Tailgate Game Day Lunch: Firecracker BBQ Chicken Sliders
Find the best game day lunch recipe with our copycat BBQ chicken sliders, perfect for tailgating or watching the big game at home.
Allergens
Gluten (in buns), Soy (if using a soy-based BBQ sauce)
Ingredients
- 8 bone
- in, skin
- on chicken thighs 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce 2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional) 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 8 slider buns, split and toasted Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, and extra BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Combine the BBQ sauce, hot sauce (if using), smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Stir until well combined.
- Place chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or container. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and massage to ensure even coating. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight for best flavor.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard remaining marinade.
- Grill the chicken thighs for about 6 7 minutes per side or until fully cooked and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Then, shred or chop the chicken into smaller pieces.
- To assemble the sliders, place a generous portion of shredded chicken on the bottom half of each bun, followed by optional toppings like coleslaw and pickles. Top with the remaining half of the bun and serve immediately.
Chef’s Insight
Use your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce for this recipe. Experiment with different hot sauces to adjust the heat level to your preference.
Notes
Adjust the heat level according to your taste by using more or less hot sauce.