Slow Cooker Bbq Pulled Chicken Sliders
Table of Contents
- Recipe Introduction: BBQ Pulled Chicken Done Easy
- Let's Talk Ingredients: The BBQ Dream Team
- Level Up Your BBQ: Flavor Secrets
- Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!
- Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken: Your New Best Friend
- Recipe Notes: Let's Get Down to Business!
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Alright, let's dive into this amazing chicken crockpot recipes ! have you ever craved that smoky, sweet bbq flavor without the fuss of grilling? me too! that's why i'm obsessed with this slow cooker bbq pulled chicken recipe.
Recipe Introduction: BBQ Pulled Chicken Done Easy
This recipe turns boring chicken into a party in your mouth. seriously, imagine tender, juicy chicken swimming in tangy bbq sauce.
Originating from classic american bbq traditions, this dish brings comfort food to your kitchen. it is easy and needs 15 minutes prep time.
It cooks for 6- 8 hours on low. it can make 6-8 sliders for you and your friends.
Quick Hook: Your Easiest BBQ Ever?
Tired of dry, bland chicken? these chicken crockpot recipes are about to change the game. get ready for the juiciest, most flavorful pulled chicken ever, with a kiss of smoky sweetness.
Seriously, this is a game changer.
The Magic of Slow Cooking: BBQ Bliss
Slow cooking the chicken ensures maximum tenderness and flavor absorption. this gives you time to prepare some cheese baked potatoes .
It's perfect to cook during busy weeknight meals because you set it and forget it. it’s a modern twist on a classic bbq, perfect for gatherings with friends or a chill night in.
You can also serve it with a quick batch of ranch roasted potatoes , a killer combo. the potato side dishes easy to make is a perfect company to chicken sliders.
Main Benefits: Flavor, Health, and Convenience
Chicken crockpot recipes are not just tasty, they're relatively healthy too! using chicken thighs keeps it moist and adds beneficial fats.
Slow cooking breaks down the meat, making it easier to digest. it's perfect for family gatherings, game days, or anytime you need a fuss free meal.
Honestly, what makes it special is how incredibly simple it is to make something so delicious.
Let's Talk Ingredients: The BBQ Dream Team
Time to gather your ingredients. we start with 2.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. don't skimp here thighs are key for flavor and moisture.
You'll also need a yellow onion and some garlic.
Here's a thought. have you tried serving this with cheesy ranch potatoes ? it is so good! you can make it a complete meal.
Another idea is to turn these into loaded potatoes roasted . just pile the pulled chicken on top of some oven-roasted potatoes ! mmm.
.. my mouth is watering just thinking about it.
Level Up Your BBQ: Flavor Secrets
This recipe uses your favorite bbq sauce as a base. add apple cider vinegar, worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and dijon mustard for an extra punch.
Want to spice things up? throw in a pinch of cayenne pepper. it is good if you are looking for a spicy taste, but it is totally optional, it is a secret for flavour cheesy ranch .
Okay, let's dive into the heart of these chicken crockpot recipes : the ingredients and the gear. Forget fussy, this is all about flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!
Look, nobody wants to spend hours prepping. with this recipe, you don’t have to! it’s all about getting delicious cheesy ranch potatoes , ranch roasted potatoes and other potato side dishes easy enough for even the busiest weeknight.
Main Ingredients: The A-Team
First up, the stars of our show. remember, quality counts! it makes a world of difference in the final product and the result will be cheesy ranch potatoes that everyone will rave about.
- Chicken Thighs: 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) , boneless, skinless. Look for thighs that are plump and pink, not pale or bruised. Fresh is always best!
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp . Any decent olive oil will do.
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium (about 1 cup / 150g), chopped.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh garlic is always better than the jarred stuff, honestly.
- Smoked Paprika: 1 tsp . This adds that smoky BBQ flavor we all crave.
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 tsp .
- Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 tsp (optional, for a kick).
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
For the BBQ Sauce:
- BBQ Sauce: 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) . Use your favorite! Seriously, this is where your personal taste shines. Sweet, smoky, spicy it's your call.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1/4 cup (60 ml) . It adds that tangy counterpoint that's so good.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tbsp . Don’t skip this! It brings that umami depth.
