These barbecue chicken sweet potato sliders are easy, delicious, and secretly healthy. The juicy pulled chicken is coated in sticky BBQ sauce, topped with a fresh crunchy slaw, and sandwiched between roasted sweet potato slices. Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or Summer grilling.
Pulled BBQ chicken on sweet potato sliders
Y'all, I am so excited to re-share this recipe with you. I'm thrilled to share it with you again. It was a hit when I first posted it in 2020, right alongside favorites like bison burgers and cilantro lime chicken burgers. But don't worry—the recipe hasn't changed; I've just updated the content and pictures.
As summer approaches, these pulled BBQ chicken sweet potato sliders are perfect for cookouts, grilling, or dinner. The slow-roasted sweet potato "buns," paired with tender pulled BBQ chicken and crunchy carrot slaw, are incredibly tasty. Who can resist a good slider?
The best part? Endless options! Whether you prefer rotisserie chicken, homemade pulled chicken, baked, grilled, Dutch oven, or even leftover meal prep chicken, this recipe is all about simplicity. Seriously, it's meant to be EASY. Anyone can make it, and I've included plenty of variations below in case you're missing an ingredient or two.
I'm all about quick and easy dinners, especially after a long day. That's why I love this BBQ chicken slider recipe—it's restaurant-quality, delicious, and ready in just 25 minutes. Whether you're a busy mom, professional, or athlete, this dinner recipe is for you! I can't wait to hear your thoughts about these adorable, healthy sweet potato sliders. They're such a hit in my household that we make them at least once a week!
Why you'll love this recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy days.
- Healthy Twist: Substituting buns with roasted sweet potato slices adds nutrition and flavor.
- Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: Perfect for all diets!
- Delicious Flavor: Juicy BBQ chicken paired with sweet potato and crunchy slaw creates a mouthwatering combination.
- Refined Sugar-Free: Use a sugar-free BBQ sauce.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or summer BBQs.
- Customizable: Endless variations to suit your taste preferences and ingredient availability.
- Crowd Pleaser: Guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table, from picky eaters to food enthusiasts.
- Minimal Effort, Maximum Taste: Achieve restaurant-quality results with minimal cooking time and effort.
- Try these grilled Honey Soy Chicken Thigh Skewers or Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad next!
Ingredients needed
You only need a handful of super simple ingredients to make these barbecue chicken sweet potato sliders. They're easy to cook, healthy, protein-packed, gluten-free, and perfect for entertaining. Here is a list of everything you need so you are prepared:
The Sliders:
- Sweet Potatoes: Sliced into rounds for a healthier bun alternative. I like the Jewel and Red Garnet variety.
- Chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken for ease, but you can also cook raw chicken breasts. This is the primary source of protein in this recipe.
- Salt and Black Pepper: For seasoning.
- BBQ Sauce: Adds tangy sweetness to the sliders. I like using sugar-free barbecue sauce, but any kind will work.
- Paprika and Cumin: Adds depth of flavor to the chicken.
The Fresh Slaw:
- Coleslaw Mix: This adds crunch and freshness to the sliders. I like using premade (undressed) slaw mix, but you can shred your own red and green cabbage and carrots, too.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides tanginess to the slaw dressing.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds brightness to the slaw dressing.
- Olive Oil: Helps bind the slaw dressing and adds richness.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a hint of sharpness and complexity to the dressing.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are best!
- Cilantro: Adds a pop of freshness and herbaceousness to the slaw.
Kitchen tools needed
Here is a quick list of all the kitchen tools you'll need to make these healthy BBQ chicken sliders on roasted sweet potato buns.
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife + Cutting board
- Tongs or spatula
How to make barbecue chicken sweet potato sliders
These barbecue chicken sweet potato sliders are super easy to make. Here are detailed step-by-step instructions with pictures for visual reference so any level cook can make this recipe; just scroll to the bottom of this post for the full recipe and ingredient measurements.
Step 1:
First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
Wash, dry, and carefully cut the sweet potatoes into ½-inch thick rounds, yielding about 10-12 rounds. Then, brush or spray both sides of each sweet potato round with olive oil, lightly season with salt and pepper, and then evenly place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3:
Roast the sweet potato rounds for a total of 20 - 25 minutes, flipping at the 15-minute mark. You should be able to pierce the rounds with a fork easily, and they should be crisp and browned. Tip: Don't overcook the sweet potatoes; they will be mushy!
