Have you ever wondered why BBQ pulled chicken sliders topped with slaw have become such a crowd-pleaser at picnics and parties? These sliders pack a flavorful punch with their tender, smoky chicken and the crisp, invigorating slaw. You’d be surprised at how simple they are to put together, yet how complex the flavors can be when they meld. But the real secret to getting them just right lies in a few key details—details that might just change the way you approach these delightful mini sandwiches forever. Curious about what those might be?
History
Pulled chicken sliders, a staple at many American BBQs, find their roots deeply embedded in the rich traditions of Southern cooking.
Originating from the need to make use of every part of the farm-raised chickens, Southern cooks mastered the art of slow-cooking the less tender cuts. This technique allowed the flavors to develop fully, resulting in tender, flavorful meat that easily shreds.
Over time, as BBQs evolved into a popular social event, pulled chicken became a favorite for its ease of preparation and ability to serve large crowds.
This dish not only showcases the culinary ingenuity of Southern cooks but also reflects the communal spirit cherished in Southern culture, making it a beloved feature at gatherings across the country.
Recipe
BBQ pulled chicken sliders are the perfect dish for any gathering, be it a backyard BBQ, game night, or a family reunion. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also easy to prepare, allowing you to enjoy the event without spending all day in the kitchen. The combination of tender, flavorful chicken with soft, slightly toasted buns and a tangy BBQ sauce creates a mouthwatering treat that will satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
To get started, you’ll need a few ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment. A slow cooker is highly recommended for this recipe, as it allows the chicken to cook to perfection, becoming wonderfully tender and infused with the flavors of your chosen BBQ sauce. Alternatively, you can use a pressure cooker or a standard oven if a slow cooker isn’t available. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup BBQ sauce, plus more for serving
- 12 small slider buns
- Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, extra BBQ sauce
Start by placing the chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Drizzle them with olive oil and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well-coated.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 6 hours or on high for about 3 hours. Once the chicken is cooked and tender, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker, mixing the shredded chicken with the delicious sauce.
As you prepare the sliders, an extra tip is to lightly toast the buns before assembling. This adds a wonderful texture to the sliders and prevents the buns from becoming too soggy once the chicken and extra BBQ sauce are added.
If you’re serving these at a party, consider setting up a slider station where guests can build their own sliders with various toppings like coleslaw, extra BBQ sauce, or pickles. This not only makes the meal interactive but also caters to different tastes.
Enjoy your BBQ pulled chicken sliders warm, and watch them disappear from the platter!
Step 1. Prepare Chicken and Spices
To kick off this recipe, gather all the necessary spices and make certain your chicken is thoroughly cleaned and patted dry.
You’ll need a blend of smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This combination will guarantee your chicken isn’t only flavorful but also has a delightful aroma.
Once you’ve assembled your spices, mix them in a bowl to create your seasoning.
Now, take your chicken breasts and rub the seasoning mix generously over them. Ascertain the spices are evenly distributed to coat every part of the chicken.
This step is vital, as it sets the foundation for the savory, mouth-watering flavors that characterize BBQ pulled chicken sliders.
Step 2. Mix Chicken With BBQ Sauce
Once your chicken is well-coated with the spices, combine it with your favorite BBQ sauce in a slow cooker.
Let’s make certain you nail this step, guaranteeing that every bite is bursting with flavor:
- Quantity of BBQ Sauce: Use about 1 to 1.5 cups of BBQ sauce for every 2 pounds of chicken. This ratio makes certain each shred of chicken is deliciously moist and flavorful.
- Slow Cooking Time: Set your slow cooker on low and cook for about 4 to 5 hours. This slow infusion helps the flavors meld perfectly.
- Stir Occasionally: Giving your chicken a gentle stir every hour or so guarantees an even coating of that delicious, tangy BBQ sauce, preventing any dry spots.
These simple steps will set you up for succulent pulled chicken, oozing with flavor!
Step 3. Assemble Sliders With Coleslaw
Now that your chicken is tender and flavorful from slow cooking in BBQ sauce, it’s time to assemble the sliders with coleslaw.
Grab a handful of your zesty coleslaw and place it generously over the warm, pulled chicken. You’ll want a good balance between the creamy, crunchy slaw and the rich, smoky chicken to guarantee each bite is as satisfying as the last.
Next, spoon the saucy chicken and coleslaw onto the soft slider buns. Make sure you don’t overfill them; you’ll need to be able to pick them up easily.
Stack them just right, and you’re set for a mouth-watering treat that combines all the flavors beautifully. This step is simple, but it lets every ingredient shine.
Step 4. Toast the Slider Buns
Before you assemble your sliders, it’s essential to toast the buns, ensuring they’re crisp and golden. Toasting not only enhances the flavor but also prevents the buns from becoming soggy from the juicy pulled chicken.
Here’s how you can perfectly toast those buns:
- Preheat Your Grill or Pan: Aim for a medium heat; too hot, and you’ll burn the buns, too cool, and they won’t crisp up.
- Butter the Cut Sides: Lightly buttering the buns adds flavor and aids in achieving that perfect golden-brown crust.
- Toast Until Golden: Place the buns butter-side down on the grill or pan. Give them about 1-2 minutes or until they’re beautifully golden and crisp.
Now, you’re set to pile on that BBQ pulled chicken and slaw!
Step 5. Serve Immediately
After assembling your BBQ pulled chicken sliders with those perfectly toasted buns, serve them immediately.
The juicy, saucy chicken combined with the crisp slaw atop those warm buns reaches peak flavor when fresh. Don’t let them sit; you’ll lose out on the delightful contrast of textures and temperatures that make each bite perfectly enjoyable.
When you serve them right away, the slaw remains crisp, adding that necessary crunch against the soft, tender chicken.
Plus, the warmth of the chicken slightly melts the slaw’s dressing, mingling the flavors beautifully.
Arrange them on a platter, garnish if desired, and watch them disappear.
Perfect for gatherings, these sliders aren’t only easy to make but also a sure crowd-pleaser, ensuring everyone’s satisfaction.
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Cooking Tips
Mastering the art of slow-cooking the chicken guarantees your BBQ pulled chicken sliders are both tender and flavorful. Following a few key tips can elevate your dish from good to mouthwatering. Here they are:
- Use the Right Cut: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for optimum flavor and moisture. They don’t dry out as quickly as breasts.
- Low and Slow: Set your slow cooker on low. This prevents the chicken from becoming tough and allows it to absorb all the BBQ goodness.
- Shred Properly: Once cooked, let the chicken rest before shredding. Using two forks, pull apart the meat gently to keep the fibers tender.
These steps will guarantee your sliders are a hit at any gathering!
Final Thoughts
Implementing these tips will help guarantee your BBQ pulled chicken sliders aren’t only tasty but also a highlight of your culinary creations.
By carefully managing the cooking temperature and meticulously selecting the right mix of spices, you’ll enhance the flavors wonderfully.
Remember, the slaw should complement the chicken, not overpower it; aim for a balance of creamy, crunchy, and tangy.
Hosting a gathering? These sliders are perfect conversation starters; they’re not just food, they’re an experience.
As you assemble each slider, think about the joy they’ll bring.
Isn’t it wonderful to know that with these guidelines, you’re all set to dazzle your guests?
Go ahead, it’s time to show off your cooking prowess and enjoy the accolades!
