Get ready to enjoy a delicious meal with my Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders! This easy recipe brings tender, shredded chicken together with rich BBQ sauce for the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re hosting a party or need a weeknight dinner, these sliders are a hit. Stick around as I walk you through the simple steps, tips, and tasty variations to make your sliders shine!
Ingredients
Meat and Main Components
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
The chicken is the star of the show. Choose high-quality, boneless, and skinless chicken breasts. These cook up tender and juicy. The BBQ sauce adds that sweet, smoky flavor. You can pick your favorite kind. A bit of chicken broth keeps everything moist and enhances the taste.
Flavor Enhancers
– 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
These flavor enhancers elevate the dish. Apple cider vinegar gives a nice tang. Brown sugar adds sweetness that balances the BBQ sauce. Garlic powder and onion powder introduce depth. Smoked paprika provides a subtle smokiness. Don’t forget salt and pepper; they tie all the flavors together.
Serving Essentials
– 12 slider buns
– Coleslaw (optional, for topping)
– Pickles (optional, for garnish)
The slider buns are essential for serving. They hold all the goodness together. Coleslaw adds crunch and freshness, making the sliders more exciting. Pickles bring a tangy bite that contrasts well with the BBQ chicken. These toppings are optional but highly recommended for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Sauce Mixture
In a bowl, combine these ingredients:
– 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 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
Stir everything together. This mixture will give your chicken great flavor.
Cooking the Chicken
Next, place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken. Make sure each piece is well coated.
Now, cover the slow cooker. Set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it feels tender and easily shreds.
Shredding and Serving
After the cooking time, take the chicken out. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir it well with the sauce. Let it warm up for another 15-20 minutes.
To serve, scoop the pulled chicken onto each slider bun. If you want, add a spoonful of coleslaw and a pickle on top. Enjoy your sliders!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Perfect Shredded Chicken
To know when your chicken is done, look for an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check this. The chicken should feel tender and pull apart easily. If it resists shredding, it may need more time in the slow cooker.
For shredding, use two forks. Hold one fork in each hand and pull the chicken apart. This method works well for quick and easy shredding. You can also use a hand mixer on low speed. Just be careful not to overdo it.
Slow Cooker Recommendations
The best setting for most slow cookers is low for 6 to 8 hours. If you’re short on time, use high for 3 to 4 hours. Always check your slow cooker’s manual for specific settings.
To prevent overcooking, avoid opening the lid during cooking. Each time you lift the lid, heat escapes. If your cooker has a timer, set it to stop cooking when it’s done.
Enhancing Flavor
You can customize your sliders by adding different spices. Consider smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce for heat.
For BBQ sauce, try brands like Sweet Baby Ray’s or Stubb’s for great taste. Each brand has its unique flavor, so pick one that suits your taste. You can also blend sauces for a unique mix.
Variations
Different BBQ Sauces
You can change the flavor by using different BBQ sauces. Each sauce brings a unique taste. For example, Kansas City sauce is thick and sweet. It often has molasses. On the other hand, Carolina sauce is vinegar-based and tangy. It works well if you like a little bite in your dish. Try mixing sauces too! A blend can take your sliders to a new level.
Alternative Protein Options
If you want to mix things up, try different proteins. Turkey works great in this recipe. It has a mild flavor that absorbs BBQ sauce well. Pork is another tasty option. It adds a richer taste to your sliders. For a plant-based choice, use tofu. Just make sure to press it first to get rid of extra water. Each protein brings its own twist to the dish.
Slider Toppings
Toppings can make your sliders even better. Try adding jalapeños for some heat. They give a nice kick. Cheese is another great choice. Melted cheddar or pepper jack can add creaminess. Avocado slices also work well, giving a rich texture. You can also add coleslaw on top for crunch. Experiment with different toppings to find your favorite mix!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To store your pulled chicken sliders, first allow them to cool. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Use a separate container for the slider buns. Store both in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to four days. Be sure to label each container with the date. This helps you keep track of freshness.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to freeze the pulled chicken, follow these steps. Cool the chicken completely before freezing. Put the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as you can. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. For the slider buns, you can wrap them in foil or plastic wrap. Freeze them as well, and they will last about three months, too.
Reheating Suggestions
When it’s time to enjoy your sliders again, reheating is key. For the pulled chicken, use a saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist. Stir until heated through. If you’re reheating buns, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 10 seconds. This keeps them soft and warm. Enjoy your delicious sliders without losing any flavor!
FAQs
Can I make Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders without BBQ sauce?
Yes, you can! You can create a tasty pulled chicken without BBQ sauce. Try using a mix of honey mustard and a dash of hot sauce for a tangy flavor. Another option is to use a savory marinade, like teriyaki sauce or a garlic herb blend. This way, you get a different taste while keeping it moist and delicious.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
To add heat, use spicy BBQ sauce or add hot sauce to your mix. You can also sprinkle in cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes while cooking. If you like a smoky heat, try adding chipotle powder for extra flavor. Adjust the amount based on how spicy you want it.
How can I adjust the recipe for smaller servings?
You can easily scale down this recipe. Use 1 pound of chicken for about 6 sliders. Cut the other ingredients in half too. You can keep the same cooking time, but check the chicken for doneness sooner. This way, you can enjoy a smaller portion without wasting food.
In this post, we explored how to make delicious Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders. We covered key ingredients, including chicken and flavor enhancers. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking and shredding the chicken. You learned useful tips for perfect results and variations to try.
Remember, you can customize your sliders with different toppings and sauces. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and sharing these tasty creations. Your slow cooker is now your best friend for easy, flavorful meals.
