Pulled Chicken Sliders with Barbecue Sauce
Get ready to enjoy these mouthwatering Pulled Chicken Sliders with Barbecue Sauce juicy, saucy, and packed with smoky flavor! Tender shredded chicken is coated in rich, tangy BBQ sauce and piled high on soft slider buns for the perfect bite-sized comfort food.
Ingredients
- For the Pulled Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier meat)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups barbecue sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- For Serving
- 10–12 slider buns (brioche, potato rolls, or Hawaiian rolls work great)
- Coleslaw (optional, for topping)
- Pickles (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken : Place chicken in the slow cooker (or pot/Instant Pot). Add sliced onion, garlic, chicken broth, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Step 2: Cook the Chicken : Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours. Instant Pot: Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes with natural release.Stovetop: Simmer covered for 30–35 minutes until tender.
- Step 3: Shred the Chicken : Remove chicken from the pot and shred with two forks.Drain excess liquid, leaving a few tablespoons for moisture.
- Step 4: Mix with BBQ Sauce : Return shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar (if using). Cook on low for 10 more minutes to let flavors blend.
- Step 5: Assemble the Sliders : Slice slider buns and lightly toast if desired. Pile pulled chicken onto each bun. Top with coleslaw or pickles if using. Place bun tops on and serve warm.