Step 4:
You can shred pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or make your own. I left instructions on how to do both in the recipe card. If using rotisserie chicken, carefully carve the chicken, remove the skin, and shred it using two forks. Use both the breasts and thighs, totaling about 3 cups of shredded chicken.
If you want to make your own shredded chicken with raw chicken breasts, begin by patting them dry with a paper towel and seasoning both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat 1 - 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5 minutes. Then, use tongs to flip the chicken and continue cooking. Add chicken broth to the skillet, cover with a lid, and cook for an additional 7-10 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet, let it sit for 5 minutes, and shred it using two forks.
Step 5:
Now, mix all the slaw ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Step 6:
Next, add the BBQ sauce, paprika, and cumin to the same skillet or a small pot. Stir and let warm for 2 minutes. Add the shredded chicken to the pot and stir until completely coated with the sauce. Add more sauce if needed; it should be juicy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 7:
Finally, assemble the sliders by placing shredded BBQ chicken on half of the sweet potato rounds. Top each with some fresh slaw, then cover with the remaining sweet potato rounds.
Serve immediately and enjoy your barbecue chicken sweet potato sliders. These are finger food, so they will be a little messy to eat, but they are SO good!
Expert recipe tips:
- Slice Evenly: Slice the sweet potatoes evenly. This helps them cook consistently and mimics a regular burger bun nicely.
- Avoid Overcooking the Sweet Potatoes: This is key! If you overcook them, they'll get mushy and won't hold together well like regular burger buns. Keep an eye on them to get that perfect texture.
- Choose Rotisserie Chicken: Opt for rotisserie chicken for an easy cooking experience and to ensure soft, juicy chicken every time.
- Making Shredded Chicken Tip: Add chicken broth in the final 5 minutes to ensure the chicken is SUPER juicy!! I left instructions and visuals in the recipe card below.
- Don't Skip the Slaw: Including the slaw adds a refreshing, tangy crunch and balance to the sliders.
- High-Quality BBQ Sauce: Opt for a high-quality, flavorful, and sugar-free BBQ sauce like Stubb's. Using a premium sauce enhances the flavor of the sliders, so I highly recommend it for the best taste.
Easy ingredient substitutions:
I've made these pulled chicken sweet potato sliders dozens of times over the years. Here is a list of the best ingredient substitutions if you find yourself missing one or two:
- Sweet Potatoes: Substitute with regular burger buns.
- Chicken: Use leftover shredded chicken, turkey, or pulled pork instead.
- Coleslaw Mix: Shred your own cabbage and carrots (about 1 cup of red cabbage, 1 cup of green cabbage, and 1 cup of carrots) or use premade coleslaw mix with dressing.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Replace with apple cider vinegar or lime juice.
- Cilantro: Substitute with parsley or omit if preferred.
- Red Chili Flakes or Cayenne Pepper: Adjust based on your spice preference or omit for a milder flavor.
- BBQ Sauce: You can use Korean BBQ sauce, teriyaki, or your favorite sauce for pulled chicken.
What to serve with BBQ chicken sliders:
Here are some simple and tasty side dish options to complement your sliders perfectly.
- Potato Chips: Classic and easy side dish.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled for a summer touch.
- Side Salad: Simple green salad with vinaigrette.
- Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit medley for a refreshing option.
- Baked Beans: Traditional barbecue side dish.
- Pickles: Tangy addition for a burst of flavor.
- Macaroni Salad: Creamy pasta salad for a comforting side.
- Pasta Salad: try this classic Greek pasta salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Simply shred the rotisserie chicken (breasts and thighs) and mix it with your favorite BBQ sauce for an easy and delicious filling for your sliders.
Can I use russet potatoes?
Russet potatoes tend to be too soft for slider buns. Using them might result in a mushy texture and difficulty in handling. It's best to stick with sweet potatoes or traditional burger buns for this recipe.
Can I use regular buns, not sweet potato?
Absolutely! Regular buns work just as well if you prefer them over sweet potato. You can use any bun you like to make these sliders your own.
Are these sliders healthy?
Yes, these sliders can be a healthy option, especially if you choose lean protein like chicken breast and incorporate plenty of veggies in the slaw. Using sweet potato slices as buns adds fiber and nutrients compared to traditional buns. We also use a sugar-free BBQ sauce. Overall, with balanced ingredients and portion control, these sliders can fit into a nutritious diet.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can absolutely make these sliders ahead of time! Prepare the components separately and assemble them when you're ready to eat. It's a convenient option for meal prep or entertaining.
