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Irresistible BBQ Chicken Sliders: 1 Perfect Party Bite

Okay, picture this: you’ve got a big party coming up, and you’re stressing about what to serve. You want something totally crowd-pleasing, something that screams ‘funtimes,’ but you *really* don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen all day. That’s exactly why I created these Irresistible BBQ Chicken Sliders For Your Next Party. Trust me, these little flavor bombs are my go-to because they’re unbelievably easy, incredibly delicious, and they always disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!” I’ve been making them for years, perfecting them so you can be the relaxed host everyone envies, with the best darn sliders around.

Why These Irresistible Bbq Chicken Sliders Are Perfect For Any Party

Seriously, you’re going to wonder why you ever bothered with complicated appetizers. These little sliders are total rockstars for so many reasons:

  • Super Easy Prep: You literally just toss chicken and sauce in the slow cooker. That’s it! Less fuss, more fun.
  • Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: Who doesn’t love tender, saucy BBQ chicken in a soft bun? It’s borderline impossible to dislike.
  • Set It and Forget It: The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. You can actually mingle with your guests instead of slaving over the stove.
  • Totally Versatile Toppings: Pile on some creamy coleslaw, tangy pickles, or crunchy red onions – it’s your party, your rules!
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Tailgates, birthdays, holidays, or just a Tuesday night that needs a little *oomph*. These fit right in.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: You can even cook the chicken ahead of time and warm it up right before serving. Lifesaver!

Gathering Your Ingredients For Irresistible Bbq Chicken Sliders

Alright, let’s get down to business! You won’t believe how simple this is. The beauty of these sliders is that they use stuff you probably already have or can grab super easily. Here’s what you’ll need to snag:

First up, grab about a pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Don’t worry about cutting them or anything, they’re going straight into the slow cooker! Then, you’ll need a cup of your absolute favorite BBQ sauce. Seriously, use one that you love the taste of, because it’s the star here. Add in about a quarter cup of plain old water to thin out the sauce just a bit. And of course, you absolutely need a dozen slider buns. Those little guys are perfect for holding all the yummy chicken goodness!

Now, for the fun part – toppings! I always like to have some creamy coleslaw on hand. Little tangy pickle slices are a must for me, and some thinly sliced red onion gives it a nice little bite. But hey, this is your party, so throw on whatever makes your taste buds happy!

Step-By-Step Guide To Making Your Irresistible Bbq Chicken Sliders

Making these sliders is honestly a breeze! The slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting, so you can actually relax a little. Here’s how we get from raw chicken to party-ready perfection:

Prepping the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

First things first, grab your slow cooker! Place those boneless, skinless chicken breasts right into the insert. No need to chop them or anything complicated, just pop them in whole. It’s all about making life easy, right? If you want to see some other slow cooker magic, check out my slow-cooked fork-tender brisket recipe!

Cooking the BBQ Chicken to Perfection

Now, for the sauce. In a separate bowl, give your favorite BBQ sauce a little stir and mix in about a quarter cup of water. Pour this deliciousness all over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover it up, and let it do its thing! Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. You want that chicken to be super tender and cooked through. Trust me, the smell alone is worth the wait!

Close-up of Irresistible BBQ Chicken Sliders piled high with shredded chicken and dripping with BBQ sauce.

Shredding and Saucing the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked and incredibly tender, it’s time to shred it! Leave the chicken in the slow cooker – using two forks right in the pot makes this super easy. Just pull the chicken apart until it’s all shredded. Then, give it a good stir to make sure every single piece is coated in that yummy BBQ sauce. If it looks a little dry, don’t be afraid to add a smidge more sauce!

Close-up of irresistible BBQ chicken sliders piled high with shredded chicken and BBQ sauce.

Assembling Your Irresistible Bbq Chicken Sliders

Okay, assembly time! Split your slider buns open. Spoon a generous amount of that saucy, shredded chicken onto the bottom half of each bun. Now’s your chance to get creative! Pile on some crunchy coleslaw, a few zesty pickle slices, or some thinly sliced red onion. Pop the top bun on, and there you have it – your very own irresistible BBQ chicken sliders, ready to wow your guests!

