Imagine sinking your teeth into a pulled BBQ chicken slider, where the sweet and smoky flavors dance on your tongue while the tangy coleslaw adds a revitalizing crunch. You’re at the helm of this culinary journey, steering through a sea of flavors that’s both comforting and exciting. This dish, simple yet satisfying, is steeped in American tradition and is as versatile as it is delicious. But how can you bring this experience home and impress your guests at your next gathering? Stick around, and we’ll uncover the secrets of crafting these mouthwatering sliders.
History
Believe it or not, the history of pulled chicken and coleslaw dates back several centuries. Picture yourself in the early 1700s, where German immigrants in America were making ‘kohlslaw’. This simple yet delicious dish was a mix of shredded cabbage, vinegar, and oil. Fast forward to the 19th century, when barbecuing became a popular cooking method in the southern United States.
Here’s where the magic of pulled chicken comes in. The technique of slow-cooking chicken over low heat until it’s so tender it can be ‘pulled’ apart with a fork was a game-changer. Pairing this succulent meat with the tangy, crunchy coleslaw was a match made in heaven, and consequently the pulled chicken slider with coleslaw was born.
Today, you’re part of a tradition that’s been enjoyed for hundreds of years. While the recipe’s been tweaked and modernized, the soul remains the same. It’s a dish that tells a story of culture, tradition, and the love of good food. So next time you bite into a pulled chicken slider, remember, you’re tasting a piece of history.
Recipe Cooking Steps
Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw is a fantastic treat for those with a soft spot for the combination of sweet, smoky chicken and tangy, crunchy coleslaw. The sliders are assembled with slow-cooked chicken that has been shredded and simmered in a delicious barbecue sauce, then topped with a crunchy, creamy coleslaw. Housed within small buns, these sliders are perfect as a full meal or as bite-sized appetizers at a gathering.
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. With merely five ingredients, you can create a delectable dish bursting with flavor. The slow-cooking process guarantees that the chicken is tender enough to pull apart, while the barbecue sauce lends a sweet smokiness that perfectly complements the cool, crisp coleslaw. The end result is a slider that provides a delightful blend of savory and invigorating flavors, ensuring a satisfying balance.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce
- 1 bag of pre-made coleslaw mix
- 1 jar of coleslaw dressing
- 1 pack of slider buns
To prepare, cook the chicken breasts in a slow cooker with the barbecue sauce on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork. Once the chicken is cooked, shred it and mix it back into the sauce in the slow cooker. While the chicken is cooking, mix the coleslaw mix and dressing together in a bowl and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble the sliders. When ready, assemble by placing generous amounts of shredded chicken on the bottom half of each slider bun, top with coleslaw, and then add the top bun.
A few tips to take into account when cooking the dish: be mindful not to overcook the chicken as it can become dry. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker, so start checking the chicken after 6 hours. If you’re a fan of spicier sliders, feel free to use a spicy barbecue sauce or add some hot sauce to the coleslaw dressing. Finally, the coleslaw can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld, but it’s recommended to serve it within a day.
Step 1. Slow Cook Chicken in BBQ
Starting the slow cook process for your chicken is fairly straightforward. First, you’ll need to place your chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Make sure they’re boneless and skinless to guarantee the best results.
Next, it’s time to add your BBQ sauce. You can use your favorite brand, but if you want a bit more control over the flavor, you can make your own. Just ensure it’s enough to coat the chicken well.
Here are the steps in a simple list:
- Place 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your slow cooker.
- Pour over a bottle of your preferred BBQ sauce, ensuring all the chicken is covered.
- Set the slow cooker on low and let it do its magic for 6-8 hours.
Step 2. Shred Cooked Chicken in Sauce
Once your chicken has been slow cooking for 6-8 hours, it’s time to shred it. You’re aiming for tender, pull-apart chicken that soaks up that tasty barbecue sauce. To do this, remove the chicken from your slow cooker, but leave the sauce in there.
Take two forks and begin the shredding process. You’ll want to hold the chicken steady with one fork and use the other to tear it apart. It should shred easily if it’s been cooked properly. Take your time with this – you want nice, even strands of chicken for your sliders.
