Apple BBQ Chicken Sliders (Print Version)

Shredded chicken in apple BBQ sauce with fresh apple slaw on soft slider buns, ideal for gatherings.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 cup chicken broth
03 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Apple BBQ Sauce

06 - 1 cup barbecue sauce
07 - 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
08 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
09 - 1 tablespoon honey
10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

→ Apple Slaw

11 - 1 medium green apple, julienned
12 - 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
13 - 1 cup shredded cabbage
14 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
15 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
16 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
17 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Sandwich Assembly

18 - 8 soft slider buns
19 - Butter for toasting buns (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - In a medium saucepan, combine chicken breasts, chicken broth, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook over low heat until chicken is fully cooked, approximately 15 to 18 minutes.
02 - Remove chicken from the broth and allow to cool slightly. Shred the meat using two forks.
03 - In a separate saucepan, whisk together barbecue sauce, unsweetened applesauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, and ground cinnamon. Warm over medium-low heat until heated through, about 5 minutes.
04 - Add shredded chicken to the warmed apple BBQ sauce. Stir to coat and simmer an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - In a medium bowl, toss julienned green apple, thinly sliced red onion, shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste. Chill until ready to serve.
06 - If desired, lightly butter the slider buns and toast them in a skillet or oven until golden brown.
07 - Layer the BBQ chicken onto the bottom halves of the slider buns. Top with apple slaw and cover with the top bun. Serve immediately.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • The apple barbecue sauce adds a subtle sweetness that makes these mini sandwiches unforgettable—trust me, it’s a flavor combo you’ll want to brag about.
  • They’re quick enough for weeknights, yet upscale enough to wow a crowd at your next get-together.
02 -
  • If you overcook the chicken, it can get tough, so keep a close eye when poaching.
  • Letting the slaw sit for a bit brings the flavors together—the crunch is still there, but it feels more like a team effort with the chicken.
03 -
  • If you’re in a rush, rotisserie chicken makes a fine shortcut.
  • A tiny pinch of extra cinnamon in the apple BBQ sauce makes the fruitiness pop—but don’t overdo it.
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