Close-up of Irresistible BBQ Chicken Sliders topped with coleslaw on a wooden board.

Tips For Success With Your Bbq Chicken Sliders

Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, but let me give you a few little pointers to make these sliders absolutely, positively perfect every single time. It’s mostly about a few simple things, and I’ve learned them the hard way so you don’t have to!

First off, don’t skimp on the BBQ sauce quality. Use one you genuinely love the taste of because it’s the main flavor driver here. And while the slow cooker is amazing for that fall-apart tender chicken, if you’re in a real pinch for time, your Instant Pot works like a charm! Just cook on high pressure for about 10-15 minutes and do a natural release. It’s a game-changer for speedy party prep! Remember my quick cinnamon rolls? This is that same “get it done fast and delicious” energy. Also, don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of water you add with the BBQ sauce – some sauces are thicker than others, and you want that lovely saucy coating without it being watery. And a final thought: if you shred the chicken and find it’s a little too “wet” or saucy, just turn the slow cooker to the “warm” setting for the last 30 minutes with the lid off to let some of that extra liquid evaporate a bit.

Serving Suggestions For Your Party Sliders

These sliders are fantastic on their own, but to make it a real party spread? Oh, you gotta have some sides! Think classic BBQ goodness. A big ol’ bowl of creamy, dreamy potato salad is a must, and you really can’t go wrong with some hearty, smoky baked beans. A simple green salad or some crunchy chips also works great if you want to keep it super simple!

Frequently Asked Questions About Bbq Chicken Sliders

Got questions about these amazing sliders? I’ve got you covered!

Can I make these BBQ chicken sliders ahead of time?

Absolutely! The beauty of this slow cooker recipe for Irresistible BBQ Chicken Sliders is that you can totally prep the chicken a day in advance. Just shred it, mix it with the sauce, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When it’s party time, just gently reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Then assemble your sliders fresh!

What other types of BBQ sauce can I use for these sliders?

Oh, you can use ANY BBQ sauce you love! Whether it’s a sweet Memphis-style, a tangy Carolina vinegar-based sauce, a spicy Kansas City one, or even a smoky mesquite flavor – they all work wonderfully. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your absolute favorite combo for these easy party appetizers!

How should I store leftovers of the BBQ chicken?

If, by some miracle, you have leftovers of the shredded chicken, just pop them into an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for about 3-4 days. Reheat gently and use them for sandwiches, tacos, or even over a bed of rice for a quick meal.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you definitely can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs! They tend to get even more tender and flavorful in the slow cooker, so you might want to reduce the cooking time just slightly. The end result will be equally delicious, perhaps even more so for some folks!

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Just a little heads-up: this nutritional info is an estimate, okay? It can totally change depending on the exact BBQ sauce you use and if you go wild with toppings! But generally, one of these yummy sliders comes in around:

  • Calories: 250
  • Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Protein: 15g

It’s a pretty balanced little bite for such a crowd-pleaser!

Print
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Two Irresistible BBQ Chicken Sliders piled high with pulled chicken and coleslaw on a blue plate.

Irresistible BBQ Chicken Sliders


  • Author: jekof.com
  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 min
  • Yield: 12 sliders 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Easy and delicious BBQ chicken sliders perfect for any party or gathering.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 12 slider buns
  • Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, sliced red onion

Instructions

  1. Place chicken breasts in a slow cooker.
  2. In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce and water. Pour over chicken.
  3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until chicken is cooked through and tender.
  4. Shred the chicken with two forks directly in the slow cooker. Stir to coat with sauce.
  5. Serve shredded chicken on slider buns with your desired toppings.

Notes

  • For a quicker version, you can cook the chicken in an Instant Pot.
  • Adjust BBQ sauce amount to your preference.
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 2-6 hours
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slider
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: bbq chicken sliders, party food, easy appetizer, slow cooker recipe, chicken sliders, slider buns, quick party food

Recipe rating