Gather your friends and family for a flavor-packed celebration with these Smoky Bourbon BBQ Chicken Sliders! These little bites pack a punch of bold, barbecue-inspired taste that’s perfect for any festive gathering. Juicy chicken, tangy sauce, and a touch of bourbon come together in a delightfully easy-to-eat slider format that’s sure to have everyone coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky Bourbon BBQ Chicken Sliders
These Smoky Bourbon BBQ Chicken Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish. The combination of smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors creates a delectable balance that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. The tender chicken, melty cheese, and soft slider buns come together for an indulgent, yet still perfectly portable, bite. Plus, the bourbon adds an extra layer of complexity that takes these sliders to the next level. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, game day gathering, or holiday party, these sliders are sure to be the star of the show.
Ingredients
To make these irresistible Smoky Bourbon BBQ Chicken Sliders, you’ll need a few key ingredients: boneless, skinless chicken breasts, your favorite BBQ sauce, bourbon, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and slider buns. The combination of these flavors creates a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy.
- 1 lb – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup – Your favorite BBQ sauce
- 3 tbsp – Bourbon
- 2 tsp – Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp – Brown sugar
Ingredient Substitutions
- BBQ Sauce: Homemade or store-bought, use your favorite variety (swap for a different flavor profile)
- Bourbon: Apple cider or non-alcoholic apple juice (for a non-alcoholic option)
How to Make Smoky Bourbon BBQ Chicken Sliders
Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make these mouthwatering Smoky Bourbon BBQ Chicken Sliders step-by-step:
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch. This will ensure they cook evenly. Then, season the chicken with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before shredding it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, bourbon, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until the mixture is well combined. Spoon the BBQ chicken onto the slider buns, top with a slice of cheese, and serve immediately.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Grilling: For an extra smoky flavor, you can grill the chicken instead of searing it in a skillet.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or cheddar, to add more depth to the sliders.
- Spicy Version: To make these sliders a little spicier, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture.
- Toppings: Consider topping the sliders with crispy onion strings or a dollop of tangy coleslaw for a more indulgent twist.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Potato salad, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply place the sliders in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Make-Ahead: The BBQ chicken mixture can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and assemble the sliders.
Nutrition Information
These Smoky Bourbon BBQ Chicken Sliders are a satisfying and flavorful option that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Protein: 19 g
- Carbs: 25 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of bourbon is best for this recipe?
Any good quality bourbon will work well in this recipe. Look for a bourbon with notes of caramel, vanilla, or oak, which will complement the BBQ flavors nicely.
Can I make the BBQ chicken mixture in advance?
Absolutely! The BBQ chicken mixture can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and assemble the sliders.
How can I make these sliders spicier?
For a spicier version, try adding a tablespoon or two of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture. You can also top the sliders with a few slices of pickled jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for this recipe. Simply shred the chicken and toss it with the BBQ sauce mixture.
How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?
To prevent the slider buns from getting too soggy, be sure to not overfill them with the BBQ chicken mixture. Start with a small scoop and add more as needed. You can also toast the buns lightly before assembling the sliders.
Try These Next
- smoky maple bbq chicken sliders with coleslaw
- smoky maple bourbon bbq ribs with tangy slaw
- smoky bbq chicken thighs with honey glaze
Smoky Bourbon BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: 🎉 Festive & Seasonal Feasts
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Smoky Bourbon BBQ Chicken Sliders are perfect for your next gathering! Tender pulled chicken smothered in a smoky bourbon barbecue sauce, served on soft slider buns, topped with crisp coleslaw.
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup smoky bourbon BBQ sauce
– 12 slider buns
– 1 cup coleslaw mix
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt & pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
3. 2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. 3. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
5. 4. Remove chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
6. 5. Shred the chicken using two forks and mix it with the smoky bourbon BBQ sauce.
7. 6. In a separate bowl, combine coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
8. 7. Assemble the sliders: Place a generous amount of BBQ chicken on each slider bun, top with coleslaw, and garnish with parsley.
9. 8. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
These sliders can be made ahead of time and reheated. For an extra kick, add some jalapeños to the coleslaw!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: BBQ, chicken, sliders, party food