- Brown Sugar: 2 tbsp , packed. For a touch of sweetness.
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tbsp . Adds a little zing.
Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce (Literally!)
The secret here isn’t rocket science. But a good BBQ flavor needs balance. Honestly? Smoked paprika is key, as is balancing the sweet (brown sugar), tangy (vinegar), and savory (Worcestershire).
Got no apple cider vinegar? White wine vinegar works in a pinch. Don't have Dijon? Yellow mustard will do. This results in Ranch Potatoes that burst with flavor!
Equipment Needed: Keeping It Simple
No fancy gadgets required here!
- Slow Cooker: A 6-quart (5.7-liter) is ideal. If you only have a smaller one, halve the recipe.
- Large Skillet: Optional , for searing the chicken. But seriously, searing adds so much flavor.
- Two Forks: For shredding that tender chicken.
Don't stress if you don't have everything. you can skip searing if you're really short on time. use tongs if you don’t have two forks.
The key is to get delicious potatoes roasted without pulling your hair out. this will be one of your go-to busy weeknight meals you'll make again and again.
I bet your cheese baked potatoes never tasted so good on the side. we can use the crockpot to make oven-roasted potatoes with bacon and cheesy ranch .
How awesome is that?
Alright, ready to cook? Let's do this.
Alright, let's dive into this chicken crockpot recipes magic! i'm excited to show you how to make the best slow cooker bbq pulled chicken sliders.
Honestly, this is one of my go-to recipes for busy weeknight meals. it's so easy, and the flavour is just incredible.
Think pulled pork, but, you know, with chicken! and no fussing about with smokers or anything like that. let’s get started!
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken: Your New Best Friend
This recipe is pure gold! imagine tender, juicy chicken simmered in a sweet and tangy bbq sauce all day long.
When you get home, just shred it, pile it on slider buns, and bam! dinner is served. and the best part? you can even whip up some cheesy ranch potatoes or some ranch roasted potatoes while the chicken is cooking.
Talk about a complete meal! this recipe has a real smoky flavour. the secret is a killer slow cooker, of course, and the perfect blend of seasonings.
Prep Like a Pro
- Essential mise en place: Chop one medium yellow onion and mince two cloves of garlic. Measure out all of your spices. It's all about that readiness, innit?
- Time saving tip: Pre-chop the onion the night before. Seriously, even this small task saves time. You can buy already minced garlic as well!
- Safety reminder: Remember to wash your hands after handling raw chicken. Food safety is paramount!
The Slow Cooker Shuffle: step-by-step
- Sear the chicken in olive oil, 2- 3 minutes per side , to lock in flavour. Searing is key!
- Place chopped onion and minced garlic in the slow cooker.
- Put seared chicken on top of the onion and garlic.
- Whisk together BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard.
- Pour BBQ sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours , until tender.
- Shred the chicken with two forks.
- Return shredded chicken to the sauce and simmer for 15- 30 minutes .
Pro-Level Chicken Tricks
- Secret ingredient: A splash of apple cider vinegar. It brightens up the whole dish!
- Common mistake: Don't overcook! You want tender, not dry.
- make-ahead magic: Shred the chicken and store it in the sauce in the fridge for up to 3 days. Perfect for busy weeknight meals ! Just reheat and serve.
So there you have it! a simple, delicious chicken crockpot recipes that's perfect for any occasion. you can serve with coleslaw and pickles for a classic slider experience.
And don’t forget those amazing potato side dishes easy like cheesy ranch potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal. honestly, the ranch potatoes pair so well with this.
I promise, this will become a family favorite! and for my own potatoes roasted i use my own secret ingredients.
What are yours? you are also welcome to make a cheese baked potatoes in order to combine with your next meal!
Alright, mate, let's dive into those recipe notes for our rockin' chicken crockpot recipes ! honestly, this is where the rubber meets the road, yeah? the nitty gritty that takes a good recipe and makes it bloody brilliant .
Recipe Notes: Let's Get Down to Business!
Serving Up Some Genius: Plating and Presentation
Presentation, darling! it's not just about the taste, is it? it's the experience . i'm thinking rustic here. pile that juicy, shredded chicken high on toasted slider buns.
