BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders

$- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite or homemade) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a little heat) - Salt and pepper to taste - 8 slider buns - 1/2 cup coleslaw (store-bought or homemade) - Fresh cilantro for garnish When I make BBQ pulled chicken sliders, I always start with fresh ingredients. The boneless, skinless chicken breasts are key. They cook up tender and juicy, perfect for shredding. I love using BBQ sauce. You can choose store-bought for speed, or make your own for a special touch. The sauce is the heart of this dish. Don't skip the seasoning! Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika add depth. The cayenne pepper gives a hint of heat if you like spice. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. For the sliders, I choose soft buns. They hold the chicken well without falling apart. If you're feeling creative, coleslaw adds crunch. You can use store-bought or whip up a quick batch at home. Lastly, fresh cilantro makes a great garnish. It brightens the dish and adds a pop of color. Enjoy these sliders at your next party or gathering! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by setting up your slow cooker. Place 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts inside. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken. Next, season it with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. If you like heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Pour 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce over the chicken. Make sure it coats the chicken well. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Cooking on low gives the chicken time to soak in the flavors and become very tender. This tenderness is key for shredding later. After cooking, take the chicken out of the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This is easy and fun! Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it with the remaining BBQ sauce. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor. While the chicken absorbs the sauce, it’s time to toast the buns. Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Lightly butter the outside of each slider bun. Toast them in the skillet until they are golden brown. This adds a nice crunch to your sliders. To assemble, start with the bottom half of each toasted slider bun. Spoon a generous amount of BBQ pulled chicken on top. Then, add a spoonful of coleslaw for some crunch and creaminess. Finally, place the top half of the bun over the coleslaw. Your sliders are now ready to serve! Arrange them on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro for a bright touch. - Pair your sliders with pickles for a crunchy bite. - Add jalapeños for a spicy kick. - Serve extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. - Offer a variety of drinks, like iced tea or lemonade, to balance the flavors. - Keep your sliders warm in a slow cooker or covered dish while guests arrive. - Experiment with spices like cumin or chili powder for a twist. - Mix honey or mustard into your BBQ sauce for added sweetness or tang. - Customize your coleslaw by adding apples or raisins for a fruity touch. - Use different types of cabbage for a unique crunch. - Do not overcook the chicken; it should be tender, not dry. - Always toast your buns; this adds a nice texture. - Avoid skipping the sauce mixing step; it ensures each bite is flavorful. - Do not forget to let the chicken absorb the sauce before serving. Pro Tips Use Thighs for Juiciness: For a richer flavor and juicier texture, consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Homemade BBQ Sauce: If you have time, try making your own BBQ sauce for a personal touch. You can adjust the sweetness and spiciness to your liking! Let it Rest: After cooking, let the shredded chicken sit in the sauce for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings! Try adding pickled red onions, jalapeños, or even avocado for a unique twist. {{image_2}} You can switch up the meat for pulled sliders. Try using pork or beef if you want a different taste. Both meats work well with BBQ sauce. They add a nice richness that many people love. If you want a plant-based option, consider using jackfruit or tofu. Jackfruit has a texture similar to pulled meat, and it soaks up flavors well. Tofu can also be marinated and grilled for a tasty twist. Changing the BBQ sauce can really change your sliders. You can use sweet, tangy, or spicy BBQ sauces. Each type brings a unique taste. For an extra kick, try adding fruit like pineapple or apple to your sauce. These fruits add a natural sweetness that balances the savory flavors. You can also mix in some spices to make it even more interesting. If you're looking for gluten-free options, there are many choices. You can find gluten-free slider buns at most stores. Another fun option is using pretzel buns. They add a nice chew and flavor. For a lighter choice, use lettuce wraps instead of buns. This keeps the meal fresh and low-carb. Each of these options offers a different twist on your BBQ pulled chicken sliders. To keep your BBQ pulled chicken sliders fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place any leftover chicken in a separate container. Make sure to cool it down before sealing. This helps keep flavors intact. You can store the sliders and chicken for up to three days in the fridge. If you want to save some pulled chicken for later, freezing is a great option. Portion the shredded chicken into freezer bags. Try to remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge. To reheat, place it in a pan on low heat. Add a splash of BBQ sauce to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until warm. You can also microwave it if you're in a hurry. BBQ pulled chicken sliders last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. The chicken stays tasty and safe to eat during this time. Yes, you can make BBQ pulled chicken sliders ahead of time! Cook the chicken and shred it as usual. Store the pulled chicken in the fridge. Assemble the sliders just before serving for the best flavor. Many side dishes work well with BBQ pulled chicken sliders. Here are a few options: - Baked beans - Potato salad - Corn on the cob - Chips and salsa These sides add flavor and fun to your meal. Yes, you can make BBQ pulled chicken in an Instant Pot. Place the chicken, olive oil, and spices in the pot. Add the BBQ sauce and cook on high pressure for 10 to 15 minutes. Let the steam release naturally before shredding the chicken. The best BBQ sauce for pulled chicken varies by taste. You can use sweet, tangy, or smoky flavors. A homemade sauce lets you control the taste. However, your favorite store-bought sauce also works great! In this blog post, we covered how to make delicious BBQ pulled chicken sliders from scratch. We discussed ingredients, cooking methods, and tips for the best flavor. Remember to toast your buns for great texture and avoid overcooking the chicken. You can customize ingredients to suit your taste or try different meats. With these steps, your sliders will impress anyone at your gathering. Get ready to enjoy some tasty bites!$

Delicious sliders filled with tender pulled chicken coated in BBQ sauce, topped with crunchy coleslaw.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 6

Total Time 6 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
to taste Salt and pepper
8 pieces slider buns
0.5 cup coleslaw
for garnish Fresh cilantro

Instructions

In a slow cooker, place the chicken breasts, and drizzle with olive oil. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken, ensuring it's well coated.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mixing it with the remaining BBQ sauce.
While the chicken is absorbing the flavors, preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Lightly butter the outside of the slider buns and toast them in the skillet until golden brown.
Spoon a generous amount of the BBQ pulled chicken onto the bottom half of each slider bun. Top with a spoonful of coleslaw for crunch and flavor. Place the top half of the bun over the coleslaw.
Arrange the sliders on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color.

Notes

Serve the sliders with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping, and add some pickles or jalapeños for an extra kick if desired.

Keyword BBQ, chicken, pulled chicken, sliders