Are you craving something delicious yet simple to prepare for your next family dinner or party? Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Sliders might just become your go-to recipe. Perfect for any occasion, these sliders are not only flavorful but also incredibly easy to make. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll achieve juicy, tender chicken layered in soft slider buns. Ready to elevate your cooking game? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Simply toss the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do all the work.
- Flavor-Packed: The perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in every bite.
- Versatile Dish: Ideal for game nights, potlucks, or casual dinners.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults alike.
- Easily Customizable: Adapt the toppings and spices to suit your taste.
Ingredients
To make these mouthwatering Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Sliders, gather the following ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns
- ½ cup coleslaw (optional, for topping)
- Pickles (optional, for topping)
Equipment You’ll Need
- A slow cooker (4-6 quart capacity)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Forks for shredding the chicken
- Serving platter
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
- Total Time: Approximately 6 hours
How Many People Does It Serve?
This recipe makes 12 sliders, which comfortably serves 6 people (2 sliders each).
How To Make Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Sliders For Game Day
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl, combine barbecue sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Check periodically to ensure the chicken remains submerged in the sauce.
3. Shred the Chicken
- Once the chicken is tender and fully cooked, transfer it to a large plate or cutting board.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken into fine pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it with the remaining sauce.
4. Assemble the Sliders
- Slice the slider buns in half and lightly toast them if desired.
- Place a generous portion of pulled chicken on the bottom half of each bun.
- Add a spoonful of coleslaw and a few pickle slices for extra crunch and flavor.
- Top with the other half of the bun.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Arrange the sliders on a serving platter and enjoy them warm.
Nutrition Facts
- Per Serving (2 sliders):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 10g
How to Serve
- Pair these sliders with a side of crispy potato wedges, a green salad, or even sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
- For drinks, consider lemonade or a light beer to complement the tangy flavors.
Some Additional Tips
- Use Thighs for Extra Juiciness: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless thighs for even more tender meat.
- Experiment with Sauces: Try different barbecue sauce flavors like honey, spicy, or smoky to suit your preferences.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the chicken a day in advance; simply reheat it in the slow cooker before serving.
- Add Cheese: Melt some cheddar or pepper jack cheese over the pulled chicken for extra indulgence.
- Slider Variations: Offer a variety of toppings like jalapeños, caramelized onions, or avocado slices.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen chicken?
- Yes, but ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even results.
- What’s the best barbecue sauce to use?
- Any store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce will work. Choose one that matches your preferred flavor profile.
- Can I double this recipe?
- Absolutely! Ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store the pulled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Can I freeze the pulled chicken?
- Yes, freeze it in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.
- What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
- Use a Dutch oven or cook it on low heat in the oven at 300°F.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Use gluten-free buns and ensure the barbecue sauce is gluten-free.
- Can I add vegetables?
- Yes, diced onions, bell peppers, or shredded carrots can be added to the slow cooker.
- Is this recipe spicy?
- Not by default, but you can add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a kick.
- How can I make the sliders more filling?
- Add a layer of mashed avocado or a fried egg for extra substance.
Conclusion
There you have it—a simple yet delicious recipe for Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Sliders that’s sure to impress your family and friends. The tender chicken, flavorful sauce, and soft buns create an unforgettable combination. Try this recipe, and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below. How did it turn out for you? Rate it and let us know!
Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Sliders
Are you craving something delicious yet simple to prepare for your next family dinner or party? Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Sliders might just become your go-to recipe. Perfect for any occasion, these sliders are not only flavorful but also incredibly easy to make. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll achieve juicy, tender chicken layered in soft slider buns. Ready to elevate your cooking game? Let’s dive in!
Equipment
- A slow cooker (4-6 quart capacity)
- – Mixing bowls
- – Measuring cups and spoons
- Forks for shredding the chicken
- Serving platter
Ingredients
- To make these mouthwatering Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Sliders gather the following ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns
- ½ cup coleslaw optional, for topping
- Pickles optional, for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl, combine barbecue sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Cook the Chicken
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Check periodically to ensure the chicken remains submerged in the sauce.
- Shred the Chicken
- Once the chicken is tender and fully cooked, transfer it to a large plate or cutting board.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken into fine pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it with the remaining sauce.
- Assemble the Sliders
- Slice the slider buns in half and lightly toast them if desired.
- Place a generous portion of pulled chicken on the bottom half of each bun.
- Add a spoonful of coleslaw and a few pickle slices for extra crunch and flavor.
- Top with the other half of the bun.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Arrange the sliders on a serving platter and enjoy them warm.
Notes
Additional Tips
- Use Thighs for Extra Juiciness: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless thighs for even more tender meat.
- Experiment with Sauces: Try different barbecue sauce flavors like honey, spicy, or smoky to suit your preferences.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the chicken a day in advance; simply reheat it in the slow cooker before serving.
- Add Cheese: Melt some cheddar or pepper jack cheese over the pulled chicken for extra indulgence.
- Slider Variations: Offer a variety of toppings like jalapeños, caramelized onions, or avocado slices.