Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe aroma of smoky barbecue wafting through the air can instantly elevate any gathering, and there’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a BBQ Pulled Chicken Slider. These tasty little sandwiches are not only a crowd-pleaser but also a game-day staple that keeps your stress levels low, thanks to the magic of the slow cooker. Imagine the ease of preparing a hearty meal by simply tossing some chicken and your favorite barbecue sauce into the cooker and letting it do all the work! With the flexibility to customize toppings, you can easily satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Whether you’re serving them at a backyard barbecue or whipping them up for a cozy family dinner, these sliders offer a delightful taste of comfort that everyone will love. Are you ready to dive into this mouthwatering adventure? Why Are BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders Irresistible? Crowd-Pleaser: These sliders bring family and friends together, often becoming the highlight of any gathering. Flavorful Twist: Infused with smoky barbecue goodness, they explode with taste, leaving everyone craving more. Effortless Preparation: Simply toss your ingredients into the slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you relax! Customizable: Choose your favorite toppings like jalapeños or coleslaw for that perfect finishing touch. If you’re also in the mood for more delicious chicken options, check out Pesto Chicken Broccoli and Hot Honey Chicken. Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist these tasty bites, making them perfect for any dinner. Hearty and Satisfying: With protein-rich chicken hugged by soft buns, these sliders are the ultimate comfort food for any occasion! BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders Ingredients For the Chicken Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The star of the dish; choose fresh chicken for the best results. Olive oil – Helps keep the chicken moist during cooking. Garlic powder – Enhances flavor, providing that savory kick. Onion powder – Adds depth and complexity to the chicken’s overall taste. Smoked paprika – Introduces a subtle smokiness that beautifully complements the barbecue sauce. Salt and pepper – Essential for elevating the natural flavors of the chicken. For the Sauce Barbecue sauce – Provides rich flavor; feel free to use your favorite brand or a homemade sauce for personalization. For Assembly Slider buns – Opt for soft, fresh buns that hold the pulled chicken well. Coleslaw (optional) – Adds a crunchy texture and freshness to each bite. Pickles (optional) – Offers a tangy contrast that balances the sweetness of the barbecue sauce. These BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders are guaranteed to be a hit, whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy meal at home! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders Step 1: Season the Chicken In a large mixing bowl, combine boneless, skinless chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Using your hands or a spatula, ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. This step will enhance the flavor profile and ensure a delicious base for your BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders. Step 2: Cook the Chicken Transfer the seasoned chicken to a slow cooker. Pour your favorite barbecue sauce over the top, allowing the chicken to be fully immersed. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should become tender and easily shreddable when done, producing a mouthwatering aroma throughout your kitchen. Step 3: Shred the Chicken Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker using tongs, and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring it’s pulled apart effortlessly. This shredded chicken is what makes your BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders tender and delightful, soaking up the barbecue sauce. Step 4: Combine and Heat Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir in any remaining barbecue sauce, mixing thoroughly. Cover and allow it to heat on low for an additional 15-30 minutes. This step ensures that the flavors are fully melded together, making the filling for your BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders even more savory and satisfying. Step 5: Assemble the Sliders Slice each slider bun in half and lightly toast them if desired for added texture. Spoon generous portions of the pulled chicken onto the bottom half of each bun, allowing that delicious barbecue flavor to shine. Top with optional coleslaw and pickles for added crunch and tang, then cap with the top half of the bun. Your BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders are now ready to serve and enjoy warm! How to Store and Freeze BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders Room Temperature: Leftover BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders are best kept at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to ensure food safety. Fridge: Store the pulled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping it fresh and flavorful. Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the pulled chicken in a resealable bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. It’s perfect for quick meals later on! Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat on the stovetop with a splash of barbecue sauce to maintain moisture and flavor. BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders Variations Feel free to put your own twist on these delicious sliders, and get creative in the kitchen! Chicken Thighs: Swap chicken breasts for thighs for richer flavor and extra juiciness. Thighs have a wonderful tenderness that complements the barbecue sauce perfectly. Pulled Pork: Use pulled pork instead of chicken for a smoky, hearty variation. This gives a BBQ experience that’s equally satisfying and sure to impress your guests. Turkey Breast: For a leaner option, shredded turkey breast is a fantastic substitute. It pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy BBQ sauce for a lighter dish. BBQ Sauce Twist: Experiment with different barbecue sauces to find your favorite flavor profile. Try a spicy chipotle or a honey-infused sauce for a delightful twist that keeps guests guessing. Spicy Jalapeños: Add sliced jalapeños for a kick of heat. The freshness of the peppers mingles with the sweetness of the sauce for a delightful contrast. Cheese Delight: Top the sliders with your favorite cheese for extra creaminess. Cheddar or pepper jack would melt beautifully over the warm pulled chicken. Coleslaw Variations: Customize your coleslaw with additions like apple or pineapple for a crunchy and sweet flavor boost that brightens the sliders. Herbed Buns: Switch out regular buns for herbed or garlic-infused buns. The added flavor will elevate the overall taste experience and impress even the most discerning of palettes. For more delicious chicken ideas, don’t forget to try out the Pesto