Description
BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders are bite-sized sandwiches made with tender, shredded chicken that’s been simmered in a rich and smoky barbecue sauce. This flavorful chicken is then piled onto small, soft buns and typically topped with creamy coleslaw, pickles, or red onions. Whether you choose to make them on the stovetop, in an Instant Pot, or even in a slow cooker, these sliders are a guaranteed hit at any gathering. They are the perfect combination of smoky, tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, wrapped in a tiny, snackable form that everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the pulled chicken:
1½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
½ cup chicken broth (or water)
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Salt & pepper, to taste
For the sliders:
8–10 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
1½ cups coleslaw (optional but highly recommended!)
Pickles or sliced red onions (optional, for topping)
Instructions
1. Cook the chicken
Stovetop method:
Combine BBQ sauce, broth, vinegar, sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large skillet or saucepan.
Add chicken, turning to coat.
Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 20–25 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and tender.
Instant Pot method:
Add all sauce ingredients and chicken to the pot.
Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release.
Slow Cooker method (optional):
Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
2. Shred the chicken
Remove chicken from sauce and shred with two forks.
Return shredded chicken to the sauce, stir well, and simmer for 5 more minutes to absorb flavor.
3. Assemble the sliders
Lightly toast or warm slider buns.
Spoon pulled chicken generously onto each bun.
Top with coleslaw, pickles, or red onion if desired.
Brush tops with melted butter for a glossy finish.
Notes
These BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders are tender, smoky, and perfect for gatherings or a quick weeknight meal. You can add coleslaw on top for crunch, pickles for tang, or a slice of cheddar cheese for extra flavor. Serve warm on soft slider buns for a crowd-pleasing bite!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop / Slow Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 310
Keywords: Pulled Chicken Sliders, BBQ Chicken Sliders, BBQ Sliders, Pulled Chicken Sandwiches