Are you ready to elevate your next gathering with unforgettable flavors? My Savory Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sliders are the perfect crowd-pleaser. With tender, juicy chicken and tangy BBQ sauce, you’ll have a dish that’s simple to make and hard to resist. Whether for game day or a cozy family dinner, get ready to impress with minimal effort. Let’s dive into this easy, mouthwatering recipe!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– Chicken and Dairy Products
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– Spices and Seasonings
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Sauces and Condiments
– 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 12 slider buns
– 1 cup coleslaw (optional, for topping)
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
When making these sliders, you want to focus on fresh ingredients. Start with good-quality chicken. The spices bring great flavor to the dish. Garlic and onion powder work well together. Smoked paprika adds a lovely depth.
BBQ sauce is the star here. Use a sauce that you love. It should have the right balance of sweet and tangy. The chicken broth keeps the chicken moist during cooking. Apple cider vinegar gives a nice kick.
Don’t forget the slider buns! They should be soft but sturdy enough to hold the chicken. Coleslaw adds a nice crunch and freshness. Garnish with cilantro to brighten the flavors.
Now that you have your ingredients ready, you can go ahead and prepare this delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparatory Steps
Seasoning the Chicken
Start by placing 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your slow cooker. I like to sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the chicken. This simple mix adds a lot of flavor and makes the chicken taste great.
Preparing the BBQ Sauce Mixture
In a bowl, mix 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce with 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Stir until everything blends well. This sauce will soak into the chicken and make it juicy and tasty.
Cooking Methods and Times
Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the seasoned chicken. Make sure the chicken gets a nice coating. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred with a fork.
Shredding and Assembling
Shredding the Chicken
Once cooked, take the chicken out of the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker and mix it with the sauce. This way, every bite is full of flavor.
Assembling the Sliders
To build your sliders, take a slider bun and scoop a generous amount of BBQ chicken onto the bottom half of the bun. It’s okay to pile it high; the more, the better!
Optional Toppings and Garnishes
If you like a crunch, add a spoonful of coleslaw on top of the chicken. This adds a nice texture and a fresh taste. Finish by putting the top half of the slider bun on your creation. You can also sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy your sliders with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
How to Ensure Tender Chicken
To make sure your chicken is tender, keep the cooking time low and slow. I like to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. This helps the chicken soak up all the BBQ flavor. If you are in a hurry, you can cook on high for 3 to 4 hours. Just check for tenderness. The chicken should shred easily with a fork.
Adjusting Cooking Times
Cooking times may change based on your slow cooker. If your slow cooker runs hot, check the chicken after 3 hours on high. You want the chicken cooked but not dry. For best results, always test the chicken at the end of the cooking time. If it’s not tender, let it cook longer.
Serving Suggestions
Best Sliders Pairings
These BBQ chicken sliders pair well with various sides. I love to serve them with coleslaw for crunch. Chips or sweet potato fries also work great. You can even add pickles for a tangy kick.
Presentation Tips for Your Sliders
For a beautiful spread, arrange the sliders on a large platter. Drizzle some extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Add fresh cilantro on top for a pop of color. This makes the dish look fresh and inviting.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can change the taste of your BBQ chicken sliders with different BBQ sauces. Here are some ideas:
– Sweet BBQ Sauce: Use a honey-based sauce for a sweet kick.
– Spicy BBQ Sauce: Add a spicy sauce for heat.
– Tangy BBQ Sauce: Go for a vinegar-based sauce for a tangy twist.
Feel free to mix in different seasonings too. You might add:
– Cumin: For an earthy taste.
– Chili Powder: For a bit of heat.
– Brown Sugar: For extra sweetness.
These changes can give your sliders a new life. Experiment and find what you love!
Slider Alternatives
You can also switch up the protein in your sliders. Try these options:
– Pulled Pork: A classic for BBQ lovers.
– Shredded Turkey: A lighter choice that’s just as tasty.
– Beef Brisket: For a rich and savory flavor.
If you prefer a meatless option, consider these vegetarian ideas:
– Jackfruit: This fruit shreds easily and absorbs flavor well.
– Chickpeas: Mash them and mix with BBQ sauce for a hearty filling.
– Grilled Veggies: Use a mix of your favorite grilled vegetables.
These swaps can make your BBQ sliders fit any diet or taste.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
Best Practices for Refrigeration
To keep your BBQ chicken sliders fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure the chicken cools down first. Place the container in the fridge. Your sliders will stay good for about three to four days.
Freezing BBQ Chicken
If you want to keep the BBQ chicken longer, freezing is the way to go. Use a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. You can freeze the chicken for up to three months for the best taste.
Reheating Tips
Methods to Reheat Without Drying Out
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating properly is key. The best way is in the microwave. Place the chicken in a bowl, add a splash of water, and cover it. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the chicken moist.
You can also use a stovetop. Heat a pan on low and add the chicken. Stir frequently and add a little water if needed. This helps to keep it juicy. Always check the temperature to ensure it is heated all the way through.
FAQs
Common Questions
How long can I store leftover BBQ chicken sliders?
You can store leftover BBQ chicken sliders in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can make this recipe in advance. Cook the chicken and store it in the fridge. Assemble the sliders just before serving for the best taste.
What type of BBQ sauce is best for this recipe?
Choose your favorite BBQ sauce. Sweet, spicy, or tangy options all work well. I enjoy a smoky sauce for added depth.
Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in the slow cooker. Just remember to increase the cooking time by 1 to 2 hours. Ensure the chicken reaches a safe temperature of 165°F before serving.
In this post, we explored the key ingredients for BBQ chicken sliders, like chicken, spices, and sauces. We covered preparation steps, cooking methods, and tips for juicy chicken. You learned to assemble tasty sliders with optional toppings. We also discussed variations, storage, and reheating tips.
Enjoy these sliders with your favorite sides. Get creative with flavors and make them yours. Happy cooking!