Chicken Broccoli or Italian Ground Chicken recipes. Enjoy these sliders however you like! Make Ahead Options These BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders are perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to enjoy flavorful results with minimal prep time! You can season the chicken and store it in the refrigerator up to 24 hours before cooking, ensuring it’s ready to pop into the slow cooker when you need it. Additionally, the fully cooked pulled chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To maintain its rich flavor, refrigerate in an airtight container, and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of barbecue sauce when ready to serve. This way, you can enjoy delicious, homemade sliders without the last-minute rush! Expert Tips for BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders Quality Chicken: Always choose fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture in your BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders. Sauce Matters: Use a barbecue sauce that you love; trying homemade options can help customize sweetness and spice levels. Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on your slow cooker; overcooked chicken can dry out. Aim for perfectly tender, shreddable chicken instead. Assembly Technique: Be gentle when assembling your sliders to prevent the buns from getting soggy. Strive for a balanced filling! Extra Flavor: Boost the smokiness by adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the barbecue sauce. This will enhance the overall flavor experience. What to Serve with BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders The delightful tang and smoky flavor of BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders create the perfect foundation for a hearty meal that you can easily build upon. Creamy Coleslaw: The crispness of coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch that balances the sliders’ rich flavors, enhancing each bite. Baked Beans: Their sweet and savory profile pairs beautifully with the barbecue chicken, creating a comforting, all-American meal. Potato Chips: A side of crispy chips adds a satisfying crunch, perfect for those who love a bit of texture alongside their sliders. Corn on the Cob: Freshly grilled corn adds a delicious sweetness that harmonizes with the smoky flavors of the sliders, making it a delightful addition. Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad rounds out the meal with its rich flavors, a classic pairing that complements the savory chicken perfectly. Iced Tea: This sweet or unsweetened drink quenches thirst while balancing out the smokiness of the sliders, making it an ideal refreshment. Fruit Salad: A medley of fresh fruits offers a burst of natural sweetness, providing a nice counterpoint to the savory richness of the BBQ chicken. These pairings not only elevate your BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders into a mouthwatering feast but will also leave your guests buzzing with delight! BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders Recipe FAQs What type of chicken should I use for BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders? Absolutely, using boneless, skinless chicken breasts is ideal for BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders, as they remain tender during slow cooking. But if you’re looking for a richer flavor, chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute! How should I store leftover BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders? Store any leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure to separate the chicken from the buns to maintain their texture. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the chicken portion for up to 3 months! Can I freeze BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders? Yes, you absolutely can! To freeze, place the shredded chicken in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container, making sure to remove as much air as possible. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop with a splash of barbecue sauce until hot. What should I do if my chicken isn’t shredding easily? If your chicken isn’t shredding easily, it might need a bit more cooking time. Simply return it to the slow cooker, cover, and let it cook on low for an additional 30 minutes. Check for tenderness again; it should pull apart effortlessly when it’s done! Are BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders safe for kids and those with allergies? Absolutely! BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders are family-friendly, but be mindful of allergies. The main ingredients include chicken and barbecue sauce, which may have allergens. Opt for a gluten-free barbecue sauce and slider buns if necessary, and always check the ingredients for any specific food allergies. How can I customize my BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders? The more the merrier! You can customize your sliders by experimenting with different barbecue sauces for unique flavors or by adding toppings like jalapeños for heat or a variety of cheeses for creaminess. Feel free to mix and match to create your perfect slider combination! Savory BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders That Everyone Will Love BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders are a crowd-pleaser perfect for gatherings and game days, bringing smoky flavor and ease of preparation. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 6 hours hrsHeating Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 6 hours hrs 45 minutes mins Servings: 8 slidersCourse: ChickenCuisine: AmericanCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken4 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts Fresh chicken for the best results.2 tbsp Olive oil Keeps the chicken moist during cooking.1 tsp Garlic powder Enhances flavor.1 tsp Onion powder Adds depth to the flavor.1 tsp Smoked paprika Introduces smokiness.1 tsp Salt1 tsp PepperFor the Sauce1 cup Barbecue sauce Use your favorite brand.For Assembly8 pieces Slider buns Opt for soft, fresh buns.Coleslaw Optional for added crunch.Pickles Optional for tanginess. Equipment Slow Cooker Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.Transfer the seasoned chicken to the slow cooker and pour the barbecue sauce over it. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it with forks.Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stir in remaining barbecue sauce, and heat on low for an additional 15-30 minutes.Slice each slider bun in half, toast if desired, spoon pulled chicken onto the bottom half, top with coleslaw and pickles, and cap with the top half. Nutrition Serving: 1sliderCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 24gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1.5mg NotesFor best results, use quality fresh chicken and a barbecue sauce that suits your taste. Avoid overcooking the chicken to maintain moisture. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
