tender shredded chicken smothered in a tangy, smoky barbecue sauce. Pile that mixture between a slider bun and you’re ready to go.

This recipe comes together quickly in the pressure cooker. The prep time includes bringing the instant pot up to pressure as well as the time for the release, so don’t be intimidated – it’s SO easy!

Hand holding up a BBQ Chicken Slider

Ingredients you will need


Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Sliders

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions


CHICKEN – We’re using both chicken breast and chicken thighs for this recipe. The mixture of the two goes really well together and the dark meat helps add even more moisture and flavor. You can certainly use all chicken breast if that’s what you prefer.

SAUCE – You can use our Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sauce for this recipe! However, any bottled barbecue sauce will do.

BUNS – If you really want to get fancy with it, homemade Hawaiian rolls are a fantastic vehicle for BBQ shredded chicken. Store-bought slider buns work just as well.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Sliders


These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

  1. Coarsely chop onion and place into a mini chopper or food processor. Blend until until finely minced. Set aside.chopped onion in food processorfinely chopping onion in a food processor
  2. To the Instant Pot, add chicken stock and all the chicken breasts and thighs.chicken thighs and breasts with chicken stock in an instant pot
  3. Sprinkle chicken with garlic powder and onion powder, drizzle with Worcestershire and liquid smoke.adding Worcestershire sauce to instant pot with chicken
  4. Add the finely minced onion on top of everything. Sprinkle with brown sugar and top it all with the barbecue sauce.adding brown sugar to chicken mixture in instant potbarbecue sauce on top of chicken mixture in instant pot
  5. Close lid and turn vent to the closed position. Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. Do a 10 minute natural release, then open vent to release any remaining pressure.
  6. Remove lid and spoon off much of the liquid, but reserve it in case you need to add some back in. Shred the chicken with two forks. If it is too dry add some of the reserved liquid back in.

    CHEF’S TIP – the chicken mixture may drip some of its liquid, making the bottom bun soggy. You can either drain it more and add more barbecue sauce, or line each bottom bun with lettuce before adding the chicken.

     

  7. Scoop 1/4 cup of chicken onto each slider bun. Top with coleslaw if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips


How do you store leftover BBQ chicken sliders?

Store any leftover shredded chicken in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. 

Close up photo of BBQ Chicken Sliders on a platter

Serving Suggestions


Garnish BBQ chicken sliders with creamy coleslaw and secure with a bamboo pick, if desired. These are also great when sprinkled with shredded cheese. Quickly pop the sliders in the oven or toaster oven to melt the cheese and lightly toast the bun. Optionally baste melted butter over the buns before toasting.

Sliders pair well with french fries, baked beans, tater tots, onion rings, or other classic “burger” sides. Serve with an extra side of barbecue sauce for dipping.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium onion
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 20 slider buns
  • coleslaw optional as topping

Things You’ll Need

  • Instant pot

  • Food processor

Before You Begin

  • We’re using both chicken breast and chicken thighs for this recipe. The mixture of the two goes really well together and the dark meat helps add even more moisture and flavor. You can certainly use all chicken breast if that’s what you prefer.
  • You can use our Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sauce for this recipe! However, any bottled barbecue sauce will do.
  • If you really want to get fancy with it, homemade Hawaiian rolls are a fantastic vehicle for BBQ shredded chicken. Store-bought slider buns work just as well.

Instructions

  • Coarsely chop onion and place into a mini chopper or food processor. Blend until until finely minced. Set aside.

  • To the Instant Pot, add chicken stock and all the chicken breasts and thighs.

  • Sprinkle chicken with garlic powder and onion powder, drizzle with Worcestershire and liquid smoke.

  • Add the finely minced onion on top of everything. Sprinkle with brown sugar and top it all with the barbecue sauce.

  • Close lid and turn vent to the closed position. Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. Do a 10 minute natural release, then open vent to release any remaining pressure.

  • Remove lid and spoon off much of the liquid, but reserve it in case you need to add some back in. Shred the chicken with two forks. If it is too dry add some of the reserved liquid back in.CHEF’S TIP – the chicken mixture may drip some of its liquid, making the bottom bun soggy. You can either drain it more and add more barbecue sauce, or line each bottom bun with lettuce before adding the chicken.

  • Scoop 1/4 cup of chicken onto each slider bun. Top with coleslaw if desired.

Expert Tips & FAQs

  • This recipe yields 20 sliders, or 5 cups of chicken.
  • Store any leftover shredded chicken in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving (2 sliders) | Calories: 385cal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 490mg | Potassium: 481mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 96IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 3mg

Related Posts

Christina Applegate Shares the MS Symptoms That Landed Her in the Hospital 30+ Times

Christina Applegate has been candid about her struggles with multiple sclerosis (MS). But in a recent episode of her podcast MesSy, she revealed one of the most…

Women in Perimenopause Are Experiencing Extreme Anxiety—These Reddit Threads Explain Why

When people think of perimenopause, they often picture hot flashes, mood swings or irregular periods. But for many women, one of the most disruptive and least talked…

Doctors Said It Was Just Stress, but My V-Tach Symptoms Could Have Killed Me

When I was 38 years old, I was working as an accounting consultant and in good health—or so I thought. But in October 2020, I started feeling…

Is Botox Covered by Insurance? My Experience With Masseter Botox for Teeth Grinding

For years, I struggled with teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Whether I was stressed, focused at my computer or even sleeping, I’d catch myself clenching my jaw…

Mia Hamm Opens up About Her Brother’s Death and Helping Bone Marrow Patients (EXCLUSIVE)

While many recognize Mia Hamm as a legendary soccer player and two-time Olympic gold medalist, she has also become a dedicated advocate for those affected by graft…

How to Improve Your Cognitive Function Naturally—No Pricy Supplements Required

A little forgetfulness or trouble focusing is normal as we age, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with these bothersome memory blips. Research shows that…