Are you ready to enjoy some mouthwatering bites? My Savory Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders are a game-changer! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a flavorful meal that everyone will love. This recipe transforms boneless chicken into juicy pulled goodness, all while you relax. Get ready to impress your family or guests with easy-to-make sliders that pack a tasty punch! Let’s dive in!

Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
Additional Seasonings
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Serving Components
– 12 slider buns
– Coleslaw (optional)
– Pickles (optional)
When I make Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders, I start with the main ingredients. The chicken breasts are the star here. I use 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. This keeps the dish tender and juicy. I also choose a cup of my favorite BBQ sauce. The sauce adds rich flavor and sweetness. To help everything cook well, I add half a cup of chicken broth.
Next, I mix in some additional seasonings. Apple cider vinegar gives a nice tang. Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness. Garlic powder and onion powder boost the taste. Smoked paprika gives a nice hint of smokiness. I also add salt and pepper to make it just right.
For serving, I grab 12 slider buns. These buns are perfect for holding the pulled chicken. I sometimes add coleslaw on top for crunch. Pickles also make a great garnish. They add a zesty kick to every bite.
With these ingredients, you can create sliders that are full of flavor. They make a great meal for any gathering.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Slow Cooker
– In your slow cooker, mix 1 cup of BBQ sauce, 1/2 cup of chicken broth, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
– Place the 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Make sure each piece is fully coated in the sauce mixture.
Cooking Process
– Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred when done.
– After cooking, take the chicken out and use two forks to shred it into pieces.
Assembling the Sliders
– Put a generous amount of the pulled chicken onto each slider bun.
– If you like, add a spoonful of coleslaw and a pickle slice on top for extra crunch and flavor.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Time Guidelines
When using your slow cooker, you can choose low or high settings.
– Low setting: Cook for 6-8 hours.
– High setting: Cook for 3-4 hours.
Look for signs of doneness. The chicken should be tender and pull apart easily. If it’s still hard, give it more time.
Shredding Tips
To shred chicken, use two forks. This method is quick and easy. You can also use a stand mixer if you want. Just be careful not to over-shred!
Keep the chicken moist by returning it to the sauce after shredding. This helps the chicken soak up the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your sliders with sides like potato chips or a fresh salad. Both options are easy and tasty.
For presentation, arrange the sliders on a large platter. You can add fresh herbs or pickles around the edges. This makes your dish look extra inviting!
Variations
BBQ Sauce Options
You can change up the BBQ sauce for your sliders. Try sweet, tangy, or spicy sauces. Each type brings its own flavor. If you want to make your own, combine these simple ingredients:
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Mix these well, and you have a great homemade BBQ sauce!
Alternative Proteins
If chicken isn’t your thing, you can switch to other meats. Pork or beef works well for pulled sliders too. Just use the same cooking method. For a meatless option, use jackfruit or lentils. These options give you a tasty, plant-based slider.
Flavor Enhancements
Adding spices or herbs can boost flavor. Consider mixing in cayenne for heat or thyme for depth. You can also switch up your toppings. Try avocado, jalapeños, or cheese for added taste. Each little change can make your sliders unique and fun!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your sliders fresh, cool them down first. Place the pulled chicken in a shallow container. This helps it chill faster. For best results, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers both work well. Label the containers with dates to track freshness.
Freezing Guidelines
You can freeze pulled chicken for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, put the chicken in freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you want to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. This keeps the chicken juicy and tasty.
Reheating Instructions
When reheating sliders, use the oven for best flavor. Preheat to 350°F. Place the sliders on a baking sheet and cover with foil. This keeps them moist. Heat them for about 15 minutes or until warm. You can also use a microwave, but this may make the buns soggy. Keep some coleslaw and pickles handy to refresh the taste.
FAQs
How long does it take to cook pulled chicken in a slow cooker?
Cooking pulled chicken in a slow cooker takes either 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. The low setting gives the chicken a tender, juicy texture. The high setting is faster but may not be as tender. Check for doneness by seeing if the chicken shreds easily with a fork.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, you must adjust the cooking time. Frozen chicken may need an extra hour on low or 30 minutes on high. Always check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating.
What type of BBQ sauce is best for pulled chicken?
The best BBQ sauce depends on your taste. For sweet lovers, go for a honey or brown sugar BBQ sauce. If you like tangy flavors, try a vinegar-based sauce. For spice fans, pick a sauce with a kick. Experiment to find what you enjoy the most!
This blog post covered how to make tasty pulled chicken sliders in a slow cooker. I provided a detailed list of main ingredients, seasonings, and optional components to add more flavor. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparation, cooking, and assembling the sliders. Plus, I shared tips for cooking time, shredding, storage, and variations.
In the end, these sliders are easy, fun, and delicious for any meal. Enjoy your cooking!