Once all the chicken is shredded, return it to your slow cooker. Mix it well with the sauce that’s still in there. This is where your chicken gets its BBQ flavor, so don’t be shy about getting it well coated. Turn your slow cooker to its ‘warm’ setting while you get the rest of your ingredients ready. This will keep your shredded chicken warm and help those flavors meld together even more. Soon, you’ll be ready to assemble your sliders and enjoy your homemade pulled BBQ chicken.
Step 3. Combine Coleslaw Mix and Dressing
While your chicken is soaking up the barbecue goodness, turn your attention to the coleslaw. This is where you can add a crisp, invigorating crunch to contrast with the rich, smoky flavor of your BBQ chicken. It’s a simple, but vital step in making your sliders deliciously balanced.
First, grab a bag of your favorite pre-made coleslaw mix. This mix usually contains a blend of shredded cabbage and carrots, perfect for a quick and easy slaw.
Next, it’s time to dress your coleslaw. Here’s how:
- Pour your coleslaw mix into a large bowl.
- Add in your chosen coleslaw dressing. The amount depends on how creamy you like your slaw, but a good rule of thumb is to start with half the jar and adjust to taste.
- Mix it all together until every shred of vegetable is coated in dressing.
There you go, it’s that simple! Now, you’ve got a tangy, creamy coleslaw ready to top off your pulled BBQ chicken sliders. Just remember to keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble your sliders. The chill will keep your slaw crisp and invigorating.
Step 4. Assemble Chicken and Coleslaw Sliders
After you’ve created your coleslaw and your chicken is tender and ready, the final step is to assemble your Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders. It’s a simple process that’ll bring together your juicy chicken and tangy coleslaw into an irresistible combination.
Grab your pack of slider buns and cut them in half horizontally. Now, pile on your tender pulled BBQ chicken onto the bottom half of each bun. Don’t be shy with the chicken – the more, the better! Next, spoon a generous dollop of your freshly made coleslaw onto the chicken. The crunchy coleslaw will provide a revitalizing contrast to the soft, juicy chicken.
Carefully place the top half of the bun on the coleslaw, pressing lightly so it holds together. Repeat this process with each bun until all your sliders are assembled.
A quick tip – if you’re serving these sliders at a party, you might want to secure each one with a small toothpick to help them hold together. It makes them easier to handle and eat. Now, you’re ready to serve these delicious Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw. Enjoy!
Step 5. Serve and Enjoy Your Sliders
Ready to dig in? Now that your Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw are assembled, it’s time to serve them up and savor the delicious flavors.
- Presentation: You’ve put in the work, so make sure your sliders shine. Arrange them on a platter or individual plates, and don’t forget to add a side dish, maybe some sweet potato fries or a fresh salad, to complete the meal.
- Serving: Provide some extra napkins for this delightfully messy dish. You might also want to offer some additional BBQ sauce on the side for those who enjoy an extra saucy slider.
- Enjoyment: Now, the best part – eating! Take a bite and enjoy the blend of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. The tender chicken, creamy coleslaw, and soft bun combine to make a truly satisfying bite.
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Final Thoughts
In the domain of comfort food, Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw reign supreme. They’re easy to make, delicious to eat, and a hit at any gathering. But what’s the final takeaway here?
Firstly, it’s all about balance. The tenderness of the slow-cooked chicken, the smoky sweetness of the BBQ sauce, and the revitalizing crunch of the coleslaw – it’s a trifecta of flavors that you won’t forget. Each component complements the other, creating a harmony that’s truly satisfying.
Secondly, this recipe’s simplicity doesn’t skimp on taste. With just five ingredients, you’ve crafted a dish that’s a crowd-pleaser. And who doesn’t love a good slider?
Finally, remember to have fun with it. Want to turn up the heat? Add some hot sauce. Prefer a tangier slaw? Play around with the dressing. This recipe is a framework, but you can make it your own.
Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or an experienced cook, these BBQ chicken sliders are sure to impress. So give it a try, and you’ll find that good food really does bring people together. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy your meal.
