When you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal that pleases everyone, Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sliders are a perfect choice.
These sliders are incredibly versatile, making them ideal for family dinners, appetizers, or meal prep. You’ll love how the slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with tender, juicy chicken without a lot of effort. Cooking alternatives like using a microwave can also minimize heat in the kitchen during summer months.
Plus, the customization options are endless! Try different BBQ sauce varieties to switch up the flavor, and let your family choose from a range of slider toppings like coleslaw, pickles, or cheese.
This recipe is family-friendly and saves you time, ensuring that everyone—from kids to adults—will enjoy this tasty treat at your next gathering.
What ingredients do you need?
To make Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sliders, you’ll need a few essential ingredients. Start with the chicken, as it’s the star of the show. You can use boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders marinated in your favorite BBQ sauce.
Here’s a quick list of what you’ll require for delicious sliders:
- Slider rolls (like Hawaiian rolls)
- Grated cheese (sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- Dill pickle chips or chopped dill pickles
- Coleslaw mix or slaw ingredients
Feel free to experiment with slider variations by adding spices or different toppings. Additionally, consider using pickle brined chicken for an extra layer of flavor and moisture.
Don’t forget the cooking liquid from the crockpot, as it’ll enhance your Chicken Marinade, keeping those sliders juicy and flavorful.
Step by Step Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these steps to create delicious Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sliders:
- Place chicken in a cold crockpot, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and some BBQ sauce.
- Cover and set to high for 3-4 hours or low for 4-5 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and mix in extra BBQ sauce for your desired consistency.
- Assemble sliders by placing shredded chicken on the bottom rolls, topping with cheddar cheese and optional slider toppings like coleslaw or dill pickles for flavor variations. Crockpot BBQ chicken can be made into sliders with cheese and pickles for a convenient meal option.
Broil for 30 seconds to melt the cheese, then serve immediately and enjoy your tasty sliders!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
Cooking Tips
Having a few cooking tips up your sleeve can make all the difference in creating perfect Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sliders.
For slow cooker tips, cook your chicken on high for 4 hours or low for 7-8 hours, checking periodically to avoid overcooking. Shred the warm chicken easily with two forks and mix it back into the BBQ sauce for even coating.
For BBQ flavor enhancements, consider adding a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken the sauce or incorporate spices like BBQ rub, Worcestershire sauce, or brown sugar for extra depth.
Serving Suggestions
After perfecting your Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sliders, it’s time to think about how to serve them. A buffet setup works great, letting guests serve themselves.
Keep the BBQ chicken in the crockpot for easy access, and offer buns and coleslaw on the side for customization. You can include a variety of topping options like pickles, lettuce, tomato, and mayo, along with crispy onion straws for extra crunch.
If you prefer assembled sliders, toast the buns beforehand to avoid sogginess. Layer coleslaw on the bottom bun, then add the BBQ chicken, topped with chopped cabbage and tangy pickles.
Storing
Preserving the deliciousness of your Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sliders is essential for enjoying leftovers later. For effective leftover management, store your leftovers in an airtight container, which keeps them fresh for up to 4 days.
Make sure the container is sealed tightly and kept in the refrigerator at a consistent temperature below 40°F. If you want to extend their life, consider freezer organization. You can freeze cooked leftovers in airtight containers or Ziplock bags for up to 3-4 months.
Remember to label bags with the date and contents. When you’re ready to enjoy your sliders again, simply thaw frozen leftovers in the fridge overnight and reheat them to an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
Health Benefits
Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sliders not only tantalize your taste buds but also pack a nutritious punch. Each serving boasts about 22g of protein, making it one of the excellent protein sources for muscle repair and growth.
This high protein content supports overall muscle health and bone strength, essential for an active lifestyle. With only 4g of fat per serving, these sliders contribute to heart health by reducing the risk of heart disease and helping maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
Plus, using BBQ sauce lower in sugar helps you manage blood sugar levels and lowers the risk of diabetes. Balanced nutrients guarantee you get essential vitamins and minerals while supporting energy levels and healthy digestion.
What to serve with it
When it comes to serving your BBQ Chicken Sliders, a variety of delicious sides can elevate your meal.
Consider classic sides ideas like crispy potato wedges, loaded mashed potatoes, or even sweet potato fries for that comforting touch. Macaroni and cheese pairs beautifully with the sliders, while coleslaw offers a revitalizing crunch that balances the flavors.
You might also enjoy baked beans or tater tots to enhance the experience. For a lighter option, try a pineapple coleslaw with jalapeño for a zesty kick.
Don’t forget to include some dill pickle chips or sliced pickles on the side—they’re perfect for flavor pairings.
With these options, your BBQ Chicken Sliders will be a hit!
