Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried BBQ pulled chicken sliders yet, you’re totally missing out! These little gems are packed with flavor, and they’re perfect for any gathering—whether it’s a backyard BBQ, game day, or just a cozy family dinner. I love how effortless they are to make, especially in the slow cooker. Just throw everything in, and let the magic happen! My favorite part? The way the tender chicken just falls apart and absorbs all that delicious BBQ goodness. Plus, they’re super easy to customize with your favorite toppings like coleslaw or pickles. Trust me, once you serve these sliders, they’ll be the star of the show!
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show! I love using chicken breasts because they stay moist and tender when cooked low and slow.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade recipe for a flavor that makes your taste buds dance! I like to go with a smoky variety for that extra kick.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This helps keep the chicken juicy and adds a bit of richness to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because who can resist the aroma of garlic? It adds depth to the flavor!
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: A little hint of sweetness and savoriness—it’s a must-have in my spice cabinet.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: For that touch of warmth and color, paprika really rounds out the seasoning.
- 12 slider buns: Soft and fluffy, these buns are perfect for holding all that tender pulled chicken. I go for whole wheat or brioche for a little twist.
- Coleslaw (optional): A crunchy, creamy topping that adds a refreshing contrast to the rich BBQ chicken. Totally optional, but I highly recommend it!
How to Prepare BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders
Making these BBQ pulled chicken sliders is as easy as pie! You’ll love how simple it is to whip up this crowd-pleaser. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to slider heaven!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your slow cooker. This is where the magic happens! Set it to low if you have the time to let everything simmer and get super tender.
- In a medium bowl, mix together 1 cup of BBQ sauce, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Give it a good stir until everything is combined and looks delicious!
- Now, place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour that scrumptious BBQ sauce mixture all over the chicken. Make sure it’s evenly coated—this is where all the flavor comes from!
- Next, cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for about 3-4 hours. If you’re in a hurry, the high setting works just fine, but low and slow is the way to go for that tender, fall-apart chicken.
- Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken and use two forks to shred it. It should come apart effortlessly! Mix the shredded chicken back into the sauce in the slow cooker to soak up all that goodness.
- Finally, serve the pulled chicken on slider buns and top with coleslaw if you like that extra crunch! Enjoy every bite—you deserve it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just a few minutes of prep work, you can set your slow cooker and forget about it while the deliciousness unfolds. It’s perfect for busy days!
- Flavorful: The combination of spices and BBQ sauce creates a mouthwatering flavor explosion that’s sure to impress everyone at your table.
- Perfect for Gatherings: These sliders are a crowd-pleaser! Whether it’s a family get-together, a game day party, or a backyard BBQ, they’re always a hit.
- Gluten-Free: With simple, wholesome ingredients, you can easily make these sliders gluten-free by using appropriate buns, making them a great option for everyone!
Tips for Success
Let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure your BBQ pulled chicken sliders turn out absolutely perfect every time! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make a big difference.
- Don’t Skip the Marinade: If you have a little extra time, marinating the chicken in the BBQ sauce mixture for a few hours or overnight can deepen the flavor even more. It’s worth the wait!
- Try Different BBQ Sauces: Experiment with various brands or even homemade sauces. Some people love a spicy kick, while others might prefer a sweeter sauce. Find the balance that suits your taste!
- Use a Meat Thermometer: If you’re unsure about the cooking time, a meat thermometer can help! Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe and tender.
- Shred While Hot: Shredding the chicken while it’s still warm makes it so much easier. The meat just falls apart! Plus, it soaks up the sauce better this way.
- Add a Splash of Vinegar: For a tangy twist, you can mix in a splash of apple cider vinegar to the sauce before serving. It adds a nice brightness to the rich flavors!
- Toast Your Buns: Lightly toasting the slider buns before serving can add a delightful crunch and help them hold up better against the juicy chicken. Yum!
