Pulled Chicken Sliders Recipe

Introduction

Pulled Chicken Sliders are the perfect bite-sized snack that’s packed with flavor, making them an ideal choice for parties, casual gatherings, or even a quick family dinner. With tender, juicy pulled chicken topped with a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, nestled between soft slider buns, these sliders offer a delightful combination of textures and tastes. Whether you’re hosting a big game day bash or simply craving a comforting meal, these sliders are sure to satisfy your hunger and impress your guests.

What makes pulled chicken sliders so special is how versatile they are. You can easily customize the flavor of the chicken by using different sauces, seasonings, or toppings to suit your preferences. Add a slice of cheese, a few pickles, or some creamy coleslaw for a complete meal. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, pulled chicken sliders are a go-to recipe for any occasion.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step of making these delicious sliders, share helpful tips for making sure they turn out perfectly every time, and suggest some creative variations to try out. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love Pulled Chicken Sliders

• Easy to Make: These sliders are incredibly simple to prepare, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal prep time. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or making a small batch, this recipe is quick and straightforward.
• Flavorful and Tender: The pulled chicken is seasoned and cooked until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender. Combined with a tangy barbecue sauce, these sliders are packed with rich flavors that will leave everyone wanting more.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Pulled chicken sliders are versatile enough to be served as an appetizer, snack, or meal. They’re perfect for parties, picnics, barbecues, or even a cozy dinner at home.
• Customizable: The beauty of these sliders is how easily you can make them your own. From adding extra toppings like cheese or coleslaw to experimenting with different sauces, the possibilities are endless.
• Portable and Fun: The mini size of these sliders makes them perfect for sharing and eating on the go. They’re the ideal handheld snack that everyone will enjoy.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10-15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 12 sliders (depending on the size of the buns)
• Calories per Serving: Around 250-300 calories per slider, depending on the ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Fat: 8-12g
• Carbohydrates: 20-25g
• Protein: 18-22g
• Fiber: 1-3g
• Sugar: 8-10g

Ingredients

For the Pulled Chicken Sliders:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 12 slider buns (mini sandwich rolls)
• Optional toppings: sliced pickles, sliced red onions, cheese (cheddar or coleslaw)

For the Homemade Barbecue Sauce (optional):

• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts or thighs. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure it’s well-coated on all sides.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan and sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. This step adds flavor to the chicken and helps lock in moisture.

Once the chicken is browned, transfer it to a slow cooker or a large pot. If you’re using a slow cooker, add about 1/4 cup of water or chicken broth to the pot to help keep the chicken moist during cooking.

2. Cook the Chicken

If you’re using a slow cooker, set it to low and cook the chicken for 6-7 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork. If you’re using a stovetop or Dutch oven, cover the pot and simmer on low for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker or pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker or pot and mix it with the juices from cooking for extra flavor.

3. Prepare the Barbecue Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the barbecue sauce (if using homemade). In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground mustard, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more sugar or vinegar depending on your desired balance of sweetness and tang.

If you’re using store-bought barbecue sauce, simply skip this step.

4. Combine the Chicken and Barbecue Sauce

Once the chicken is shredded, pour the barbecue sauce over the chicken and stir well to coat all of the pieces. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to fully blend together. If the mixture looks too dry, add a little more barbecue sauce or a splash of water to keep it moist.

5. Toast the Slider Buns

While the chicken is simmering, prepare the slider buns. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the buns on a baking sheet and lightly toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Toasting the buns will help them hold up better to the juicy chicken and prevent them from getting soggy.

If you prefer, you can toast the buns in a skillet with a little butter for extra flavor and crispiness.

6. Assemble the Sliders

To assemble the sliders, start by spooning a generous amount of pulled chicken onto the bottom half of each slider bun. If desired, top the chicken with cheese slices, pickles, or sliced red onions for extra flavor and crunch.

