My Favorite Slow Cooker Friend
I love my slow cooker. It feels like a kitchen helper. You just add things and walk away. This pulled chicken recipe is a perfect friend for it.
The smell fills the house all day. It makes everyone ask, “When is dinner?” I still laugh at that. Using chicken thighs here is my secret. They stay juicy and never dry out. That really matters for a great sandwich.
A Little Story About BBQ
My grandson once asked about BBQ sauce. He thought it only came from a bottle. I showed him how to make our own. We mixed ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar right in the kitchen.
His eyes got so wide. That homemade BBQ sauce is so simple. It tastes fresher and you control the sweet and tangy. Do you have a favorite sauce memory? I would love to hear it.
Why This Meal Works So Well
This is one of my top easy slow cooker chicken meals. You sear the meat first for big flavor. Then the slow cooker does the rest. In a few hours, you have tender pulled chicken for sliders.
This recipe matters because it brings people together. It’s perfect for tailgating recipes or a busy weeknight. The sliders let everyone build their own perfect bite. That little choice makes dinner fun.
Putting It All Together
The final step is the best. Grab a soft roll. Pile on that warm slow cooker BBQ chicken. Then add a cool, crunchy spoonful of coleslaw. Doesn’t that sound amazing?
The hot and cold mix is magic. The creamy slaw cuts the rich sauce. *Fun fact: the word “slider” for small sandwiches became popular in the 1940s!* Will you use potato rolls or try mini ciabatta? Tell me your pick.
A Tip For Your Week
This slow cooker pulled chicken is a meal prep superstar. Make a big batch on Sunday. Shred it and keep the chicken in its sauce. You can use it all week in different ways.
Think beyond sliders! Try it on a baked potato or in a quesadilla. Having good food ready matters. It makes stressful days feel calmer. What is your go-to quick and easy recipe for busy days?
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken thighs | 3 pounds | |
| Salt and freshly ground black pepper | To taste | For seasoning |
| Vegetable oil | 1 tablespoon | For searing |
| Onion | 1, chopped | |
| Smoked paprika | ½ teaspoon | |
| Chili powder | ½ teaspoon | |
| Dry mustard powder | ½ teaspoon | |
| Ground cayenne pepper | ½ teaspoon | |
| Ketchup | 1 cup | |
| Brown sugar | ¼ cup | |
| Worcestershire sauce | 2 tablespoons | |
| Apple cider vinegar | ¼ cup | |
| Water | ¼ cup | |
| Potato slider rolls or mini ciabatta rolls | 24 | For serving |
| Coleslaw | 3 cups | For topping |
Instructions
Step 1: First, let’s get our chicken ready. Season it well with salt and pepper. Sear it in your slow cooker or a pan. This makes the flavor so much richer. (A hot pan gives you the best sear!)
Step 2: Now, cook the chopped onion in that same pan. Stir in all those lovely spices. Your kitchen will smell amazing. This is the secret to a great homemade BBQ sauce.
Step 3: Mix your ketchup, brown sugar, and other liquids. Pour it over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover it and walk away. I know it’s hard not to peek! This easy slow cooker chicken does its best work alone.
Step 4: Let it cook low and slow. In a few hours, the chicken will be perfect. You can shred it right in the pot with two forks. This pulled chicken recipe is so simple. Do you prefer your sliders sweet or spicy? Share below!
Step 5: Time to build your BBQ pulled chicken sliders! Grab your soft rolls. Pile on that tender slow cooker pulled chicken. Top it with cool, crunchy coleslaw. The mix of warm and cool is just right. This is a champion among tailgating recipes.
Creative Twists
Spicy Pineapple: Add a can of crushed pineapple to the sauce. It adds a sweet and tangy kick.
Apple Slaw: Mix thin apple slices into your coleslaw. It gives a fresh, crisp bite.
Pickle Power: Serve these sliders with crunchy pickle spears on the side. The vinegar taste cuts through the rich BBQ.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving & Pairing Ideas
These slow cooker BBQ chicken sliders are a full meal. I love them with baked beans or corn on the cob. A simple green salad works great, too. For meal prep slow cooker magic, keep the chicken and slaw separate. Assemble your sliders just before eating so the buns stay soft. Which would you choose tonight?
