Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders: 6-Minute Prep

Why Make This Recipe

These Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders are truly special. They are easy to make, taste great, and everyone loves them. You just prepare the ingredients, and your slow cooker does the hard work. These sliders are perfect for any get-together, a game night, or a quick dinner during the week. You can use the chicken in sliders, wraps, or even on a baked potato. The ingredients are affordable and simple to find. Plus, the sweet and smoky taste of the tender chicken is pure comfort food.

How to Make Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders

Making these sliders is a simple process. First, you get your chicken ready. Then, you mix the BBQ sauce and seasonings. Next, you put everything into your crockpot and let it cook until the chicken is super tender. Once cooked, you shred the chicken and mix it back with the sauce. Finally, you serve it on buns with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients of Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders

• Proteins
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• BBQ Sauce & Seasonings
• Your favorite BBQ sauce
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Optional Flavor Boosters
• Worcestershire sauce
• Apple cider vinegar
• Brown sugar or honey
• A dash of hot sauce
• For Serving
• Slider buns or dinner rolls
• Coleslaw
• Pickles (dill or bread and butter)
• Thinly sliced red onion

Directions of Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders

Prep the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
2. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper.

Combine & Cook

1. Place the seasoned chicken into your crockpot.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and any optional flavor boosters you want to use.
3. Pour this sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure the chicken is fully coated.
4. Cook on a low setting for 6-8 hours.
5. Alternatively, cook on a high setting for 3-4 hours.
6. Cook until the chicken is very tender and easy to shred with a fork.

Shred & Serve

1. Carefully take the cooked chicken out of the crockpot.
2. Use two forks to shred the chicken into small pieces.
3. Put the shredded chicken back into the crockpot.
4. Stir the chicken well to coat it thoroughly with the BBQ sauce.
5. Let it simmer on low for another 15-30 minutes so the chicken absorbs all the flavors.
6. Assemble your sliders on toasted buns. Add your favorite toppings like coleslaw, pickles, and red onion.

How to Serve Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders

Serve your delicious Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders on toasted slider buns. Add a dollop of creamy coleslaw, a few pickle slices, and some thinly sliced red onion for extra crunch and flavor. These sliders pair wonderfully with classic BBQ sides like French fries, sweet potato fries, or corn on the cob. For a heartier meal, serve them with macaroni and cheese or baked beans. You can also add a garden salad for a fresh, lighter option.

How to Store Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders

You can store leftover Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It easily reheats in the microwave or on the stovetop. The cooked filling also freezes very well. Just put it in a freezer-safe container or bag for longer storage.

Tips to Make Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders

• Do not overcrowd your crockpot: Make sure there’s enough space for the chicken to cook evenly.
• Customize your sauce: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or spice level of your BBQ sauce to your liking.
• Let it rest: After shredding the chicken, let it sit in the sauce for a bit. This helps the chicken soak up all the delicious flavors.
• Freezing is easy: The cooked chicken filling freezes wonderfully for future meals.

Variation

• Spicy Kick: Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a little heat.
• Smoky Depth: Try adding liquid smoke or smoked paprika to your sauce to increase the smoky flavor.
• Asian Twist: Change the BBQ sauce for a hoisin or teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile.
• Pineapple Power: Add crushed pineapple to the sauce for a sweet and tangy taste.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders?

A1: Yes, you can use frozen chicken in a crockpot, but cooking time will be longer. Add an extra 1-2 hours. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before you shred it.

Q2: How long do Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders last in the refrigerator?

A2: The leftover pulled chicken filling stays good for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It reheats well.

Q3: What kind of buns are best for Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders?

A3: Slider buns, dinner rolls, or small brioche buns work great. Choose soft buns that are strong enough to hold the saucy chicken without getting soggy too fast. Toasted buns add a nice texture.

Classic Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders

A simple and delicious recipe for tender BBQ pulled chicken, slow-cooked to perfection and served on slider buns with fresh coleslaw, pickles, and red onion. Perfect for a crowd or an easy weeknight meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Servings 12 sliders

Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

• Crockpot
• Paper towels
• Bowl
• Whisk
• Forks

Ingredients

  

Proteins

• 2 lbs chicken breasts or thighs boneless, skinless

BBQ Sauce & Seasonings

• 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce your favorite
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Optional Flavor Boosters

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar

For Serving

• 12 slider buns or dinner rolls
• 1 cup coleslaw
• 1/2 cup dill pickles sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced

Instructions

 

Prep the Chicken

• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and black pepper.

Combine & Cook

• Place seasoned chicken in the crockpot. In a separate bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and optional Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is fully coated, then cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until very tender.

Shred & Serve

• Remove the cooked chicken and shred into small pieces using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, stir well to coat with sauce, and let it simmer on low for another 15-30 minutes to absorb flavors.

Assemble Sliders

• Toast slider buns if desired. Assemble sliders by placing a generous spoonful of pulled chicken on each bun, then top with coleslaw, pickle slices, and thinly sliced red onion. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, let the chicken simmer for the full 30 minutes after shredding to maximize flavor absorption. This recipe is also great for meal prepping; store pulled chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.