Leftover Bbq Chicken Recipes

So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. And hey, is that leftover BBQ chicken still chilling in your fridge, giving you the side-eye? Perfect! We’re about to transform that culinary orphan into a superstar. Forget bland reheats; we’re diving into the glorious world of **BBQ Chicken & Slaw Sliders** – because tiny sandwiches mean you can eat more, right? It’s just math.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Okay, let’s be real. This recipe is awesome because it checks all the boxes: uses up leftovers (reducing food waste, you environmental hero!), takes about 15 minutes to assemble (less time than it takes to scroll TikTok, I swear), and tastes like you actually *tried*. Plus, it’s pretty much idiot-proof. Seriously, even I didn’t mess this one up, and my kitchen adventures often involve smoke alarms and ordering pizza. It’s the perfect solution for when you want something comforting and delicious without, like, *effort*. You’re welcome.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather ’round, my friend, this list is short and sweet. You probably have most of this kicking around already!

• Leftover BBQ Chicken: About 2 cups, shredded. Don’t be shy; get in there with two forks and shred it good.
• Slider Buns or Hawaiian Rolls: One 12-pack of those sweet, sweet rolls. Or any small buns, really.
• Coleslaw Mix: One 14-oz bag of pre-shredded cabbage and carrots. Because who has time to chop all that? Not us.
• Your Favorite Coleslaw Dressing: About 1/2 cup. Store-bought is perfectly acceptable, obvi.
• BBQ Sauce: About 1/4 cup, or more if you like things extra saucy. This is for adding to the chicken, plus extra for dipping!
• Cheese Slices: 6-8 slices of cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack. Whatever melts nicely and makes your heart happy.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted. This is the secret to those glorious golden tops!
• Optional (but highly recommended): Thinly sliced pickles or jalapeños for a little extra zing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Crank your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab your leftover BBQ chicken and shred it if you haven’t already. Toss the shredded chicken with a little extra BBQ sauce in a bowl to ensure it’s moist and flavorful.
2. Assemble Your Slaw: In another bowl, combine your coleslaw mix with the coleslaw dressing. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely coated. Set aside; we’ll add this later.
3. Bun Fun: If you’re using Hawaiian rolls, carefully slice the entire pack in half horizontally (like one giant slab). Place the bottom half in a baking dish. If using individual slider buns, arrange them in a single layer in your dish.
4. Layer Up! Distribute your saucy BBQ chicken evenly over the bottom buns. Next, lay your cheese slices over the chicken. Don’t be shy with the cheese; it’s what holds everything together and adds that gooey factor.
5. Top & Butter: Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese. Now for the magic: Drizzle or brush that melted butter generously over the tops of the buns. This is key for that beautiful golden crust!
6. Bake It ‘Til Golden: Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and bubbly, and the tops are golden brown.
7. Serve & Devour: Let the sliders cool for a minute or two, then slice ’em up (if you used the slab method). Open each slider and pile on a generous scoop of your prepared coleslaw. Serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce and pickles/jalapeños on the side. Enjoy your easy-peasy masterpiece!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting to Preheat the Oven: Rookie mistake! Your buns won’t get that lovely golden crisp, and your cheese will take forever to melt. Be patient, friend.
• Overstuffing the Sliders: We get it, you’re excited. But too much filling means a messy, hard-to-eat slider. Aim for reasonable portions.
• Skipping the Butter: That melted butter isn’t just for looks; it adds flavor and helps create a delicious, slightly crispy top. Don’t skip the butter! It’s essential.
• Not Shredding the Chicken Properly: Big chunks of chicken make for awkward bites. Shredding ensures every bite is balanced and easy to manage.
• Cold Slaw on Hot Sliders: Make sure to add the slaw *after* baking, just before serving, otherwise it will get all warm and soggy in the oven. Gross.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative here! This recipe is super flexible:

• Buns: No slider buns? Use regular hamburger buns cut into quarters, or even dinner rolls. Croissants could be a fancy (and delicious) twist, too, IMHO.
• Cheese: Swiss, provolone, pepper jack for a kick, or even a fancy smoked gouda would be stellar. Use whatever melty cheese you have on hand!
• Coleslaw: If you’re feeling ambitious (or just really love fresh veg), make your own from scratch. Or try a different type of pre-made salad mix, like a broccoli slaw.
• Add-ins: A sprinkle of crispy bacon bits between the chicken and cheese? Yes, please. Thinly sliced red onion, pickled onions, or a dash of hot sauce could also elevate your slider game.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Can I use raw chicken and cook it for this recipe?

  Well, technically yes, but why? The whole point is using *leftover* BBQ chicken to save time. If you start from scratch, you’re just making extra work for yourself. Re-read the intro, lazybones! 😉

• What if I don’t have slider buns? Can I use regular bread?

  You *can* use regular bread, but it won’t have the same structural integrity or a sweet, soft texture. Think mini sandwiches instead of sliders. It’ll still taste good, just less… “slider-y.”

• Can I assemble these ahead of time?

  You can assemble the chicken and cheese layers a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Add the butter and bake just before serving for the best results. Don’t put the slaw on until right before you eat, though!

• Is store-bought coleslaw dressing really okay?

  Absolutely! This is a “low-effort, high-reward” recipe. If a good quality store-bought dressing makes your life easier, then rock on. No judgment here, only deliciousness.

• Can I add other vegetables to the mix?

  Go for it! Thinly sliced bell peppers or onions could be sautéed and added with the chicken. Just make sure they’re not too watery, or your buns might get soggy.

• How long do these leftovers last?

  If there are any leftovers (highly doubtful, FYI), they’re best eaten within a day or two, stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Final Thoughts

See? Who knew those lonely BBQ chicken pieces could be transformed into something so ridiculously good with minimal fuss? You, my friend, are now a culinary wizard, turning humble leftovers into a crowd-pleasing (or just a “pleasing-yourself”) meal. So go on, bask in the glory of your delicious creation. Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it!