Easy Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw (No Mayo) Recipe

These Easy Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw (No Mayo) are the party-saver you didn’t know you needed! Imagine tender rotisserie chicken tossed in a smoky homemade BBQ sauce, all tucked into pillowy slider buns and crowned with a vinegar-bright, mayo-free slaw. It’s impossible to eat just one (trust me, I’ve tried).

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw (No Mayo) is how each simple ingredient earns its place—no fillers, just flavor and texture in every bite. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Tomato Paste: Packs a deep tomato flavor and helps thicken the BBQ sauce beautifully.
• Honey & Molasses: Double sweetness! Honey adds brightness, while molasses gives that classic BBQ richness.
• Apple Cider & Balsamic Vinegars: These bring tangy backbone and mellow depth to the sauce and slaw.
• Worcestershire Sauce: The secret umami boost that makes your BBQ sauce irresistible.
• Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Cayenne: Spices for a gentle smoky heat and big flavor.
• Green Cabbage: Crunchy, refreshing, and perfect for absorbing tangy slaw dressing.
• Carrots: Bring vibrant color and sweet snap to the coleslaw.
• Red Onion & Scallion: For that extra pop of flavor and a pretty accent in your slaw.
• Olive Oil & Dijon Mustard: The base of your slaw dressing—brings creaminess without any need for mayo.
• Rotisserie Chicken: Shredded for max juiciness and super-convenient prep—no need to cook from scratch.
• Slider Buns: Soft rolls to cradle your saucy chicken and slaw—choose classic or whole wheat as you like!

Variations

Easy Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw (No Mayo) are a flexible foundation for all kinds of delicious twists! Don’t be shy—swap ingredients or mix things up to suit your family’s tastes, special diets, or simply what’s in your fridge.

• Spicy Kick: Add extra cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to your BBQ sauce if you like more heat in each bite.
• Different Greens: Try a mix of red and green cabbage, or toss in shredded kale or Brussels sprouts for a new slaw flavor.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute jackfruit or sautéed mushrooms for the chicken and use a vegan Worcestershire sauce for a plant-based slider.
• Swap the Bun: Serve the pulled BBQ chicken and slaw on lettuce wraps, sweet Hawaiian rolls, or even toasted sourdough for a fresh spin.

How to Make Easy Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw (No Mayo)

Step 1: Make the Homemade BBQ Sauce

Combine all the BBQ sauce ingredients—tomato paste, water, honey, molasses, vinegars, Worcestershire, spices, and salt—in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s thick enough to coat a spoon, super shiny, and smells amazing! Let it cool a bit before using, or refrigerate ahead of time.

Step 2: Toss Together the No-Mayo Coleslaw

Shred your cabbage and carrots, then add them to a big bowl with thinly sliced red onion and scallion. In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk (or shake!) together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Drizzle over the veggies, then toss until everything is glossy and coated. The slaw should look crisp and lightly dressed—but never soggy.

Step 3: Shred the Rotisserie Chicken

Break down your rotisserie chicken by making gentle cuts to remove the breasts, thighs, and drumsticks. Then, use your hands or two forks to shred all that juicy meat into bite-sized threads. Try to include both white and dark meat for extra flavor and tenderness—discard the skin unless your family loves it!

Step 4: Sauce and Gently Heat the Chicken

Add your shredded chicken to a large bowl. Pour in enough homemade BBQ sauce to coat everything—the more saucy you like it, the more you add! Mix well and, if needed, microwave for a minute or two, or heat over low in a pan, until warm and steamy but not dried out.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve!

Split your slider buns, pile on a generous mound of saucy BBQ chicken, add more sauce if you’re feeling wild, then finish with a heap of that fresh, tangy slaw. Press the tops on gently, skewer each with a toothpick (if you like), and serve warm. You’ve just made the ultimate Easy Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw (No Mayo)!

How to Serve Easy Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw (No Mayo)

Garnishes

Sprinkle the top of each slider with extra sliced scallions or a touch of cracked black pepper. A few pickled jalapeño rings or a scatter of sesame seeds also make a fun finish, adding sparkle and crunch.

Side Dishes

Pair your Easy Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw (No Mayo) with kettle-cooked potato chips, sweet potato fries, or a simple corn salad. For something cooling, serve with crisp cucumber spears or fresh watermelon slices—perfect for summer gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the sliders on a big board with bowls of extra slaw and sauce alongside, so guests can build their own. For parties, skewer each slider with a festive pick or mini flag. Or, make a “slider bar” with a few different slaws and sauces for a choose-your-own adventure.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any extra chicken and slaw should be stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The BBQ chicken keeps beautifully for up to 3 days and the slaw will stay crisp for up to 2 days if the dressing is kept on the side until ready to serve.

Freezing

You can freeze the sauced pulled chicken (without buns or slaw!) in a zip-top bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator; it’s a lifesaver for quick meals. The slaw does not freeze well, so always make it fresh when possible.

Reheating

Reheat BBQ chicken gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce if it seems dry. Give the slaw a quick toss and always assemble sliders just before serving for the best texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s guaranteed to draw a crowd (and keep folks coming back for seconds), you need to try Easy Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw (No Mayo). They’re irresistibly tasty, quick to make, and endlessly shareable—perfect for game days, parties, or just an unforgettable weeknight dinner. Give them a whirl and watch smiles spread around your table!

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