Description
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sliders
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite!)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
8 slider buns
Directions
Combine ingredients: In a slow cooker, place chicken breasts and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Stir to coat the chicken.
Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
Shred chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it into the sauce.
Assemble sliders: Toast the buns if desired. Spoon the shredded BBQ chicken onto the bottom half of each slider bun, then top with the other half. Serve warm!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours (on LOW)
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8 sliders
Calories: 290 kcal per slider
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results every time.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the 2 lbs of chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasonings adhere better.
- Season the Chicken: Place the chicken in the slow cooker insert. Evenly sprinkle the garlic powder, salt, and pepper over all sides.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 cup of BBQ sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
- Combine in Cooker: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken. Use tongs to turn the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Cook: Place the lid securely on the slow cooker. Choose your setting: LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Do not open the lid during cooking.
- Shred: Once cooking is complete and the chicken is fork-tender, use two forks to shred it directly in the pot. Stir thoroughly to mix the chicken with the thickened sauce.
- Assemble: Lightly toast your slider buns for added texture. Use a slotted spoon to pile the saucy chicken onto the bottom buns, then top and serve.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your sliders with these simple ideas. Serve them with a side of crisp coleslaw, either on the side or piled right onto the slider for a crunch. Pickle chips or jalapeño slices add a fantastic tangy or spicy kick. For a full spread, offer classic sides like potato salad, baked beans, or sweet potato fries. These sliders are perfect for game day gatherings, potlucks, or an easy weeknight dinner.
How-to Summary
Season chicken, coat with a mix of BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar. Slow cook until tender. Shred in the pot, then serve on toasted slider buns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will yield a richer, more moist result and are very forgiving with longer cook times.
My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?
After shredding, remove the lid and cook on HIGH for an additional 20-30 minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate. You can also mix 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 2 tbsp of water and stir it into the chicken mixture, then cook for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. The shredded BBQ chicken stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
Yes. Let the shredded chicken cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What’s the best way to toast the slider buns?
For a crowd, arrange buns on a baking sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely. For a few, a toaster or a quick toast in a dry skillet over medium heat works perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking on High: Cooking on HIGH for too long can make chicken breasts dry and stringy. Stick to the 3-4 hour guideline.
- Lifting the Lid: Peeking releases heat and steam, significantly increasing cooking time. Trust the process.
- Not Toasting the Buns: The moisture from the chicken can make soft buns soggy quickly. Toasting creates a crucial barrier.
- Using Only BBQ Sauce: The recipe relies on the brown sugar and vinegar for depth and balance. Don’t skip them.
Conclusion
These Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sliders are the ultimate in easy, crowd-pleasing cooking. With minimal prep yielding maximum flavor, they are a guaranteed hit for any casual occasion. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a delicious, pull-apart tender chicken that’s perfectly sauced and ready to pile onto buns. This versatile recipe is one you’ll return to again and again for its simplicity and delicious results.