Pull-Apart BBQ Chicken Sliders

The ultimate comfort food, Pull-Apart BBQ Chicken Sliders, is juicy, tender, and smothered with a smoky barbecue sauce. They’re served on soft slider rolls. These tasty sandwiches are easy to prepare and great for parties, game days, or casual gatherings. These sliders will please any crowd, whether you serve them as an appetizer or a meal.

Ingredients of Pull-Apart BBQ Chicken Sliders:

To make the pulled BBQ chicken:

• The thighs are preferred for their flavor and tenderness.
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup BBQ Sauce (your favorite brand or homemade).
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
• Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the recipe for a tangy taste.
• Honey (optional for sweetness)
• To taste: salt and pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for an extra smoky taste)
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder (optional for some heat).

Sliders

• 12 mini-brioche buns or slider rolls
• Coleslaw, optional (for topping), 1/2 cup
• Pickles for garnishing (optional).

Instructions for Pull-Apart BBQ Chicken Sliders:

1. Cook the Chicken

• Slow Cooker Method
  • Put the chicken breasts or thighs, chopped onion, minced garlic, BBQ sauce (or chicken broth), apple cider vinegar (if you are using it), honey (if you are using it), smoked chili powder, paprika and salt into a slow-cooker.
  • Cover the pot and cook it on low or high for 6-8 hours until the chicken is soft and shredable with a knife.
• Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker) Method:
  • Add the chicken breasts or thighs, chopped onion, minced garlic, and BBQ sauce to the Instant Pot. Also, add the chicken broth, honey, apple cider vinegar and smoked paprika.
  • Seal the lid, and cook at high pressure for 10 min. After the cooking is complete, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes and then do a quick release.
• Stovetop Method
  • Combine the chicken breasts or thighs, chopped onion, minced garlic, and BBQ sauce with chicken broth, apple vinegar, honey and smoked paprika.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Cover and cook it for 25-30 mins, or until all of the chicken has been cooked.
  • Take the chicken out of the pot with two forks and shred. Stir the sauce into the shredded chicken and return it to the pot.

2. Shred the chicken:

• After the chicken has cooked, remove it either from the Instant Pot or the stovetop. Then, shred the chicken with two forks. The chicken should easily fall apart.
• Stir the BBQ sauce into the liquid after adding the chicken shreds.

3. Toast the Slider Buns

• Preheat your oven to 350degF (or 175degC) while the chicken cooks. Place the buns cut-side down on a baking tray.
• Toast the buns for 5 to 7 minutes in the oven or until they are lightly golden and crisp. For extra flavor, you can brush the buns lightly with butter or olive oils before toasting.

4. Assemble your Sliders

• Place a generous amount of pulled BBQ chicken in the bottom of each slider bun.
• Optional: To add a creamy and crunchy contrast, you can sprinkle a little coleslaw over the chicken.
• Place the top of the slider bun on the chicken. (And coleslaw if you are using it.)

5. Serve:

• Serve the pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders warm, straight from the oven.
• If desired, garnish with pickles to add extra crunch.

Tip and variations:

• You can make the pulled BBQ chicken a few days in advance. Store it in the fridge. Reheat the pulled BBQ chicken before serving it on slider buns.
• Breasts: Chicken thighs are recommended because they have more flavor and remain moist even after shredding. Breasts: The thighs have a better flavor and are moist even after being shredded. Chicken breasts are a good option if you want a lighter version.
• Make your BBQ Sauce. Combine ketchup with apple cider vinegar and brown sugar. Add spices such as paprika and garlic powder.
• Spicy Kick: To make the BBQ chicken mixture spicier, add some chopped jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce.
• Coleslaw Variations – If you do not have coleslaw, you can use a simple slaw of shredded carrots and cabbage with a vinaigrette c, creamy ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing.
• Alternatives to Slider Buns: For sliders, you can use mini sandwich rolls or Hawaiian rolls. If gluten is an issue, then there are also gluten-free options.

Nutritional Information per slider (without coleslaw).

Note: The nutritional values listed are approximations and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: ~250-300
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 500mg

You’ll love these pulled BBQ chicken sliders.

The perfect combination of sweet and smoky flavors with tender and juicy chicken, these sliders are perfect for any occasion. These sliders are easy to make, only require a few ingredients and will be a hit with your guests. These sliders will be a hit at any event, whether it’s a casual gathering, tailgate or family dinner. They can also be customized to everyone’s liking with different toppings!