Making It Last: Storing Your BBQ Chicken
Let’s talk about storing your delicious pulled chicken. First, let it cool completely. Then, put it in an airtight container. It will keep in your fridge for about four days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. I use old yogurt containers for the freezer. They are the perfect size.
I remember my first big batch of this chicken. I put it in the fridge while it was still warm. The whole fridge felt hot! Now I know to let it sit on the counter first. This keeps everything else in your fridge safe and cool. Batch cooking like this saves so much time on busy nights.
To reheat, just warm it in a pan on the stove. Add a splash of water or broth. This keeps your slow cooker pulled chicken juicy. You can also use the microwave. Stir it every 30 seconds. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Cooking Hiccups
We all run into little problems in the kitchen. Do not worry. Here are three easy fixes. First, if your sauce is too thin, just cook it longer. Take the lid off your slow cooker. Let it bubble for 30 more minutes. The extra water will cook away.
Second, if the chicken seems dry, you might have cooked it too long. Chicken thighs are very forgiving, though. Just stir in more of that tasty sauce. I once forgot to set my timer. The chicken was very soft, but the sauce saved it. Getting the texture right builds your cooking confidence.
Third, if the flavor is not deep enough, add a pinch more salt. Salt makes all the other flavors sing. This matters because good flavor makes a meal special. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
How long to cook BBQ chicken in a slow cooker?
Cook your chicken on HIGH for 4 hours. You can also cook it on LOW for 8 hours. It is done when it shreds easily with a fork. This easy slow cooker chicken is very flexible. Perfect for busy days or meal prep slow cooker plans.
Can I use frozen chicken for slow cooker BBQ sliders?
It is safer to thaw chicken first. But you can use frozen in a pinch. Just add one extra hour of cooking time. Make sure the chicken is cooked all the way through. This pulled chicken recipe is very forgiving.
What’s the best BBQ sauce for slow cooker chicken?
The homemade BBQ sauce in this recipe is my favorite. It is tangy and just a little sweet. You can also use your favorite store-bought sauce. This is one of the best chicken thigh recipes because the sauce soaks right in.
Can I make BBQ chicken sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can. Make the slow cooker BBQ chicken a day or two early. Store the chicken and coleslaw separately in the fridge. Assemble your BBQ pulled chicken sliders right before you eat. This keeps the buns nice.
What sides go well with BBQ chicken sliders?
These sliders are great for tailgating recipes. Keep it simple. Serve with potato chips, pickles, or baked beans. A fresh fruit salad is also a nice choice. These quick and easy recipes mean more time with your guests.
How do I keep the slider buns from getting soggy?
Toast the buns lightly first. This creates a tiny barrier. Also, do not put the hot chicken on the bun too early. Let the chicken cool for just a minute. Assemble right before serving for the best texture. Which tip will you try first?
A Final Word From My Kitchen
I hope you love making these slow cooker BBQ chicken sliders. They always make my house smell wonderful. *Fun fact: The smell of food cooking is called “gourmand aroma.”* It makes everyone hungry and happy.
Cooking should be fun, not stressful. This recipe is here to help. I would love to hear about your cooking adventure. Have you tried this recipe? Tell me all about it in the comments below.
Happy cooking!
—Danielle Monroe
Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sliders
Description
Tender, slow-cooked pulled chicken in a tangy, smoky BBQ sauce, served on soft rolls with crisp coleslaw for the perfect easy meal or party food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Set the slow cooker on the brown or sauté function to pre-heat. Season the chicken with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the vegetable oil to the cooker and sear both sides of the chicken pieces, working in batches if necessary. Alternatively, sear the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop if your slow cooker does not have a browning function.
- Set the chicken aside and add the onion to the cooker (or skillet). Sauté for a few minutes and then stir in the smoked paprika, chili powder, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper. Sauté for 2 more minutes.
- Combine the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, water, and salt in a bowl. Return the browned chicken to the slow cooker with the onions and pour the ketchup mixture over the chicken, making sure all the chicken gets coated. Cover the slow cooker with a lid and promise yourself that you won’t open it up until the cooking time is over.
- Slow-cook on HIGH for 4 hours or on LOW for 8 hours.
- When the chicken is fork-tender, shred the chicken pieces with two forks or tongs and stir the shredded chicken into the sauce.
- Place 2 tablespoons of the pulled chicken on each bun and top with a spoonful of the coleslaw. Serve warm.
Notes
- Nutrition values are per slider. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.