Kickoff Bbq Chicken Sliders
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Kickoff BBQ Chicken Sliders
Are you looking for some easy tailgate food ideas? I know I always am! These Kickoff BBQ Chicken Sliders are seriously amazing.
Think sweet and savory, a perfect balance of flavors, and total crowd pleaser. These sliders are the answer to your game day food ideas prayers!
Touchdown Worthy Sliders
Originally inspired by classic American BBQ, these bbq chicken sliders are designed for sharing. They're easy enough for a weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough for a party.
It's super easy, taking only about 15 minutes to prep, then the slow cooker does the heavy lifting. You get around 12 sliders from this recipe.
Why You'll Love These Sliders
Honestly, these sliders are insanely good! The sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls with the smoky BBQ chicken is chef's kiss .
Plus, it is make-ahead tailgate food cook the chicken the day before! Did you know that chicken provides essential amino acids? This recipe is ideal for feeding a hungry crowd at any football party snacks .
Making Magic with Chicken and Hawaiian Rolls
Let's dive into what you'll need to create these delicious easy tailgate recipes . These portable party food sliders use simple ingredients.
The star? Flavorful BBQ chicken simmered in your slow cooker recipes , nestled between soft Hawaiian rolls, becoming the crowd pleasing appetizers .
The recipe only needs these ingredients: chicken breasts, your favorite BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, pepper, Hawaiian rolls, butter, and everything bagel seasoning.
Alright, let’s get this show on the road! Looking for some easy tailgate food ? Think less Gordon Ramsay, more grab and-go deliciousness that'll fuel your crew.
My goal is to share a recipe that’s crowd pleasing, portable, and doesn't require a ton of fuss.
I'm thinking we go with Kickoff BBQ Chicken Sliders . They are inspired by one of my favorite quick dinners. These sliders are sweet, savory, and super easy to make.
Ingredients & Equipment
This part is really important. Good ingredients make good food. You know?
Main Ingredients
- Chicken: You'll need 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. The best chicken is plump and pink, not pale or grey.
- BBQ Sauce: Grab 1 ½ cups (360ml) of your favorite BBQ sauce. Sweet Baby Ray's is my go-to, honestly.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A little tang from 1/4 cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar.
- Brown Sugar: Add 1 tablespoon (15g) packed brown sugar for sweetness.
- Spices: You need 1 teaspoon (5g) smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) black pepper.
- Hawaiian Rolls: Get 12 Hawaiian rolls . King's Hawaiian are perfect.
- Butter: Melt 1/4 cup (60g) butter.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: 1 tablespoon for the topping, but this is optional.
Seasoning Notes
Smoked paprika adds a great smoky flavor. Don't skip it! Garlic powder and black pepper are essential for balancing the sweetness.
If you don't have apple cider vinegar, use white vinegar. Just use a bit less, say 2 tablespoons . Honey is great! It makes the recipe taste like Honey BBQ easy tailgate recipes .
You can use it instead of brown sugar.
Equipment Needed
You'll need a slow cooker. A Crock Pot works perfectly. You will also need two forks for shredding the chicken. A small bowl for the sauce.
A pastry brush is optional for the butter topping.
I used this slow cooker recipes to make these bbq chicken sliders for a party once. Honestly, everyone loved them.
These Hawaiian rolls go fast! And these are game day food ideas that are super portable party food I'm confident this will become one of your favorite tailgate recipes .
A great make-ahead tailgate food is a winner for me.
These are also crowd pleasing appetizers and fantastic football party snacks . You know?
Alright, let’s get this show on the road! Looking for an easy tailgate food option? Think less Michelin star, more "grab and-go" deliciousness that'll fuel your crew.
Let's make something that’s a total crowd pleaser, easily portable, and requires next to no fuss.
I'm all about Kickoff BBQ Chicken Sliders . Seriously, these are the MVP of any tailgate. They are also very great to serve as game day food ideas .
Kickoff BBQ Chicken Sliders: Your Game Day MVP
These bbq chicken sliders are epic. Shredded, saucy chicken piled high on soft Hawaiian rolls , they're super easy to eat, flavorful, and always a hit.
Honestly, the sweetness of the rolls with the smoky BBQ chicken? Addictive! They’ll disappear fast.
Prep Steps for Tailgate Triumph
First, let's get organized. This is the essential mise en place situation.
- Grab your 2 lbs chicken breasts .
- Find your favorite BBQ sauce . I love Sweet Baby Ray's, but you do you.
- Measure out 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar , 1 tablespoon brown sugar , 1 teaspoon smoked paprika , 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder , and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper .
- Melt 1/4 cup butter .
- Slice those 12 Hawaiian rolls .
- Get that slow cooker ready!
Time saving tip: Measure out all your spices into a small bowl beforehand. It's a lifesaver.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken: step-by-step
Here's how we turn this into magical tailgate recipes .
- Put those chicken breasts right into the slow cooker.
- Mix your BBQ sauce, vinegar, sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper in a bowl.
- Pour that sauce all over the chicken. Make sure it's coated well.
- Cook on low for 4- 6 hours . Chicken should shred easily. It needs to reach 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Shred the chicken with two forks. Return to the slow cooker to soak up the sauce.