A dollop of homemade coleslaw cascading down the side? oh my gosh! serve with cheese baked potatoes , or maybe some ranch roasted potatoes .
Talk about the ultimate comfort food spread! and don't forget the drinks! ice-cold beer or a refreshing lemonade. sorted!
Storage Secrets: Keepin' It Fresh!
Right, so you've made a mountain of this deliciousness and can't possibly eat it all? No worries! This pulled chicken is your new best friend.
- Fridge Time: Let it cool completely first, yeah? Then, whack it in an airtight container and it'll be good for 3-4 days.
- Freezer Frolics: Want to go long term? Portion it out into freezer bags or containers. It'll happily sit in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it out overnight in the fridge for best results.
- Reheat Magic: Just microwave it until piping hot, or warm it up gently in a saucepan on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems a bit dry. Bob's your uncle!
Variations: Mix It Up, Baby!
Now, let's talk about tweaks. Because, let's face it, sometimes you just gotta do things your way.
- Dietary Adaptations: Watching the carbs? Serve this chicken on lettuce wraps instead of buns. And use a sugar-free bbq sauce. Boom! gluten-free? Just make sure your BBQ sauce is certified GF. Easy peasy!
- Seasonal Swaps: In the summer, top it with grilled corn and some fresh salsa. Autumn? A sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds adds a nutty crunch.
Nutrition Nuggets: Fueling Your Body!
Let's keep this simple. this pulled chicken is packed with protein. good for building muscles. each slider without the bun has about 350 calories.
There is also healthy fats and moderate carbs. but, like i mentioned earlier, watch the sodium content, especially from the bbq sauce.
I've heard the the key health benefits of healthy meat sauce helps manage blood pressure.
Looking for a great potato side dishes easy recipe? consider cheesy ranch potatoes . seriously, everyone loves ranch potatoes . you can even try these oven-roasted potatoes or potatoes roasted with the cheesy ranch seasoning blend.
Busy weeknight meals don't have to be boring, ya know!
This recipe is more than just a meal; it's an experience. look into in, experiment, and make it your own! and don't be afraid to get a little messy along the way, the key is to have fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs in this chicken crockpot recipe?
You can, but chicken thighs are the real stars here! They're more forgiving in the slow cooker and stay incredibly moist. If you're using chicken breasts, keep a close eye on them and reduce the cooking time, especially on high, to avoid them drying out. Nobody wants a chicken breast drier than a digestive biscuit!
How long does it take to cook this chicken crockpot recipe, and what if I'm short on time?
The low and slow method (6-8 hours on low) really lets the flavours meld together like a good cup of tea brewing. If you're in a rush, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours. Just remember to keep an eye on it every slow cooker is a bit different, a bit like Mary Berry's judging you never quite know what you're going to get!
What's the best way to store leftover BBQ pulled chicken? And how long does it last?
Let the chicken cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll keep for 3-4 days. This makes it perfect for meal prepping; think chicken sandwiches for lunch or a quick and easy dinner after a long day at the office. Just be sure to give it a good reheat before serving!
My BBQ sauce is already pretty sweet. Do I need to add the brown sugar?
That's a cracking question! Many BBQ sauces already have a decent amount of sweetness, so taste as you go. If you think it's sweet enough, feel free to leave out the brown sugar altogether.
This will also help reduce the overall sugar content, which is always a good shout, especially if you are watching the waistline like a good David Gandy would.
What can I serve with this chicken crockpot recipe to make it a complete meal?
This pulled chicken is incredibly versatile. Classic coleslaw is always a winner for that creamy, crunchy contrast, or go for some pickled onions for a tangy counterpoint. If you want to be a bit more adventurous, you could even serve it with a side of corn on the cob or a simple salad.
Honestly, it's great on everything from slider buns to baked potatoes!
Can I freeze the cooked BBQ pulled chicken for later?
Absolutely! Once the chicken has cooled completely, portion it into freezer safe bags or containers, squeezing out as much air as possible. It will happily keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you've got a ready-to-go meal whenever you fancy a bit of BBQ goodness!
Slow Cooker Bbq Pulled Chicken Sliders
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 0g |