BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders: The Ultimate Easy & Delicious Recipe

When it comes to mouthwatering comfort food, BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders are among the best options you can try. These sliders are packed with flavors that will make your taste buds tingle, and they are easy to prepare, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making a delicious meal for yourself. From the tender pulled chicken to the perfect slider buns, this recipe offers everything you need to create an unforgettable treat.

Why BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders Are So Popular

BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders have become a staple at many gatherings, including BBQs, game days, and family dinners. The juicy pulled chicken, combined with smoky barbecue sauce and served on soft slider buns, makes for a flavor-packed bite that’s hard to resist. Whether you add coleslaw for crunch or pickles for an extra zing, these sliders are incredibly versatile, customizable, and perfect for any occasion.

In this article, we’ll take you step-by-step through how to make BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders at home. We’ll also explore some variations and additional tips for making this dish even better. You’ll learn how to cook the chicken to perfection, the best way to assemble your sliders, and how to serve them to impress your guests. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients for BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders

For the Pulled Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Sliders:

• 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls work great!)
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ cup coleslaw (optional, for topping)
• Pickles (optional)

Instructions for BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by adding the chicken breasts, BBQ sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper into a slow cooker. Stir to combine the ingredients, making sure the chicken is covered with the sauce mixture. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.

Slow cooking your chicken allows the flavors to infuse deeply into the meat, making the pulled chicken extremely flavorful. The sauce will also thicken, creating the perfect coating for the chicken.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir the chicken around to coat it with the remaining BBQ sauce. Let the shredded chicken sit for 10-15 minutes on warm, allowing it to absorb even more of the sauce.

This step is crucial for making sure your BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders are juicy and flavorful. You want the chicken to be perfectly shredded, so it can be piled high on the buns.

Step 3: Prepare the Buns

While the chicken is cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slider buns on a baking sheet and brush the tops with melted butter mixed with garlic powder. Bake the buns for 5 minutes until they are slightly golden brown and toasted.

Toasting the buns not only adds a little crunch but also helps them hold up better when you load them with the juicy pulled chicken.

Step 4: Assemble the Sliders

Now comes the fun part – assembling the sliders! Take the toasted buns and place a generous amount of BBQ pulled chicken on the bottom half of each bun. If you like a little extra texture and flavor, you can add coleslaw and pickles for topping.

Once you’ve loaded up the buns with the chicken and toppings, place the top buns on and press down gently. Your sliders are now ready to serve!

Step 5: Enjoy!

Serve the sliders immediately while they are warm, and enjoy the perfect combination of smoky, savory pulled chicken and soft buns. These BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders are best enjoyed with some additional sides like chips, fries, or a refreshing salad.

Why You Should Try BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders

There’s no better feeling than biting into a BBQ Pulled Chicken Slider that’s juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor. This recipe is a perfect blend of smoky, tangy, and sweet, thanks to the BBQ sauce and seasonings. Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a game day event, or simply looking for a delicious dinner idea, these sliders are sure to be a hit.

The best part about BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders is that they are extremely customizable. You can tweak the seasoning or the toppings to suit your preferences. For example, if you like it spicier, you can add a dash of hot sauce to the pulled chicken. If you prefer a milder version, you can skip the garlic powder or use a sweeter BBQ sauce.

Tips for Perfect BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders

1. Choose the Right BBQ Sauce: The BBQ sauce you choose will make a huge difference in the flavor of your sliders. Some BBQ sauces are sweeter, while others have a smoky or tangy profile. Pick one that matches your taste preferences.
2. Make it Spicy: If you love a bit of heat, add some chili flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce to the pulled chicken mixture.
3. Coleslaw Topping: Adding coleslaw to your sliders provides a perfect contrast of crunchy and creamy textures. The cool, tangy coleslaw complements the smoky chicken beautifully.
4. Bun Selection: While regular slider buns work well, Hawaiian rolls give these sliders a slightly sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with the BBQ chicken.
5. Serving Suggestions: Pair your BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders with a side of French fries, potato salad, or corn on the cob for a perfect meal.

FAQs about BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders

1. Can I make BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pulled chicken in advance. Once cooked and shredded, store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and toast the buns.

2. Can I use other cuts of chicken for the sliders?

While chicken breasts work perfectly for these sliders, you can also use chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful option. Just ensure the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.

3. What type of BBQ sauce is best for these sliders?

The best BBQ sauce for BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders depends on your preference. Choose a sauce that is sweet, tangy, or smoky, depending on what flavor profile you like. Some people even mix different types of BBQ sauce to achieve the perfect balance.

4. Can I freeze the pulled chicken for later use?

Yes, pulled chicken freezes well. Store the shredded chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw and warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

5. How can I make these sliders spicier?

For a spicy kick, add jalapeños, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper to the pulled chicken mixture. Adjust the level of spice to your taste.

Conclusion

BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders are the perfect combination of juicy, tender chicken, flavorful BBQ sauce, and soft buns, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a quick dinner, these sliders are sure to hit the spot. The versatility of this dish allows you to get creative with toppings and flavors, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Try making BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders today – they’ll be a hit at your next gathering!

Print