- Pile that shredded chicken onto the bottom half of your Hawaiian rolls .
- Brush the tops with melted butter, and sprinkle with Everything Bagel Seasoning if you're feeling fancy.
- Want them warm and toasty? Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 5- 7 minutes . Otherwise, dig in!
Pro Tips for Epic Sliders
Want to take these sliders from good to amazing ?
- Don't overcook the chicken. Dry chicken is sad chicken. Check after 4 hours .
- A quality BBQ sauce is key. Pick one you love!
- These make awesome make-ahead tailgate food . Cook the chicken the day before and reheat.
So, there you have it! Easy tailgate recipes don’t get simpler, or tastier, than this. Enjoy these sliders at your next football party snacks ! The best portable party food ever!
Recipe Notes for the Best Tailgate Ever!
Okay, so you're ready to tackle these Kickoff BBQ Chicken Sliders ? Awesome! Before you dive in, let's chat about a few things that'll make your game day a total breeze.
Seriously, these are the secrets to next level easy tailgate food .
Serving Suggestions: Game Day Presentation
These sliders are totally portable party food , right? So, keep it simple. I like to arrange them on a big platter, maybe with some cute little toothpicks to keep everything together.
Coleslaw and potato salad are always a good idea. Think about presentation too! A checkered tablecloth can do wonders.
Storage Tips: make-ahead Magic
Okay, honestly? These sliders are even BETTER the next day. If you're making them ahead (and you should!), just store the cooked chicken separately from the Hawaiian rolls .
The cooked chicken will keep up to 3 days in the fridge. Then, assemble them right before serving. This is great if you want make-ahead tailgate food .
Reheating is a breeze. Just pop the chicken in the microwave for a minute or two. If you want to get fancy, brush the tops of the buns with melted butter and toast them for a few minutes in the oven.
This is optional. Also, I don't recommend freezing these.
Variations: Make It Your Own!
Want to mix things up? Easy! For a healthier version, use whole wheat buns and a lower sugar BBQ sauce. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.
I'm sure you could use turkey or pork for the chicken too. These tailgate recipes are made to be adjusted.
Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Fans
So, each slider is roughly between 250 and 300 calories. They pack a good protein punch too at 15-20 grams.
The sweetness from the Hawaiian rolls gives you about 30-35 grams of carbohydrates. Remember, this is just an estimate, but it's a good guide.
It all depends on how much bbq chicken you pile on!
Honestly, these sliders are just the perfect crowd pleasing appetizers . They're simple to make, taste amazing, and are always a hit.
Get ready for some serious high fives! And remember, keep it simple, keep it tasty, and most importantly, keep it fun! These slow cooker recipes are so easy, even I can make them! And if you're looking for more game day food ideas , this is a great place to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make these Kickoff BBQ Chicken Sliders even easier for my tailgate?
Great question! For truly easy tailgate food, prep as much as possible beforehand. Cook the chicken and shred it a day in advance, then store it in the fridge. Also, measure out the Everything Bagel Seasoning topping in a small container and be sure you have a brush for spreading melted butter.
Then, all you have to do at the tailgate is assemble the sliders think of it as your pre-game warm-up!
Can I make these BBQ chicken sliders without a slow cooker? I'm more of an oven or stovetop kind of cook!
Absolutely! If you're short on time, you can bake the chicken breasts in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through, then shred and toss with the BBQ sauce mixture. Alternatively, you can simmer the chicken in a pot on the stovetop for about 20-30 minutes until tender.
Just keep an eye on it so it doesn't dry out nobody wants tough tailgate grub!
What's the best way to keep these sliders warm at the tailgate?
Keeping those sliders warm is key! If you have access to electricity, a warming tray or a portable slow cooker set to "warm" will do the trick. Alternatively, wrap the assembled sliders tightly in aluminum foil and store them in an insulated cooler.
You could also nestle them amongst some hot water bottles or heat packs to maintain a safe serving temperature - just be sure they're not directly touching the heat source.
Any fun variations I can try to spice up my easy tailgate food BBQ chicken sliders?
Let's get creative! For a spicy kick, add a dash of your favorite hot sauce or some diced jalapeños to the BBQ sauce mixture. You could also top the sliders with some creamy coleslaw for a cool contrast, or even add a slice of cheddar cheese for extra cheesiness. Think of your slider as a blank canvas!
How long will leftover BBQ chicken keep, and what's the best way to store it?
Leftover BBQ chicken will happily reside in the fridge for 3-4 days, as long as it's stored properly. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. To reheat, you can microwave it, warm it up in a skillet, or even pop it back into the slow cooker on low heat.
Just be sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Are there any healthier alternatives to these Kickoff BBQ Chicken Sliders? I'm trying to watch my waistline, you know!
Absolutely! You can easily make these sliders healthier. Opt for whole wheat Hawaiian rolls or slider buns. Use a BBQ sauce with lower sugar content, or even make your own using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. And consider using leaner chicken breasts and trimming off any visible fat before cooking.
Small changes can make a big difference without sacrificing flavor!
Kickoff Bbq Chicken Sliders
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 275 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 1g |