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Savory Pulled Chicken Sliders Recipe with Tangy Barbecue Sauce

pulled chicken sliders - featured image

These savory pulled chicken sliders with tangy barbecue sauce are easy to make, perfect for parties, and packed with flavor. Juicy chicken combined with a homemade tangy barbecue sauce makes for a crowd-pleasing comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs are juicier)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 12 slider buns, preferably soft and lightly toasted
  • Pickles (optional)
  • Coleslaw (optional)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken breasts or thighs with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place them in your slow cooker or Instant Pot. Pour in the chicken broth.
  2. Cook the chicken: Slow cooker – cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until tender and shreds easily. Instant Pot – cook on high pressure for 12 minutes with a natural release for 10 minutes.
  3. While the chicken cooks, whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Remove the cooked chicken and shred it with two forks or meat claws until juicy and tender.
  5. Toss the shredded chicken with the tangy barbecue sauce thoroughly. Heat gently in a skillet or slow cooker on warm to meld flavors if desired.
  6. Lightly butter and toast slider buns on a skillet or in the oven for 3-5 minutes until golden and slightly crispy.
  7. Assemble the sliders by piling the pulled chicken mixture onto the buns. Top with pickles or coleslaw if desired.
  8. Serve immediately with your favorite sides or snacks.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for juicier meat. Toast buns just before serving to prevent sogginess. The barbecue sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge to deepen flavors. Avoid over-saucing to keep sliders from getting soggy. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled chicken sliders, barbecue sauce, party food, easy recipe, slow cooker chicken, Instant Pot chicken, slider buns, comfort food