Cajun BBQ Chicken Sliders (Print Version)

Juicy chicken with smoky Cajun spice and creamy slaw packed on soft buns for bold, savory party bites.

# Components:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
04 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 tsp salt
06 - 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

→ BBQ Sauce

07 - 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
08 - 1 tbsp hot sauce

→ Slaw

09 - 1 1/2 cups finely shredded cabbage
10 - 1/2 cup shredded carrots
11 - 2 tbsp mayonnaise
12 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
13 - 1/2 tsp sugar
14 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Assembly

15 - 8 slider buns
16 - 1 tbsp melted butter
17 - Sliced pickles
18 - Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley

# Method:

01 - Set the oven to 400°F and allow it to fully preheat.
02 - In a large bowl, combine chicken thighs with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the chicken is thoroughly coated.
03 - Place the seasoned chicken thighs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
04 - While the chicken cooks, mix cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl until evenly combined. Chill until ready to use.
05 - When chicken is cooked, shred thighs using two forks. Transfer to a bowl and blend with barbecue sauce and hot sauce until pieces are well coated.
06 - For extra flavor and texture, brush inner sides of buns with melted butter and toast under a broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown.
07 - Spoon a generous portion of BBQ chicken onto each bun base. Top with slaw and sliced pickles. Add upper bun half to finish. Garnish with cilantro or parsley if desired.
08 - Serve immediately while warm for optimal taste and texture.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in under an hour
  • Uses everyday ingredients with easy swaps for dietary needs
  • Layered flavor thanks to a mix of Cajun spices tangy BBQ sauce and cool slaw
  • Can be made ahead and assembled just before serving
02 -
  • Packed with protein and fiber if you use whole grain buns
  • Perfect for parties and game nights
  • Adjustable for gluten free and dairy free diets
03 -
  • Mix some extra slaw for topping burgers or sandwiches the next day
  • Always taste your slaw before serving and tweak with extra vinegar or salt to match your liking
  • If grilling chicken baste with a little barbecue sauce in the last five minutes for extra char

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