Wichita Chicken Sliders
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Wichita Chicken Sliders

ByLily Carter
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A Flavor-Packed Bite-Sized Delight

If you love bold flavors and easy-to-make meals, these Wichita Chicken Sliders are a must-try! Juicy, seasoned chicken nestled in soft slider buns with a tangy, slightly sweet sauce—this dish is perfect for game days, parties, or a fun weeknight dinner. Plus, they come together in just 30 minutes!

My Love Affair with This Dish

Sliders have always been a go-to in my kitchen, but I wanted something with a little Kansas-inspired flair. Wichita is known for its barbecue and hearty comfort foods, so I took those elements and created these irresistible chicken sliders.

What makes this version special? The chicken is seasoned with a smoky, slightly spicy rub, then coated in a rich, tangy barbecue sauce with a hint of honey. Topped with crunchy pickles and a creamy slaw, every bite is an explosion of flavor. The best part? They’re easy to make in big batches for any occasion.

Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs stay juicier, but either works well.
  • Smoked paprika & garlic powder: Adds depth and a little heat to the seasoning.
  • Barbecue sauce: Go for a Kansas-style sauce—sweet, tangy, and smoky.
  • Honey: Balances out the smoky flavors with a touch of sweetness.
  • Slider buns: Soft Hawaiian rolls work best for a slightly sweet contrast.
  • Pickles: Adds crunch and tanginess to balance the rich flavors.
  • Slaw mix: A quick mix of shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing adds freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and season the chicken with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Sear the chicken in a skillet until golden brown, then transfer to the oven to finish cooking.
  3. Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, heat barbecue sauce and honey until warm and slightly thickened.
  4. Shred & Toss: Shred the cooked chicken and toss it in the warm barbecue sauce.
  5. Assemble the Sliders: Slice the buns, add a layer of barbecue chicken, top with pickles and slaw, and close with the top bun.
  6. Bake & Serve: Brush the tops of the buns with melted butter and bake for 5-7 minutes until golden and warm.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

  • Use a slow cooker. For extra tender chicken, cook it in a slow cooker with barbecue sauce for 4-6 hours on low.
  • Toast the buns. A quick toast prevents them from getting soggy.
  • Balance the flavors. Adjust the honey and barbecue sauce ratio to your preferred sweetness level.

Serving Suggestions

These sliders pair perfectly with:

  • Crispy sweet potato fries.
  • A side of baked beans for extra smokiness.
  • A refreshing coleslaw or potato salad.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze the shredded chicken separately for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Warm the chicken in a skillet or microwave before assembling fresh sliders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the chicken in advance and assemble the sliders just before serving.

What’s a good substitute for barbecue sauce? Try a spicy buffalo sauce for a different twist.

Can I use rotisserie chicken? Absolutely! Just toss it in warm sauce for a quick shortcut.

Final Thoughts

Wichita Chicken Sliders are the ultimate bite-sized treat—easy, delicious, and full of bold flavors. Whether you’re making them for a party or a simple dinner, they’re sure to be a hit. Try them out and let me know how you make them your own!

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Wichita Chicken Sliders

Wichita Chicken Sliders

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  • Author: Lily Carter
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8–10 servings (adjusted from standard 6 servings) 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baked & Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American, Kansas-Inspired
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Description

These Wichita Chicken Sliders are packed with bold flavors—juicy shredded chicken coated in smoky barbecue sauce, topped with crunchy pickles and creamy slaw, all tucked into soft slider buns. Perfect for game days, parties, or quick weeknight meals, they come together in just 30 minutes!

Ingredients

Units Scale

  • For the Chicken:

  • 1 1/2 pounds (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • For the Sauce:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) Kansas-style barbecue sauce (or your favorite)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

  • For the Sliders:

  • 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls work best)
  • 1/2 cup (120 g) dill pickle slices
  • 1 1/2 cups (150 g) coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage & carrots)
  • 1/4 cup (60 g) mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)

Instructions

 Cook the Chicken

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Season the chicken with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  4. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes (until the internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).

2. Make the Barbecue Sauce

  1. While the chicken bakes, combine barbecue sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan.
  2. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

3. Shred & Toss the Chicken

  1. Once the chicken is done, shred it using two forks.
  2. Toss the shredded chicken in the warm barbecue sauce until evenly coated.

4. Prepare the Slaw

  1. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar.
  2. Add the coleslaw mix and toss to combine.

5. Assemble the Sliders

  1. Slice the slider buns in half and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
  2. Pile the barbecue chicken onto the buns, then top with pickles and a scoop of coleslaw.
  3. Place the top buns on and brush with melted butter.

6. Bake & Serve

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes, or until the buns are golden and slightly crisp.

  1. Serve warm with extra barbecue sauce on the side.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for juicier sliders.
  • Slow cooker option: Cook the chicken in barbecue sauce on LOW for 4–6 hours, then shred.
  • Toasting the buns prevents them from getting soggy.
  • Customize the sweetness: Adjust honey levels in the sauce and slaw to taste.

Nutrition

  • Calories: ~320 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20 g
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