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BBQ pulled chicken sliders

BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders – Easy and Juicy

BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders are an easy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dish perfect for any occasion. Made with tender, slow-cooked chicken coated in smoky BBQ sauce, these sliders are served on soft buns and can be customized with coleslaw, pickles, or crispy onions.
They can be prepared in a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or on the stovetop for a quick and delicious meal. Whether for a game day party or a casual dinner, these sliders are sure to be a hit!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 Sliders
Calories 375 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Pulled Chicken:

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce your favorite brand or homemade
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sliders:

  • 6-8 slider buns Hawaiian rolls, brioche, or potato rolls
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter optional, for brushing the buns
  • 1 teaspoon honey optional, for extra flavor
  • ½ cup coleslaw optional topping
  • ¼ cup sliced pickles optional topping

Instructions
 

Slow Cooker Method:

  • Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker.
  • Add BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
  • Once fully cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir to coat with the sauce.
  • Toast the slider buns lightly if desired. Brush with melted butter and honey for extra flavor.
  • Assemble the sliders by placing a generous portion of pulled chicken on the bottom half of each bun.
  • Add toppings like coleslaw and pickles if using, then cover with the top bun.
  • Serve warm and enjoy!

Instant Pot Method:

  • Add the chicken, BBQ sauce, and seasonings to the Instant Pot. Stir to coat the chicken.
  • Seal the lid and set to high pressure for 10 minutes.
  • Allow natural release for 5 minutes, then manually release the remaining pressure.
  • Shred the chicken and stir with the sauce.
  • Follow steps 5-8 from the slow cooker method to assemble and serve.

Stovetop Method:

  • Heat a large pan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  • Add a drizzle of oil, then sear the chicken on both sides for about 2 minutes per side.
  • Pour in BBQ sauce and seasonings, then cover and simmer on low for 30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway.
  • Shred the chicken in the pan and mix it with the sauce.
  • Follow steps 5-8 from the slow cooker method to assemble and serve.
Keyword BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders