Go Back
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite store-bought variety or a homemade version) - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick) - 12 slider buns - Coleslaw (for topping, optional) - Pickles (for topping, optional) When I make BBQ pulled chicken sliders, I start with the chicken. I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook evenly and shred easily. Next, I pick my BBQ sauce. You can use a store-bought variety or make your own if you like. A touch of apple cider vinegar adds a nice tang. For seasonings, I love smoked paprika. It gives a nice depth of flavor. Garlic powder and onion powder are also must-haves. They add richness without being overpowering. A bit of black pepper and salt balances everything. If you want some heat, cayenne pepper works great, but it's optional. Finally, you need slider buns. Choose soft ones that can hold the juicy chicken. Coleslaw and pickles are optional toppings, but I highly recommend them. They add crunch and freshness, making the sliders even better! - Rinse and dry chicken breasts. - Arrange chicken in the slow cooker evenly. To start, washing the chicken keeps it fresh. Use cold water and dry it well. This helps the chicken cook evenly and absorb flavors better. Putting the chicken in a slow cooker makes it easy. You want to spread it out so it cooks nicely. - Combine BBQ sauce and seasonings. - Coat the chicken with the sauce. Next, grab a small bowl. Mix your BBQ sauce with apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper if you want some heat. Stir it until it is smooth. This sauce is the key to great flavor! Pour it over the chicken, making sure it is all coated well. - Set slow cooker on low or high. - Shredding the chicken and absorbing flavor. Now, cover the slow cooker. Set it to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it shreds easily with a fork. After cooking, take the chicken out and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Mix it into the remaining sauce to soak up even more flavor. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes. This part makes the chicken so tasty! - Choose a BBQ sauce you enjoy. A sweet sauce works well with chicken. - For low settings, cook for 6-7 hours. For high settings, aim for 3-4 hours. - Use two forks to shred the chicken easily. A stand mixer can also work. - Shred while the chicken is warm. This keeps the meat moist and tender. - Toast your buns lightly under a broiler. This adds a nice crunch. - Pair pulled chicken with coleslaw for crunch. Pickles add great flavor too. {{image_4}} To make BBQ pulled chicken even better, try adding different spices to the sauce. You can mix in some chili powder for heat or cumin for warmth. These spices bring depth to the flavor. You can also swap chicken breasts for thighs. Chicken thighs add more moisture and flavor. They shred nicely and taste great in sliders. Coleslaw is a classic topping for these sliders. You can try a creamy coleslaw or a tangy vinegar slaw. Both add crunch and flavor to each bite. Other tasty toppings include jalapeños for heat, or cheese for creaminess. You can also add avocado for a fresh twist. These toppings let everyone customize their slider. BBQ pulled chicken sliders pair well with many side dishes. Think of baked beans, corn on the cob, or potato salad. These sides complete the meal and please your guests. For a full meal, serve with a green salad or light appetizers. A fresh salad balances the richness of the sliders. These ideas help make your BBQ gathering a hit. To store your leftover pulled chicken, let it cool first. Use an airtight container for the best results. Always label it with the date. BBQ pulled chicken lasts in the fridge for about three to four days. Make sure to check for any strange smells before eating. You can freeze the pulled chicken for longer storage. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. It stays good for about three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove until hot. Leftover pulled chicken is super versatile. You can use it in many ways. Try making BBQ chicken nachos or a chicken taco salad. Another great idea is to mix it into pasta for a tasty dish. Each option gives you a fresh meal without much work. Yes, you can use frozen chicken in a slow cooker. However, there are some tips. - Increase Cooking Time: If your chicken is frozen, add at least one hour to the cooking time. - Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure the chicken pieces aren't stuck together. - Use High Setting: Cook on high for better results with frozen meat. Starting with frozen chicken can still yield tender, juicy pulled chicken. Just follow these steps to ensure it cooks evenly. Making BBQ sauce at home is simple and fun. Here’s a quick recipe: - Ingredients: - 1 cup ketchup - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Instructions: 1. In a bowl, mix all ingredients well. 2. Adjust sweetness or spice to your taste. 3. Use it right away or store it in the fridge. Homemade BBQ sauce adds a personal touch to your pulled chicken sliders. Pulled chicken sliders are great on their own, but side dishes enhance the meal. Consider these options: - Coleslaw: It adds crunch and freshness. - Potato Chips: A classic crunchy side. - Baked Beans: Sweet and savory, a tasty match. - Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled, it’s a summer favorite. - Pickles: Offer a tangy bite to balance the flavors. For drinks, try iced tea, lemonade, or a light beer. Enjoy pairing these sides with your sliders for a complete meal! In this post, we covered how to make BBQ pulled chicken sliders. First, we discussed the main ingredients and seasonings you'll need, like chicken, BBQ sauce, and spices. Next, we shared step-by-step instructions for cooking and shredding chicken. I also provided tips for slider assembly and ways to store or reuse leftovers. Finally, I highlighted some tasty variations and answered common questions. This dish is simple to make and fun to share. Enjoy your sliders at your next gathering or meal!

BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders Slow Cooker

Indulge in the ultimate BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders that are perfect for any gathering! This easy recipe guides you through tender, flavorful chicken cooked in a slow cooker, combined with your favorite BBQ sauce and simple spices. Plus, learn how to build delicious sliders with coleslaw and pickles for that extra crunch. Click to explore this mouthwatering recipe and impress your guests at your next party!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite store-bought variety or a homemade version)

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)

12 slider buns

Coleslaw (for topping, optional)

Pickles (for topping, optional)

Instructions
 

Begin by rinsing the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Place the chicken breasts in a slow cooker, ensuring they are spread out evenly.

    In a separate small mixing bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if you enjoy a bit of heat). Mix well until smooth.

      Pour the prepared BBQ sauce mixture generously over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are thoroughly coated for maximum flavor.

        Secure the lid on the slow cooker, and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is ready when it becomes tender and shreds easily with a fork.

          After cooking, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.

            Place the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker, stirring it into the remaining sauce. Allow it to simmer and absorb all those delicious flavors for an additional 10 minutes.

              While the chicken is absorbing flavor, lightly toast the slider buns under a broiler or in a toaster until they are just golden and warm.

                To assemble each slider, take a toasted bun and pile on a generous serving of the pulled chicken.

                  For added crunch and flavor, top the chicken with a spoonful of coleslaw and a couple of pickles before adding the top half of the bun.

                    - Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 7-8 hours | Servings: 12 sliders

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the sliders on a rustic wooden platter or a large serving tray, with extra coleslaw and pickles on the side for guests to customize their sliders.