Place the top half of the slider buns on top of the chicken and press gently to hold everything together. If you’re preparing a larger batch, you can also arrange all the sliders in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm them in the oven for 10 minutes to help melt the cheese and set the flavors.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Once the sliders are assembled, they’re ready to serve! You can enjoy them immediately while they’re still warm and gooey. Serve alongside some crispy fries, a fresh salad, or even a side of coleslaw for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Pulled Chicken Sliders

• Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are convenient, using bone-in chicken can add extra flavor and moisture to the dish. If you choose bone-in chicken, just be sure to remove the bones before shredding the meat.
• Slow Cooker is Key for Tender Chicken: If you have time, cooking the chicken in a slow cooker is the best way to achieve super tender, fall-apart chicken. It requires minimal effort and results in juicy, flavorful meat.
• Don’t Skip Toasting the Buns: Toasting the buns before assembling the sliders helps them hold up to the juicy chicken and sauce. Don’t skip this step to avoid soggy sliders.
• Customize the Barbecue Sauce: You can easily customize the barbecue sauce to your liking. Add more heat with cayenne pepper, or make it sweeter by increasing the brown sugar. You can also experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider or white vinegar, for a unique flavor.
• Add Extra Toppings: Pulled chicken sliders are a great base for a variety of toppings. Try adding slices of avocado, crispy bacon, or a drizzle of ranch dressing for even more flavor.
• Make Ahead for Convenience: You can prepare the shredded chicken and barbecue sauce a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply warm it up and assemble the sliders.

Variations of Pulled Chicken Sliders

• Buffalo Chicken Sliders: For a spicy twist, toss the shredded chicken in buffalo sauce instead of barbecue sauce. Serve with a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.
• BBQ Ranch Chicken Sliders: Mix ranch dressing with barbecue sauce to create a creamy, tangy sauce for your pulled chicken. This combination is great for adding a unique twist to the traditional BBQ flavor.
• Hawaiian Pulled Chicken Sliders: For a tropical touch, add pineapple slices or a tangy pineapple slaw on top of your pulled chicken sliders. The sweetness of the pineapple pairs wonderfully with the savory chicken.
• Crispy Pulled Chicken Sliders: For added texture, top the pulled chicken with a few crispy onion rings before serving. This adds an extra crunch and flavor to each bite.
• Smoked Pulled Chicken Sliders: If you have access to a smoker, try smoking the chicken for a few hours before shredding. The smoky flavor will add depth to the sliders and elevate the overall taste.

Storage and Shelf Life

Pulled chicken sliders are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To store the sliders, keep the chicken and buns separately to prevent the buns from getting soggy.

To reheat, simply microwave the chicken or warm it in a skillet. If you have leftover buns, toast them again briefly to refresh them before assembling the sliders.

For longer storage, you can freeze the pulled chicken. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen pulled chicken can be stored for up to 2-3 months. When ready to use, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Pulled Chicken Sliders

Pulled chicken sliders are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right side dishes can create a more complete meal:

• Coleslaw: A tangy, creamy coleslaw is the perfect side for pulled chicken sliders. The crunch and freshness balance the richness of the chicken and sauce.
• Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries complement the savory sliders and add a touch of sweetness to the meal.
• Grilled Vegetables: For a lighter side, serve your sliders with a side of grilled vegetables, like corn on the cob, bell peppers, or zucchini.
• Potato Salad: A classic side dish like potato salad pairs perfectly with the sliders, adding a creamy, hearty element to the meal.
• Pickles: A side of pickles is a great way to add some tartness and crunch to balance the flavors of the chicken.

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Conclusion

Pulled Chicken Sliders are a flavorful, fun, and easy-to-make dish that will surely be a crowd favorite. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them on a casual weeknight, or making them for a special occasion, these sliders are sure to impress. With tender, flavorful chicken, soft buns, and endless possibilities for customization, pulled chicken sliders are the ultimate comfort food.

From traditional barbecue to creative variations like buffalo chicken or Hawaiian-inspired sliders, this recipe allows you to make it your own. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of these delicious sliders in no time. So gather your friends and family, and get ready to enjoy the perfect handheld treat!