Looking for a simple yet tasty meal? You’ll love these Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sliders! This recipe is a quick fix for busy days, blending tender chicken with zesty BBQ sauce. You can whip up a delicious coleslaw to top it off, making it a complete meal. With easy ingredients and step-by-step guidance, you can serve up a crowd-pleasing dish in no time. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Seasoning Mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Coleslaw Ingredients
- 1 cup coleslaw mix
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for coleslaw)
Slider Components
- 12 slider buns
- Optional garnishes: pickles, sliced jalapeños, fresh parsley
When I make these sliders, I always start with the main ingredients. First, I grab 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken. This is key for tender meat. Next, I use 1 cup of my favorite BBQ sauce. You can pick any brand or make your own. A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar adds a nice zing.
The seasoning mix brings the flavor alive. I add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. These spices give the chicken depth. I finish the mix with 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
For the coleslaw, I choose 1 cup of coleslaw mix. I mix it with 1/4 cup of mayonnaise and a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. This adds creaminess and tang.
Finally, I prepare 12 slider buns. You can also add optional garnishes like pickles, sliced jalapeños, or fresh parsley. These toppings add crunch and flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
First, place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Make sure they fit well. Next, grab a mixing bowl. In it, combine the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything until it’s well blended.
Cooking the Chicken
Now, pour the BBQ mixture over the chicken. Ensure every piece is well coated. Cover the slow cooker. You can cook it on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will be tender and easy to shred when done.
Shredding the Chicken
After cooking, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Mix the chicken with the BBQ sauce. This will keep it juicy and flavorful.
Making Coleslaw
In a separate bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar. Toss everything together until it is well mixed. The coleslaw should be creamy and tangy.
Assembling the Sliders
To build the sliders, take the bottom half of each slider bun. Spoon the BBQ chicken onto it. Next, add a generous scoop of coleslaw on top. If you want, you can also add pickles or sliced jalapeños for extra flavor. Finally, place the top half of the bun on each slider and press down gently.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Chicken
To ensure tender chicken, cook it low and slow. Set your slow cooker to low for six to seven hours. This method allows the chicken to soak up all the juicy flavors. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best results. They shred easily and absorb the sauce well.
For flavor balance, choose a BBQ sauce you love. Mix it with seasonings like garlic powder and smoked paprika. This combination gives the chicken a rich taste. Don’t be shy; pour the sauce over the chicken. Make sure every piece is covered.
Coleslaw Secrets
To achieve the best coleslaw texture, use a fresh coleslaw mix. It should have a good crunch. Mix it with mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar for creaminess. This balance adds flavor and keeps it light. If you like a sweeter slaw, add a spoonful of sugar.
Adjust coleslaw ingredients to taste. If it’s too tangy, add more mayo. Want some spice? Toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper. Keep tasting until it’s just right for you.
Serving Suggestions
Best side dishes to pair with sliders include chips or a fresh salad. They add a nice crunch and freshness to the meal. You can also serve baked beans or corn on the side for a classic BBQ feel.
For presentation, arrange the sliders on a nice platter. Garnish with fresh parsley for color. Serve extra BBQ sauce and pickles on the side. This way, everyone can customize their sliders just how they like.
Variations
Different BBQ Sauce Options
You can choose between homemade and store-bought BBQ sauce. Homemade sauce lets you control the flavors and sweetness. You can mix ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar for a quick version. Store-bought sauces are convenient and come in many flavors. Explore brands like sweet, tangy, or spicy.
People have strong tastes for regional BBQ sauces. For example, Kansas City sauce is thick and sweet. Meanwhile, South Carolina sauce is mustard-based and tangy. You can even try a vinegar-based sauce from North Carolina for a zesty kick. Pick what fits your taste!
Chicken Alternatives
If you want to switch things up, try using turkey instead of chicken. Ground turkey or turkey breast works great. Both options cook well and stay moist. You can also use pork or beef for a different flavor profile.
For a vegetarian twist, consider jackfruit. Jackfruit has a meaty texture that works well in BBQ dishes. Just shred it like you would chicken. Toss it in your BBQ sauce, and you’ll have a tasty, meat-free slider.
Coleslaw Variations
Coleslaw is not just cabbage and mayo. You can spice it up by adding fruits like apples or raisins. These add sweetness and crunch. Nuts like almonds or walnuts can also give a nice texture.
For dressings, try yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter option. You can also add honey for sweetness or vinegar for tang. Experiment to find the mix you love best!
Storage Info
Refrigeration Tips
To store leftover BBQ chicken sliders, first let them cool completely. Place the sliders in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can stack them or lay them flat. Use small containers if you have extra coleslaw. The best containers are glass or BPA-free plastic. These materials help keep the flavors strong.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze cooked chicken for later use. Shred the chicken before you freeze it. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps save space and keeps the chicken fresh. To maintain flavor and texture, add a bit more BBQ sauce before freezing. This way, the meat stays juicy when you thaw it.
Reheating Guidelines
To reheat sliders, the best method is using an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the sliders in foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Place sliders on a plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. This helps keep them from drying out. For serving leftovers, add fresh coleslaw or extra pickles. This adds crunch and flavor to each bite.
FAQs
How long can I store BBQ chicken sliders in the fridge?
You can store BBQ chicken sliders in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container. This helps to keep the sliders fresh and prevents them from drying out. If you want to enjoy them later, check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating.
Can I make the coleslaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the coleslaw a day in advance. Just mix the coleslaw ingredients and store it in the fridge. This lets the flavors blend well. When you’re ready to serve, just scoop it onto your sliders. The coleslaw will stay crisp and tasty.
What can I serve with slow cooker BBQ chicken sliders?
These sliders pair great with many sides. Try serving them with:
- Potato chips
- Baked beans
- Corn on the cob
- A fresh garden salad
These options add variety and balance to your meal.
Is it possible to cook this recipe on the stove or oven?
Yes, you can cook this recipe on the stove or in the oven. For the stove, cook the chicken in a pot with the BBQ sauce for about 30 minutes. If using the oven, bake at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before shredding.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
You can use frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Just add the frozen chicken and the BBQ sauce directly to the cooker. It may take a bit longer to cook, about 8 hours on low. Make sure the chicken reaches a safe temperature of 165°F before shredding.
You learned how to make delicious BBQ chicken sliders in this post. We covered key ingredients like chicken, BBQ sauce, and coleslaw. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking, shredding, and assembling your sliders. We also explored tips for perfecting your dish and variations to keep it exciting.
With these recipes and tips, you can create tasty meals everyone will enjoy. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make this your own. Happy cooking!
