Go Back
To make BBQ pulled chicken sliders, you need: - 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade) - 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 heat) - 12 slider buns You can add fun toppings to your sliders: - Coleslaw - Pickles Choosing the right BBQ sauce is key. Here are my favorites: - Sweet and smoky sauce for a classic taste. - Spicy chipotle for a kick. - Tangy vinegar-based sauce for a zing. Experiment with flavors to find what you love best! Start by rinsing the chicken breasts under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels. This step is key for a tasty dish. Place the chicken directly into your slow cooker. Make sure they fit well and do not overlap. In a small bowl, gather your ingredients for the sauce. Combine 1 cup of BBQ sauce, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. If you like spice, include 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Stir until everything mixes smoothly. This sauce will be flavorful and sticky. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is well coated. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should become tender and easy to shred. This long cooking time gives the chicken flavor and keeps it juicy. When the chicken is done, take it out of the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Mix it with the remaining sauce for about 10 minutes. This helps the chicken soak up all the flavors. While this happens, toast your slider buns lightly. Assemble your sliders by placing a generous amount of pulled chicken on each bun. You can add coleslaw and pickles on top if you want. Enjoy your delicious BBQ pulled chicken sliders! Cooking in a slow cooker is easy and fun. Here are some tips to get it right: - Always use fresh, high-quality chicken. This gives the best flavor. - Don’t crowd the slow cooker. Leave space for heat to circulate. - Keep the lid closed. Opening it lets heat out and slows cooking. - Adjust cooking time based on your slow cooker. Some cook faster than others. Shredding chicken can be simple if you follow these steps: - Let the chicken cool for a few minutes after cooking. - Use two forks to pull the chicken apart. - For a quicker method, you can use a stand mixer. Just mix on low speed! - Mix the shredded chicken back into the sauce for more flavor. Marinades add a lot of taste to your chicken. Here’s how to use them: - Soak the chicken in your BBQ sauce overnight for extra flavor. - Add spices like cumin or chili powder to your marinade for depth. - Use vinegar or citrus juice to help tenderize the meat. - Experiment with different sauces for unique flavors each time! {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your pulled chicken by using different BBQ sauces. Each sauce brings its own unique flavor. For a sweet taste, try a honey BBQ sauce. For a tangy kick, use a vinegar-based sauce. You can also try a spicy sauce with chipotle or jalapeño for heat. If you love smoky flavors, opt for a sauce that has mesquite or hickory. Mix and match these sauces to create your own BBQ style. If you want a meatless option, there are great substitutes. Use jackfruit as a stand-in for chicken. It shreds easily and takes on flavor well. For a protein boost, try using lentils or chickpeas. You can cook them in BBQ sauce just like the chicken. Tofu is another good option. Press it to remove water, then cube and cook in your favorite BBQ sauce. These options keep the sliders tasty and satisfying. When serving these sliders, think about fun toppings. Coleslaw adds crunch and freshness. Pickles give a nice tang. You could also add sliced jalapeños for extra heat. For a zesty twist, try adding avocado or guacamole. Pair these sliders with baked sweet potato fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Having fun with toppings and sides makes this dish even more enjoyable! To store leftover BBQ pulled chicken, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps keep the chicken fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want it to last longer, freezing is a great option. When you're ready to eat, reheating is simple. You can use the microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place the chicken in a bowl. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. For the stovetop, warm it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or BBQ sauce to keep it moist. This will make sure your chicken stays tasty and juicy. If you decide to freeze your pulled chicken, it’s best to do this right after cooking. Divide it into portions for easy meals later. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Label them with the date and contents. Pulled chicken can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This keeps the flavors fresh and delicious. Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just remember to add extra cooking time. Cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 4-5 hours. This helps ensure the chicken cooks fully and stays juicy. To make BBQ sauce from scratch, mix these simple ingredients: - 1 cup ketchup - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste Combine all these in a pot over medium heat. Stir until warm and combined. This sauce adds a fresh, homemade touch to your sliders. Great sides to serve with sliders include: - Coleslaw - Potato salad - Sweet potato fries - Corn on the cob - Chips and salsa These sides complement the flavors of the pulled chicken and add variety to your meal. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the pulled chicken in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating. You now have all the tools to make great pulled chicken. We covered the main ingredients, tasty toppings, and the best BBQ sauces. Step-by-step, you learned how to cook chicken slowly, mix sauce, and serve it with care. I shared tips for cooking, shredding, and making flavors pop. Plus, we explored fun variations and how to store and reheat your meal. With these steps, I hope you feel ready to create a delicious dish. Enjoy making tasty pulled chicken for your friends and family!

BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders Slow Cooker

Savor the flavor of these delicious BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders! Perfect for any gathering, this recipe combines tender shredded chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce for an irresistible treat. Learn how to make these easy and mouthwatering sliders that are sure to impress your guests. Click to discover step-by-step instructions and tips for toppings like coleslaw and pickles—your next party will be a hit!
Print Recipe Save Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

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 heat)

12 slider buns

Coleslaw (for topping, optional)

Pickles (for topping, optional)

Instructions
 

Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts. Place them in the slow cooker.

    In a small bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using).

      Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure they are well coated.

        Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

          Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.

            Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mixing it with the remaining sauce to let it absorb the flavor for an additional 10 minutes.

              Toast the slider buns lightly under a broiler or in a toaster.

                Assemble the sliders by placing a generous amount of pulled chicken on each bun.

                  If desired, top with coleslaw and pickles before placing the bun top on.

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