Easy Chicken Birria Sliders – A Crowd-Pleasing Party Favorite

Published: 9 Feb 2026

Easy chicken birria sliders are bold, juicy, and full of comfort. They bring rich flavor in a small, shareable bite. These sliders work perfectly for game day food, family gatherings, and casual weekends. They also fit right into easy party food menus where taste matters and prep stays simple.

easy chicken birria sliders

I have made many slider recipes over the years. This one stands out. The chicken stays tender. The sauce feels deep and warm. The buns soak up flavor without turning soggy. When done right, these sliders disappear fast.

If you enjoy cooking for friends and family, this recipe will earn repeat requests. Take your time, follow each step, and enjoy the process. For more ideas, check the homepage for more food recipes.

What Are Chicken Birria Sliders?

Chicken birria sliders are small sandwiches filled with shredded chicken cooked in birria sauce. Birria is a slow-cooked sauce made with chilies, spices, onion, and garlic. It tastes rich, slightly smoky, and deeply savory.

Traditionally, birria is served with beef or goat. This version uses chicken. Chicken cooks faster and stays lighter. It also works well for easy chicken meals at home.

The sliders use soft buns, melted cheese, and juicy chicken. They are easy to serve and easy to eat. That makes them perfect party appetizers and game day snacks.

Why These Sliders Are Perfect Party Food

These sliders check every box for appetizers for party tables.

They are:

  • Easy to prepare in advance
  • Simple to bake and serve together
  • Mess-free compared to tacos
  • Loved by both kids and adults

You can place them in the center of the table. Guests grab one and come back for more. They pair well with other party appetizers easy to prepare, like chips or dips.

They also fit well with game day food spreads. Sliders always feel fun. Chicken birria sliders feel special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Good ingredients make a big difference. Choose fresh items and measure carefully.

Chicken Birria Filling Ingredients

  • Boneless chicken thighs
  • Dried chilies (guajillo or ancho work well)
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Chicken broth
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Bay leaves
  • Cumin
  • Oregano
  • Paprika
  • Salt and black pepper

Chicken thighs stay juicy during slow cooking. Chicken tenders also work if you want a leaner option.

Slider Assembly Ingredients

  • Soft slider buns
  • Shredded cheese (mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or cheddar)
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Finely chopped onion
  • Butter

Choose buns that feel soft but sturdy. Brioche or Hawaiian rolls work well.

How to Make Easy Chicken Birria Sliders (Step-by-Step Recipe Method)

This is the core section. Follow each step carefully. Take your time. Good birria needs patience.

7 Step Recipe Formula

Step 1: Prepare the Dried Chilies

Remove stems and seeds from the dried chilies. Place them in a bowl. Pour hot water over them. Let them soak for 15 minutes until soft. This step helps release flavor and color.

Step 2: Build the Birria Sauce Base

In a blender, add:

  • Soaked chilies
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Vinegar
  • Cumin
  • Oregano
  • Paprika
  • Salt and pepper

Blend until smooth. The sauce should look thick and deep red.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Place chicken thighs in a large pot or deep pan. Pour the sauce over the chicken. Add chicken broth and bay leaves. Bring to a gentle boil. Lower the heat. Cover and simmer for 35–40 minutes. The chicken should feel very tender. This slow simmer builds flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the pot. Place it on a plate. Use two forks to shred it into small pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir gently. Let it simmer for 10 more minutes so it absorbs the sauce. Taste and adjust salt if needed.

Step 5: Prepare the Slider Buns

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Slice the slider buns in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves in a greased baking dish. Keep them close together. This helps the sliders stay soft during baking.

Step 6: Assemble the Sliders

Spread a thin layer of chicken birria on each bun base. Do not overload. Too much sauce can make the buns soggy. Add shredded cheese over the chicken. Sprinkle chopped onion and cilantro evenly. Place the top buns on.

Step 7: Butter the Tops

Melt butter in a small bowl. Brush it gently over the tops of the buns. This gives a golden finish and adds flavor.

Step 8: Bake the Sliders

Cover the dish loosely with foil. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil. Bake for another 5–7 minutes until the cheese melts and the tops turn lightly golden.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven. Let the sliders rest for 5 minutes. Serve warm with extra birria sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Birria Sliders

Small details improve results.

Choose the Right Chicken

Chicken thighs stay moist and flavorful. Chicken tenders cook faster but need care to avoid dryness.

Control the Sauce

Always drain excess sauce before adding chicken to buns. This keeps the bread firm.

Adjust Spice Level

Use fewer chilies for a mild flavor. Add chili powder or hot sauce for extra heat.

Make Ahead for Parties

Cook the chicken birria one day ahead. Store it in the fridge. Assemble and bake sliders before serving. This saves time on busy party days.

Easy Slider Recipes for Game Day Food

Sliders work well with many flavors. These ideas help build a full game day food menu.

Classic Chicken Sliders

Simple shredded chicken with cheese and soft buns. These pair well with dips and fries.

Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Spicy chicken with creamy sauce. A strong favorite for game day snacks.

BBQ Chicken Sliders

Sweet and smoky chicken with melted cheese. Great for casual gatherings. Mix and match sliders to please everyone.

Best Sides for Chicken Birria Sliders

Sides complete the meal.

Easy Party Snacks

  • Tortilla chips
  • Guacamole
  • Salsa

Party Appetizers Easy to Serve

  • Loaded fries
  • Nachos
  • Corn salad

Drinks That Pair Well

  • Lemonade
  • Iced tea
  • Sparkling water

These sides keep the table balanced and colorful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?

Yes. Shred the chicken and simmer it in birria sauce for 15 minutes.

Can I Freeze the Chicken Birria?

Yes. Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in airtight containers for up to one month.

Are These Sliders Kid-Friendly?

Yes. Reduce chili amount for mild flavor.

Final Thoughts

Easy chicken birria sliders bring bold taste and comfort to any table. They work well as party food, game day snacks, or weekend treats. The recipe uses simple steps and trusted methods that home cooks can follow with confidence. Take your time with the sauce. Build layers of flavor. Enjoy the process and the results.

For more easy chicken recipes, slider recipes, and party appetizers, check the homepage for more food recipes and fresh ideas.

Sophia Pervaiz Avatar
Sophia Pervaiz

Passionate about creating delicious, approachable recipes and sharing insights on our furry companions, Sophia Pervaiz blends their love for food and cats into every post. When not experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, they enjoy spending time with their cats, learning more about feline health, and creating content that caters to both food lovers and pet enthusiasts. With a knack for making everything feel personal and relatable, Sophia Pervaiz brings a warm, friendly voice to both the culinary and animal worlds. Whether you're here for a tasty new dish or some helpful cat tips, there's always something for everyone!

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