If you’re looking for a simple and tasty meal, you’ve landed in the right spot! These Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sliders are easy to make and perfect for any gathering. You only need a few main ingredients, and with minimal prep, you’ll be on your way to a delicious dish that everyone will love. Let’s dive into how to create these mouthwatering sliders that are sure to please your taste buds!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Serving Components
- 8 slider buns
- Optional toppings: Coleslaw, sliced pickles
The main ingredients for this dish are simple but full of flavor. You want good quality chicken breasts. They should be boneless and skinless for easy cooking. The BBQ sauce is key. Pick your favorite brand to get the taste you love. Chicken broth keeps the chicken moist and adds depth to the flavor.
For seasoning, follow my list. Garlic powder adds a nice kick. Smoked paprika gives it that smoky flavor. Onion powder adds sweetness, while black pepper brings a little heat. Adjust the salt to your taste.
Finally, don’t forget the serving components. Slider buns are perfect for holding the BBQ chicken. You can add coleslaw for crunch and sliced pickles for zest. These toppings really elevate your sliders!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
First, take your chicken breasts and place them in the slow cooker. It’s simple and quick. You want to make sure they fit nicely and are not stacked too high.
Mixing the Sauce
Next, grab a bowl. Combine 1 cup of BBQ sauce, 1/2 cup of chicken broth, and the seasonings. Use 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Add salt to taste. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Cooking
Now pour the sauce mixture over the chicken. Make sure the chicken is well coated in BBQ goodness. Cover the slow cooker and set the cooking time. You can cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and shred easily.
Shredding the Chicken
Once cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce in the slow cooker. Mix well to coat the chicken in the delicious sauce.
Assembling the Sliders
For the buns, slice them in half. If you like, toast them lightly for extra flavor. To assemble, place a good amount of BBQ chicken on the bottom half of each slider bun. You can add coleslaw and sliced pickles on top if you wish. Finally, place the top half of the bun on the slider and secure with a toothpick if desired. Enjoy your tasty BBQ chicken sliders!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
- Best practices for juicy chicken: Always use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. This cut cooks well and stays moist. Add chicken broth to the BBQ sauce for extra moisture. This keeps the chicken tender and flavorful.
- Slow cooker temperature settings: Use the low setting for 6-8 hours or the high setting for 4-5 hours. The low setting gives a better, more tender result. Adjust the cooking time based on your schedule.
Serving Suggestions
- Creative ideas for slider accompaniments: Try adding coleslaw on top for crunch. It adds a nice texture and flavor. Sliced pickles also bring a tangy kick. You can serve these sliders with sweet potato fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Presentation Ideas
- How to serve sliders attractively: Arrange the sliders on a large platter. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for color. This makes the dish pop. Serve extra coleslaw on the side in a small bowl. It adds a nice touch and makes it easy for guests to add more.
Variations
Flavorful Additions
You can easily spice up your BBQ chicken sliders. For a kick, try adding hot sauce to the BBQ mix. This will give your sliders a nice heat. You can also try different BBQ sauces. Each sauce brings its own taste. A honey BBQ sauce adds sweetness, while a mustard-based sauce gives a tangy twist. Experiment to find your favorite flavor!
Alternative Proteins
If you want to change things up, use beef or pulled pork. Just like chicken, these proteins work well with BBQ sauce. With beef, you can use brisket or ground beef. Pulled pork adds a rich flavor that matches the BBQ sauce perfectly. These options make great sliders too!
Vegetarian Options
Don’t worry if you’re vegetarian. Many plant-based options can replace chicken. Use jackfruit for a texture similar to pulled chicken. You can also try lentils or chickpeas. Mix them with BBQ sauce for a hearty filling. Serve on slider buns with your favorite toppings for a tasty meal.
Storage Info
Refrigeration
To store leftover sliders, let them cool down first. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to separate the chicken from the buns. This prevents soggy buns when you reheat them.
Freezing
For freezing pre-made sliders, wrap each slider tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This keeps out air and moisture. You can freeze them for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Tips
To reheat sliders, the oven is best. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the sliders on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm. You can also use the microwave. If you do, heat one at a time for about 30 seconds. Enjoy them warm for the best taste!
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in your slow cooker. However, you need to adjust the cooking time. If using frozen chicken, cook on low for about 8-10 hours or on high for 6-7 hours. This will ensure the chicken cooks through safely. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How long does it take to cook on low/high?
Cooking times can vary. On low, your chicken will take about 6-8 hours. If you choose high, it will take about 4-5 hours. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred when done. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
What sides pair well with BBQ chicken sliders?
Many sides go great with BBQ chicken sliders. Here are a few ideas:
- Coleslaw
- Baked beans
- Potato salad
- Corn on the cob
- Sweet potato fries
These sides add color and flavor to your meal.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make BBQ chicken sliders ahead of time. Cook the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze the cooked chicken. Just thaw it in the fridge before reheating. Prepare the slider buns fresh when you are ready to eat. This makes for an easy and quick meal.
This post covered making BBQ chicken sliders. We explored key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and creative serving tips. Remember, using different proteins or sauces can change the flavor. Store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. With these tips, you can make tasty sliders anytime. Enjoy your cooking and impress your guests with your skills!