How to store and reheat sweet potato sliders:
Storing: To maintain freshness, store your sliders in the refrigerator. For optimal results and to prevent the sweet potatoes from becoming mushy, I recommend storing the chicken and sweet potato separately. This method ensures they'll remain delicious for up to 3-4 days, ready to enjoy for future meals.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy leftovers, heat sliders in the oven at 350°F (175°C) on a lined baking sheet for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes until warm.
If you love this recipe, try recipes next!
- Grilled BBQ Shrimp
- Bison Burgers Recipe
- Watermelon Basil Salad
- Cilantro Lime Chicken Burgers
- Buffalo Chicken Caesar Wraps
- Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don't forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
📖 Recipe
Barbecue Chicken Sweet Potato Sliders
Ingredients
The Sliders:
- 3 large sweet potatoes, sliced into ½-inch thick rounds
- 1 lb of chicken breasts, 3 boneless and skinless breasts, or 3 - 4 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 - 2 tablespoon olive oil, if using raw chicken breasts
- ¾ cup chicken broth, if using raw chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅔ cup BBQ sauce, more if desired (I love Stubbs)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes or cayenne pepper, optional if using a mild BBQ sauce
Fresh Crunchy Slaw:
- 2 cups of dry coleslaw mix, without dressing
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, about ½ a lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove of garlic, pressed or minced
- ¼ cup cilantro, roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash, dry, and carefully cut the sweet potatoes into ½-inch thick rounds, yielding about 10-12 rounds.
- Brush or spray both sides of each sweet potato round with olive oil, lightly season with salt and pepper, and then evenly place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast the sweet potato rounds for a total of 20 - 25 minutes, flipping at the 15-minute mark. You should be able to pierce the rounds with a fork easily, and they should be crisp and browned. Tip: Don’t overcook the sweet potatoes; they will be mushy!
- Rotisserie Chicken: If using rotisserie chicken, carefully carve the chicken, remove the skin, and shred it using two forks. Use both the breasts and thighs, totaling about 3 cups of shredded chicken.
- Chicken Breasts: Begin by patting them dry with a paper towel and seasoning both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat 1 - 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5 minutes. Then, use tongs to flip the chicken and continue cooking. Add chicken broth to the skillet, cover with a lid, and cook for an additional 7-10 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet, let it sit for 5 minutes, and shred it using two forks.
- Combine all the slaw ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix well. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Add the BBQ sauce, paprika, and cumin to the same skillet or a small pot. Stir and let warm for 2 minutes. Add the shredded chicken to the pot and stir until completely coated with the sauce. Add more sauce if needed, it should be juicy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- To assemble the sliders, place shredded BBQ chicken on half of the sweet potato rounds. Top each with some fresh slaw, then cover with the remaining sweet potato rounds.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your barbecue chicken sweet potato sliders. They are finger food, it will be a little messy to enjoy, but SO good!
Notes
Nutrition
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Ariella Hamilton says
I love this meal, I used Japanese sweet potatoes and regular sweet potatoes and both were delicious with it! And my family loved it also!!
Brielle Fiorillo says
SUCH a great recipe and a combo I would have never thought of - loved the sweet potatoes as buns and will definitely be making these again. Also didn’t require a billion ingredients which I loved. AND taught me a new way to make chicken which I did not know about!
ALEXA KOUVARIS says
This recipe is AMAZING! My new go-to week night dinner.
Emily Templer says
The BEST!!!! No other way to put it. I love this recipe. Who knew you could shred chicken by poaching it.
Tati Chermayeff says
Emily, OMG. Thank you so much.
Ariella Hamilton says
My family loved this!
Tati Chermayeff says
Aw, so happy to hear this!! One of my favorites
Emily W says
So many amazing flavors! I’m obsessed.
Tati Chermayeff says
Thank you so much Emily 🙂
Agus Whamond says
Such a flavorful fun meal to make! Great for lunch and dinner and taste even better for leftovers!
Tati Chermayeff says
Thank you so much, Agus! You are the best!
Morgan Mancini says
Such a flavorful, easy, and fun recipe to make! Love the shortcut of using rotisserie chicken. Perfect week night meal to throw together & the leftovers are even better the next day!
Tati Chermayeff says
Thank you so much, Morgan, for this kind and glowing review! Made my day!
Julie Ferrer says
Literally so fun to make and these are SOOOO flavorful! Who knew sweet potato buns would be so delicious!!! Cannot wait to make again!
Tati Chermayeff says
Thanks, Julie! You rock.