burnt and turnt bbq chicken sliders

burnt and turnt bbq chicken sliders is a medium American recipe that serves 8. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by HowToBBQRight on YouTube.

Prep: 2 hrs 30 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 3 hrs 15 min

Cost: $18.09 total, $2.26 per serving

Ingredients

  • 8 pieces Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (Do not trim; keep skinless and bone‑free)
  • 1 cup Dill Pickle Juice (From a jar of dill pickles; use the liquid only)
  • 2 tablespoons Barbecue Rub (Any store‑bought or homemade BBQ rub you like)
  • 1 cup 50/50 Sauce (Equal parts ketchup and mustard, or a premade 50/50 BBQ sauce)
  • 8 pieces Slider Buns (Small soft buns; toast before assembling)
  • 1/2 cup Onion (Thinly sliced; raw on the bun)
  • 8 slices Pickle Slices (From the same jar used for brine)

Instructions

  1. Brine the Chicken

    Place the chicken thighs in a large zip‑top bag, pour the dill pickle juice over them, seal, and refrigerate for about 2 hours, shaking occasionally to coat all surfaces.

    Time: PT2H

  2. Remove and Rest

    Take the thighs out of the brine, let excess liquid drip off onto a cutting board, and let them sit for 5 minutes. Do not pat dry; the remaining juice will help the rub adhere.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Apply Barbecue Rub

    Generously sprinkle the BBQ rub on one side of each thigh, then flip and coat the other side. Use your hands to press the rub into the surface.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Preheat the Grill

    Light the Royal Oak lump charcoal in the Primo grill and let it burn until you have a hot, even coal bed (about 15 minutes). Arrange the coals for two‑zone cooking: a hot direct‑heat side and a cooler indirect side.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 400°F

  5. Grill First Side

    Place the thighs directly on the hot rack over the direct‑heat zone. Close the lid and grill for about 5 minutes until you see a nice sizzle and light char.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 400°F

  6. Flip and Grill Second Side

    Turn the thighs over with tongs and grill another 5 minutes on the other side.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 400°F

  7. Warm the 50/50 Sauce

    While the chicken is cooking, pour the 50/50 sauce into a small bowl and warm it on the grill’s indirect side or in a microwave for 2‑3 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Baste and Finish Cooking

    When the thighs are about 75% done (internal temp ~150°F), brush a generous layer of the warm sauce on each side, return them to the grill for 5 minutes, then give a final brush and another 5‑minute pass.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 400°F

  9. Toast the Buns

    Slice the slider buns in half, place them cut‑side down on the grill for 1‑2 minutes until lightly toasted. Add thinly sliced onion on the top half for a quick char if desired.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 400°F

  10. Assemble the Sliders

    On the bottom bun, place a grilled chicken thigh, add a pickle slice, top with the onion‑topped bun half, and serve immediately.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
15g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: Gluten, High protein, Not vegan, Contains dairy? (No)

Allergens: Wheat, Mustard, Potential soy (in some BBQ rubs)

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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burnt and turnt bbq chicken sliders

Recipe by HowToBBQRight

Juicy, smoky boneless chicken thigh marinated in dill pickle juice, coated with a robust BBQ rub, grilled over hot lump charcoal, basted in a sweet‑tangy 50/50 sauce, and served on a toasted slider bun with thinly sliced onion and pickle. Perfect for backyard BBQs or a hearty snack.

MediumAmericanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
2h 10m
Prep
50m
Cook
22m
Cleanup
3h 22m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$18.09
Total cost
$2.26
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Brining the chicken thighs in dill pickle juice for at least 2 hours.
  • Grilling over a hot lump‑coal bed to achieve a smoky char.
  • Basting with warm 50/50 sauce when thighs are 75% cooked and finishing on the grill.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw chicken with separate utensils and wash hands thoroughly.
  • Charcoal can reach very high temperatures; use heat‑proof gloves when adjusting coals.
  • Ensure the grill is placed on a stable, non‑flammable surface away from structures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of barbecue chicken sliders in American Southern cuisine?

A

Barbecue chicken sliders trace back to Southern backyard cookouts where small, handheld portions of smoked or grilled meat were served on soft buns for easy eating. They embody the region’s love for smoky flavors, quick‑serve comfort food, and the tradition of sharing bite‑size dishes at gatherings.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chicken sliders in the United States?

A

In the Carolinas, sliders often feature a vinegar‑based sauce; in Texas, a sweeter, tomato‑heavy BBQ rub is common; while in Kansas City, a thick, molasses‑laden glaze is typical. Each region adapts the rub, sauce, and pickles to reflect local flavor preferences.

cultural
Q

How is a classic barbecue chicken slider traditionally served in Southern BBQ gatherings?

A

Traditionally, the chicken thigh is grilled over lump charcoal, basted with a tangy BBQ sauce, placed on a toasted bun, and topped with sliced pickles and raw onion. The sliders are served hot alongside coleslaw, baked beans, or potato salad.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are barbecue chicken sliders commonly associated with in American culture?

A

Barbecue chicken sliders are popular at tailgate parties, Fourth of July picnics, family reunions, and casual game‑day gatherings. Their handheld size makes them perfect for crowds and outdoor settings.

cultural
Q

What makes barbecue chicken sliders special or unique in American BBQ cuisine?

A

The combination of a brine‑infused thigh, a robust rub, and a caramelized 50/50 sauce creates a layered flavor profile—tangy, smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy—all in a single bite. The use of whole thigh meat adds juiciness that breast meat often lacks.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making barbecue chicken sliders?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the thighs, skipping the brine, and applying sauce too early, which can cause burning. Always brine for at least 2 hours, grill over high heat first, and only baste when the meat is about 75% done.

technical
Q

Why does this barbecue chicken slider recipe use dill pickle juice as a brine instead of a traditional salt‑water brine?

A

Dill pickle juice adds acidity, flavor, and a subtle herb note that complements the BBQ rub, while also helping to break down muscle fibers for extra tenderness. A plain salt‑water brine would lack the distinctive tang that defines this slider.

technical
Q

Can I make the barbecue chicken sliders ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. You can brine the thighs up to 24 hours ahead, grill them, and store the cooked meat in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep buns separate and toast just before serving; reheat the meat gently on the grill or in a 300°F oven.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when grilling the chicken thighs for these sliders?

A

The thighs should develop a dark, caramelized crust with small crunchy bits, while the interior remains pink‑juicy (about 165°F). The sauce glaze should be glossy and slightly sticky, not burnt.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel HowToBBQRight specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel HowToBBQRight focuses on practical, step‑by‑step barbecue techniques, from charcoal grilling fundamentals to sauce creation, aimed at home cooks who want restaurant‑quality results.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel HowToBBQRight's approach to American BBQ differ from other BBQ cooking channels?

A

HowToBBQRight emphasizes simplicity and repeatable processes, using minimal equipment and clear visual cues, whereas many other channels rely on complex setups or specialty tools. The channel also highlights flavor‑building steps like brining and strategic basting.

channel

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