- Don’t Forget the Toppings: While coleslaw is a fantastic choice, get creative! Consider adding pickles, jalapeños, or even avocado slices for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to sliders that steal the show at any gathering. Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up these BBQ pulled chicken sliders! Here are a few ideas that will keep things exciting and cater to different tastes:
- Different BBQ Sauces: Try using a tangy mustard BBQ sauce for a zesty kick or a smoky chipotle sauce for a spicy twist. Each sauce brings its own unique flavor profile!
- Hawaiian Style: Add some pineapple chunks to the slow cooker for a sweet and savory Hawaiian flair. Top with teriyaki sauce instead of traditional BBQ for a fun change!
- Buffalo Chicken Sliders: Swap out the BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce for a spicy version. Serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Yum!
- BBQ Chicken Nachos: Instead of sliders, serve the pulled chicken over tortilla chips, sprinkle with cheese, and add jalapeños, sour cream, and green onions for a nacho bar!
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with jackfruit! It pulls apart nicely and soaks up flavors well, making it a fantastic meat substitute in this recipe.
- Gourmet Toppings: Get creative with toppings like avocado slices, crispy fried onions, or even a drizzle of sriracha for an extra kick. The sky’s the limit!
With these variations, you’ll never get bored of BBQ pulled chicken sliders. Mix and match to find your favorite combo, and enjoy the delicious adventure!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, so you’ve made a big batch of these mouthwatering BBQ pulled chicken sliders, and now you’re probably wondering how to store the leftovers (if there are any!). Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered!
First off, let the sliders cool completely before storing them. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the buns soggy. I recommend separating the pulled chicken from the slider buns. Place the shredded chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’ve added coleslaw, I’d suggest keeping that in a separate container too, so it stays crisp!
If you want to keep your sliders for longer, you can freeze the pulled chicken! Just let it cool, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge.
Now, when it comes to reheating, you have a couple of options! For the best results, reheat the pulled chicken in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through. You can add a splash of BBQ sauce to keep it moist. If you’re in a hurry, popping it in the microwave works too—just make sure to cover it to prevent splattering.
As for the buns, if you want that fresh taste, consider toasting them lightly in the oven or a skillet for a minute or two. This will help maintain their texture and make your sliders feel just as good as the first time around. Enjoy your leftovers—you deserve it!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers! While I’m all for enjoying delicious food, I know some of you like to keep an eye on nutrition, so here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values for each BBQ pulled chicken slider. Keep in mind, these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use.
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 20g
These sliders pack a flavorful punch without breaking the calorie bank, making them a great option for satisfying your cravings! Enjoy them guilt-free, and feel good about what you’re eating!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken for BBQ pulled chicken sliders?
Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken breasts directly in the slow cooker. Just add a little extra time to ensure they cook through properly. It’s a great way to make this recipe even easier!
What’s the best way to shred the chicken?
I find that using two forks works like a charm! Just poke and pull apart the chicken, and it should shred easily. If you want to save time, you can also use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment on low speed to shred the chicken in seconds!
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the pulled chicken in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it and assemble the sliders. They’re perfect for meal prepping!
What can I serve with BBQ pulled chicken sliders?
There are so many delicious sides that pair well with these sliders! I love serving them with potato salad, baked beans, or a fresh green salad. You could even add some chips on the side for that crunch!
Are BBQ pulled chicken sliders gluten-free?
Yes, they can be! Just make sure to use gluten-free slider buns, and you’re good to go. Enjoy these tasty sliders without any worries!
For more information on the health benefits of chicken, check out this Healthline article.
For tips on making the best BBQ sauce, visit this Serious Eats guide.
Print
BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders: 5 Tricks for Ultimate Flavor
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious BBQ pulled chicken sliders perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 12 slider buns
- Coleslaw (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Place chicken in the slow cooker and cover with the sauce mixture.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred the chicken with two forks and mix with the sauce.
- Serve on slider buns with coleslaw if desired.
Notes
- Adjust BBQ sauce to your taste.
- Use leftover chicken for quick meals.
- These sliders freeze well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: bbq pulled chicken sliders
