I remember the first time I made this dish. I was a bit apprehensive as I’d never really made BBQ Pulled Chicken before, but you know what they say—life begins at the end of your comfort zone. Pulling out my slow cooker, I felt an odd mixture of excitement and nervousness. Would it turn out right? Would they love it as much as I hoped? Spoiler alert: it was a hit!
The magic starts with a simple yet flavorful spice rub. Smoked paprika, garlic powder, a touch of onion powder, pepper, and a hint of salt come together to give the chicken an irresistible coat of spices. Toss this seasoned chicken into a slow cooker, drown it in rich barbecue sauce, and let the slow cooker work its magic. That slow, simmering process breaks the chicken down into the juiciest, most tender shreds that melt in the mouth. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like coming back after a couple of hours to find your kitchen transformed into BBQ heaven.
While the chicken does its thing, whipping up a tangy coleslaw is a breeze. It’s the perfect complement with its creamy dressing of mayo, sharp apple cider vinegar, a squeeze of lime, and just a touch of sugar to balance things out. As you mix in the coleslaw, the colors alone make you smile, each stir setting you closer to slider heaven.
When I served these sliders with a generous heap of coleslaw perched atop, the room fell silent, save for the occasional “mmm” of approval. Moments like these remind me why I love cooking; it brings people together and creates those shared, joyous moments we cherish so much.
So, next time you’re on the hunt for an easy-to-make, scrumptiously indulgent recipe for game-day thrills or just a cozy night in, remember these BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders. Go on, invite friends over and make some memories—trust me, you’ll be glad you did.
How to Make BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders
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Ingredients:
- 2 lb. chicken breast
- 2 cups barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 cups coleslaw mix
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp lime juice
Directions:
- Mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, onion powder, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub this fragrant mix over the chicken breasts until they’re completely covered.
- Place the seasoned chicken in a slow cooker and drench it in barbecue sauce. Seal with the lid and cook on high for about 2.5 hours, or on low for 4-5 hours, until you can shred the chicken effortlessly.
- As the chicken slow-cooks, prepare your coleslaw by combining mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, and sugar in a large bowl. Stir until smooth, then add the coleslaw mix, tossing until thoroughly coated.
- Once the chicken is cooked, pull it apart with two forks, mixing it back into the sauce. Serve piping hot on buns topped with the prepared coleslaw for a dish that’s sure to delight everyone!
Creative Substitutions to Suit Your Taste
Are you missing any ingredients or have dietary preferences? Swap chicken breast with chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or if you’re aiming for a lighter version, use turkey breast. No apple cider vinegar? Try rice vinegar or lemon juice for a similar zing. Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier touch.
Best Ways to Store BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders Leftover
To enjoy later, store any leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The coleslaw should be stored separately to ensure freshness. When ready to eat, reheating in the microwave or over the stove does wonders. Just be careful not to overheat, or the chicken may dry out.
Perfect Pairings for BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders
When serving these sliders, consider pairing them with a crisp, chilled beer or a refreshing homemade lemonade. For side dishes, think potato wedges or a vibrant cucumber salad to balance the robust BBQ flavors. To finish off, a simple fruit salad makes a delightful and refreshing dessert.
Pro Tips for the Perfect BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders
To enhance the depth of flavor, brown your chicken slightly before placing it in the slow cooker. A quick sear in a hot pan locks in the juices and adds extra caramelization. For a smokier profile, consider adding a splash of liquid smoke or a few drops of hot sauce for heat.
Adapting BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders for Any Time of Year
Adapt this recipe by incorporating seasonal ingredients. In summer, add fresh sweet corn to your coleslaw. During fall, mix in finely chopped apples for a cozy, autumnal twist. For winter, a touch of cranberry sauce offers a delicious festive flair. Springtime? Add fresh herbs like parsley for an aromatic lift.
FAQs:
Can I use frozen chicken breasts in the recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it’s important to adjust the cooking time accordingly. While using them directly from the freezer, be sure to allow extra time for the chicken to cook fully and reach the appropriate internal temperature. Slow cooking from frozen might also add moisture, so ensure to thicken the sauce if needed.
What type of buns should I use for the sliders?
When it comes to buns, soft brioche or traditional slider buns work beautifully to soak in the savory BBQ sauce while remaining firm enough to handle the juicy chicken. Additionally, consider whole wheat buns for a healthier option. Toast the buns lightly to prevent them from becoming soggy too quickly after assembling your sliders.
Can this recipe be made in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare both the pulled chicken and coleslaw a day in advance. Simply store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently reheat the chicken on the stove or microwave, and assemble the sliders fresh for optimal taste and presentation.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
To cater to vegetarians, substitute the chicken with jackfruit. Jackfruit, when cooked and shredded, closely mimics the texture of pulled meat. Season it similarly, and you’ll achieve a wonderfully savory vegetarian version of BBQ sliders that even meat eaters will appreciate for its texture and flavor.
Can I use a different type of barbecue sauce?
Feel free to experiment with different barbecue sauces to suit your taste. A tangy Carolina-style sauce or a sweet and smoky Memphis BBQ can offer distinct new flavors to your sliders. Homemade barbecue sauces can also allow for a more tailored taste experience, adjusting sweetness or heat to your liking.
How can I make the dish spicier?
If you enjoy a kick in your dishes, add some cayenne pepper to the spice rub or include diced jalapeños in the coleslaw for a spicy surprise. Another option is to blend in a spicy BBQ sauce or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce before serving. Tailor the level of spice to match your desired heat level.
BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders
Equipment
- slow cooker
Ingredients
- 2 lb. chicken breast
- 2 cups barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 cups coleslaw mix
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp lime juice
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, onion powder, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning all over the chicken breast, making sure it's well coated.
- Place the seasoned chicken into your slow cooker and pour the barbecue sauce over it. Cover and cook on high for around 2.5 hours or on low for about 4-5 hours, until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the coleslaw. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, and sugar. Next, add the coleslaw mix and stir everything together until well combined.
- Once the chicken is done, shred it with two forks and mix it with the sauce in the slow cooker. Serve the pulled chicken in buns topped with coleslaw, or enjoy it in bowls for a delicious meal!
