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Tender Slow Cooker Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders

slow cooker pulled bbq chicken sliders - featured image

These tender slow cooker pulled BBQ chicken sliders are easy to prepare, perfect for feeding a crowd, and packed with smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. The slow cooker method ensures juicy, fall-apart chicken that soaks up the BBQ sauce perfectly.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce (e.g., Sweet Baby Ray’s or Stubb’s)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • About 24 slider buns or rolls (Hawaiian rolls recommended)
  • Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, sliced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Chop 1 medium onion finely and mince 3 garlic cloves.
  2. Place 3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  3. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar over the chicken. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic on top.
  4. Mix 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce with 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar in a bowl, then pour evenly over the chicken and seasonings.
  5. Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours until the chicken is tender enough to shred easily.
  6. Using two forks, gently shred the chicken in the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce. Add more BBQ sauce or chicken broth if needed.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange slider buns on a baking sheet and warm for about 5 minutes until soft and slightly toasted.
  8. Spoon generous amounts of pulled BBQ chicken onto each bun and add optional toppings like coleslaw or pickles.
  9. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

Use fresh garlic and onion for best flavor. Do not open the slow cooker lid frequently during cooking. Adjust seasoning after shredding the chicken. Leftover chicken and sauce freeze well. Add a splash of chicken broth if sauce is too thick. For a spicy version, add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chipotle peppers in adobo to the BBQ sauce. For gluten-free, use gluten-free rolls or lettuce wraps. For dairy-free, avoid creamy slaws with dairy.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, pulled chicken, BBQ chicken sliders, easy recipe, crowd-pleaser, party food, slow cooker recipe