Summer is in full swing, and that means it’s time to fire up the grill and savor the flavors of the season. In this mouthwatering recipe, we’re taking classic BBQ chicken and elevating it to new heights with a smoky, maple-infused glaze and a tangy, crunchy coleslaw. These Smoky Maple BBQ Chicken Sliders are the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and satisfying, making them a surefire hit at your next backyard gathering or picnic.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky Maple BBQ Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw
These Smoky Maple BBQ Chicken Sliders are the ultimate summer comfort food, with a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting. The smoky, maple-infused BBQ sauce adds a delightful depth of flavor to the tender chicken, while the crunchy, tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast. The slider format makes them the perfect handheld meal, perfect for casual entertaining or a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. Plus, the homemade coleslaw is a breeze to whip up and elevates the overall dish with its vibrant flavors and textures.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for this recipe are boneless, skinless chicken thighs, a blend of spices for the rub, and maple syrup, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar for the smoky, sweet BBQ sauce. For the coleslaw, you’ll need a mix of shredded cabbage and carrots, along with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
- 1.5 lbs – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tsp – Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp – Garlic powder
- 1 tsp – Onion powder
- 1 tsp – Salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup – Maple syrup
- 1/2 cup – Ketchup
- 2 tbsp – Apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp – Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp – Cayenne pepper
- 3 cups – Shredded cabbage and carrots (coleslaw mix)
- 1/2 cup – Mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp – Apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp – Dijon mustard
- Pinch – Salt and pepper
- 12 – Slider buns
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Chicken breasts can be used instead (just be mindful of cooking time as they can dry out more easily).
- Coleslaw Mix: Feel free to use a pre-shredded slaw mix to save time. You can also experiment with different types of vinegar, such as red wine or rice vinegar, to add your own twist to the flavors.
How to Make Smoky Maple BBQ Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw
The key to this recipe is layering the flavors and textures for a truly delightful experience.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by seasoning the chicken thighs with a flavorful rub made from a blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Then, make the smoky maple BBQ sauce by combining maple syrup, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Set both the seasoned chicken and the sauce aside while you prepare the coleslaw.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken thighs for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until they’re cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the chicken with the smoky maple BBQ sauce, allowing it to caramelize and create a delicious glaze.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the coleslaw by tossing together the shredded cabbage and carrots with the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Once the chicken is cooked, slice it into bite-sized pieces and assemble the sliders by placing the BBQ chicken on the bottom buns, followed by a generous spoonful of the tangy coleslaw.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Smokier Flavor: For an even smokier flavor, try using a smoky barbecue sauce instead of the homemade version.
- Cheese Addition: You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for an extra layer of richness.
- Bacon or Avocado: To make these sliders even more filling, consider adding a slice of crispy bacon or a dollop of creamy avocado.
- Spicy Twist: For an extra kick of heat, you can add a bit more cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on the coleslaw.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A side of crispy french fries or a fresh, colorful salad.
Storage: Store the chicken and coleslaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before assembling the sliders.
Make-Ahead: The coleslaw can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information
These Smoky Maple BBQ Chicken Sliders are a balanced and satisfying meal, providing a good source of protein from the chicken, along with fiber and vitamins from the coleslaw. Each slider contains approximately 300 calories, 15 grams of fat, 28 grams of carbohydrates, and 23 grams of protein.
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 23 g
- Carbs: 28 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the coleslaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the coleslaw up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The vinegar in the dressing will help keep the cabbage and carrots crisp.
Can I use a store-bought BBQ sauce instead of making my own?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time or prefer a store-bought sauce, feel free to use your favorite brand. Just be sure to adjust the amount of maple syrup and other seasonings to suit your taste.
How can I make these sliders spicier?
For an extra kick of heat, you can add a bit more cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on the coleslaw.
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?
Yes, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Brush the chicken with the BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of baking.
How long will the leftover coleslaw keep in the fridge?
The coleslaw will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, as long as it’s stored in an airtight container.
Try These Next
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- Smoky Maple Bbq Pork Sliders With Tangy Slaw
- Smoky Bbq Pulled Pork Sliders With Tangy Slaw
Smoky Maple BBQ Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 480 minutes
- Total Time: 500 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: 🔥 BBQ, Grilling & Smokehouse
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Smoky Maple BBQ Chicken Sliders are a delightful combination of tender chicken smothered in a rich, smoky maple BBQ sauce, topped with crunchy coleslaw, all served on soft slider buns. Perfect for a summer BBQ or game day!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Sliders:
– 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 cup smoky BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 12 slider buns
For the Coleslaw:
– 4 cups shredded green cabbage
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. 1. In a slow cooker, combine chicken thighs, BBQ sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. 2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until chicken is tender and easily shredded.
3. 3. Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and mix well with the sauce.
4. 4. In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
5. 5. To assemble the sliders, place a generous portion of the chicken mixture on the bottom half of each slider bun.
6. 6. Top with a spoonful of coleslaw and place the top half of the bun on.
7. 7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
You can prepare the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving. The coleslaw can also be made ahead of time; just dress it right before serving for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: BBQ, Chicken, Sliders, Maple, Coleslaw