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Savory Smoked Pulled Chicken Sliders with Creamy Coleslaw

smoked pulled chicken sliders - featured image

These sliders feature tender smoked pulled chicken paired with a creamy, tangy coleslaw, perfect for parties and quick to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs / 900 g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Wood chips for smoking (hickory or applewood recommended)
  • 3 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 12 slider buns (soft, slightly sweet buns like Hawaiian rolls)
  • Pickles or jalapeño slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil and rub in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper evenly. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Preheat your smoker or grill to 225°F (107°C). If using a grill, arrange for indirect heat and place a foil packet of soaked wood chips on the coals or heat source.
  3. Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the smoker grate away from direct heat. Smoke until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 1.5 to 2 hours.
  4. Remove the chicken and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 10 minutes. Then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces using two forks or meat claws.
  5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. Toss in shredded cabbage and carrots, mixing gently to coat evenly. Chill while assembling sliders.
  6. Slice the slider buns and lightly toast them on the grill or under a broiler until golden and slightly crisp.
  7. Assemble the sliders by piling a generous scoop of smoked pulled chicken on the bottom bun, topping with creamy coleslaw, and adding pickles or jalapeño slices if desired. Cap with the top bun.
  8. Arrange sliders on a platter and serve warm.

Notes

If you don’t have a smoker, use a grill with indirect heat and soaked wood chips or a slow cooker (less smoky flavor). Spritz chicken every 30 minutes with apple juice or vinegar-water mix to keep moist. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Make coleslaw ahead for better flavor melding.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked chicken sliders, pulled chicken, creamy coleslaw, party food, easy chicken recipe, smoked chicken, sliders, finger food