Are you craving an easy and tasty meal that brings the family together? Look no further! I’m here to guide you through making Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sliders. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a savory dish perfect for any gathering. From layering juicy chicken thighs in your slow cooker to serving with homemade coleslaw, I’ll share every step. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
– 1 onion, sliced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 12 slider buns
– Coleslaw (for topping)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For this recipe, I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender. The BBQ sauce is key to the flavor. Use your go-to brand for best results. I also recommend slicing the onion thinly to help it cook well. Minced garlic adds a nice kick to the sauce.
Apple cider vinegar gives a tangy touch. Smoked paprika and onion powder bring depth to the dish. Black pepper adds just the right amount of heat. You will need slider buns to serve the chicken. Coleslaw on top adds crunch and freshness. A sprinkle of parsley makes your sliders look great.
Nutritional Information
– Calories per serving: Approximately 300
– Macronutrients breakdown:
– Carbohydrates: 34g
– Proteins: 22g
– Fats: 10g
The sliders are filling and packed with flavor. Each serving has a good balance of carbs, proteins, and fats. This makes them a satisfying meal. Enjoy your delicious slow cooker BBQ chicken sliders!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
Start by layering the onions in the slow cooker. Place the sliced onion at the bottom. This will add flavor to the chicken as it cooks. Next, mix the BBQ sauce ingredients. In a bowl, combine minced garlic, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed and ready to coat the chicken.
Cooking Process
Now, add the chicken thighs to the slow cooker. Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken. Make sure the chicken is well coated. Cover the slow cooker and set it on low. Cook for 6 to 8 hours. The chicken should become tender and easy to shred.
Shredding and Assembling
After cooking, take the chicken thighs out. Shred the chicken using two forks. This helps the chicken soak up all the flavors. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir it to mix with the remaining BBQ sauce. To assemble the sliders, lightly toast the slider buns. Place a generous amount of BBQ chicken on the bottom half of each bun. Top with a spoonful of coleslaw for fresh crunch. Finally, cover with the top half of the bun. For a pop of color, garnish with chopped parsley. Enjoy your delicious sliders!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
To keep the chicken juicy, choose boneless, skinless thighs. They cook well and stay moist. Use a good BBQ sauce. Your favorite brand will work, but consider trying a smoky or spicy one for added flavor.
Mix in fun spices. Besides smoked paprika, try cayenne for heat or brown sugar for sweetness. These small changes can make a big impact.
Serving Suggestions
For a great presentation, serve sliders on a big platter. Add extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. This makes it fun and tasty!
Pair your sliders with sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, or potato salad. These sides add color and balance to the meal. You can also serve chips for a crunchy texture.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can switch up the flavor of your sliders easily. Try using spicy BBQ sauce for a kick. You can also add spices like cayenne or chili powder. This adds heat and depth. If you want to change the meat, try pulled pork instead of chicken. Turkey is another great option. It’s leaner and still very tasty. Each choice gives your sliders a different twist.
Dietary Modifications
If you need gluten-free options, choose gluten-free slider buns. They taste great and hold the filling well. You can also use lettuce leaves instead of buns. This makes a fresh and light version. For vegetarian alternatives, try jackfruit or mushrooms. Both can soak up the BBQ flavors well. These options make the dish friendly for everyone. Enjoy making your sliders fit your needs!
Storage Info
Refrigeration Tips
To store leftover BBQ chicken sliders, let them cool down first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days. For best results, separate the chicken from the slider buns. This keeps the buns from getting soggy.
Freezing Guidelines
If you want to freeze the sliders, wrap each slider tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped sliders in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. You can keep them in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat leftover sliders, you have a few options. You can use the microwave for quick heating. Place the slider on a plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for 30 seconds, check, then heat more if needed. For a crispier bun, use the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the sliders in foil and bake for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps the flavor and texture.
FAQs
Common Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They will work well. However, thighs stay juicier. The flavor may change slightly.
How long can I store the BBQ chicken sliders?
You can store them in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty.
What should I serve with my BBQ chicken sliders?
Try serving them with coleslaw, baked beans, or potato chips. You can also add pickles for crunch. These sides complement the sliders nicely.
Cooking Related Queries
Can I cook this recipe on high heat instead of low?
Yes, you can cook on high heat. Cook for about 3 to 4 hours. Check the chicken for tenderness. It should shred easily.
Can I make the BBQ chicken mixture ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix the BBQ sauce and chicken a day before. Just store it in the fridge. When ready, put it in the slow cooker to cook.
In this blog post, I shared a simple BBQ chicken slider recipe. You learned about the ingredients, cooking steps, and serving tips. The recipe offers room for variations, so you can customize it to your tastes.
Try these sliders for your next gathering. They are easy to make and delicious. Remember to store leftovers properly to enjoy later. With these tips, you’ll impress family and friends with your cooking skills. Enjoy crafting these tasty treats!
