BBQ Chicken

Easy Crock Pot BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe

Introduction

Are you looking for a simple yet delicious way to impress your friends and family during game day or a casual get-together? What if I told you that you could create mouthwatering BBQ chicken sliders in a crock pot with minimal effort? It’s true! Slow cooking not only enhances the flavors but also saves you time, allowing you to spend quality moments with your loved ones rather than being stuck in the kitchen. By the end of this post, you’ll be well-equipped to make these irresistible BBQ chicken sliders that will surely captivate everyone’s taste buds!

Ingredients List of Crock Pot BBQ Chicken Sliders

For these BBQ chicken sliders, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, they soak up the flavors wonderfully.
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade; a smoky, tangy sauce works best!
  • 1 medium onion, sliced: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A must-have for that rich, savory taste.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the fresh onion and elevates the flavor.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to bring everything together.
  • Slider buns (12): Soft and fluffy, they make the perfect vessel for your sliders.
  • Coleslaw (optional): A crunchy topping that adds texture and freshness.

Potential Substitutions

  • Chicken Thighs: You can use chicken breasts, but thighs provide more moisture.
  • BBQ Sauce: Swap for teriyaki or a homemade version for a unique twist.
  • Gluten-Free Buns: Opt for gluten-free slider buns or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Timing

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high

Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes

This is significantly less time than many traditional BBQ recipes, making it perfect for busy cooks!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

First, place the chicken thighs into the crock pot. No need to sear them beforehand; the slow cooker will do all the magic.

Step 2: Load the Flavor

Add the sliced onion on top of the chicken, followed by garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This helps to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the dish.

Step 3: Pour the BBQ Sauce

Drizzle the BBQ sauce over the chicken and onions. Make sure each piece is well coated; this ensures maximum flavor infusion.

Step 4: Set Your Cooker

Cover the crock pot and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. If you have the time, opt for low to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the pot. Stir everything, mixing in the sauce, and let it rest for a few minutes.

Step 6: Assemble the Sliders

Spoon the BBQ chicken onto slider buns and add coleslaw if desired. Serve warm, and watch them disappear!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional content per slider (including bun):

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 4g

Data Insights

Did you know that chicken is a great source of lean protein? Incorporating chicken into your meals can help support muscle development, and it is generally lower in calories than red meat.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

  • Bun Alternatives: Use whole grain or low-carb buns for added fiber.
  • Add Veggies: Throw in diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra fiber and nutrients.
  • Homemade BBQ Sauce: Craft a sugar-free BBQ sauce using dates or honey for a healthier sweetener.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries complement the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
  • Serve with a Side Salad: A light salad with a citrus vinaigrette balances the richness of the sliders.
  • Buffet Style: Set up a slider bar with different toppings like jalapenos, pickles, and various slaws for a fun dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcooking the Chicken: While it’s slow-cooked, avoid cooking it on high if you want to maintain juiciness.
  • Skipping Seasonings: Ensure you season adequately; bland chicken gets boring fast!
  • Choosing the Wrong Sauce: Some BBQ sauces can be overpowering; select one that complements the dish rather than overwhelms it.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

  • Refrigerate for Up to 4 Days: Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the shredded BBQ chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool before placing it in an airtight container.
  • Reheat Gently: When reheating, do so on low heat to prevent drying out the chicken.

Conclusion

BBQ chicken sliders in a crock pot are a fantastic recipe that brings together flavors with minimal effort! Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also adapt well to different dietary needs, ensuring everyone at your gathering can enjoy them.

Are you ready to give this delicious recipe a try? Don’t forget to leave a comment with your feedback or subscribe for more updates!

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in the crock pot?

Yes! Just make sure to increase the cooking time to 7-9 hours on low.

What can I substitute for BBQ sauce?

You can use salsa or teriyaki sauce for a different flavor outcome.

How can I make it spicier?

Add some chopped jalapenos or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Can I prepare the ingredients the night before?

Absolutely! Chop vegetables and mix the sauce to save time in the morning.

Are there vegetarian alternatives?

Try using jackfruit in place of chicken for a plant-based version of this dish.

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BBQ Chicken

Easy Crock Pot BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe


  • Author: felis
  • Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 sliders 1x

Description

Tender BBQ chicken sliders made effortlessly in a crock pot. Perfect for parties or game day, these sliders are a crowd-pleaser everyone will love!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 12 slider buns
  • Coleslaw (optional)

Instructions

  • Step 1: Prepare the Chicken – Place the chicken thighs into the crock pot.
  • Step 2: Load the Flavor – Add the sliced onion, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper on top of the chicken.
  • Step 3: Pour the BBQ Sauce – Drizzle the BBQ sauce over the chicken and onions.
  • Step 4: Set Your Cooker – Cover the crock pot and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  • Step 5: Shred the Chicken – Once cooked, shred the chicken in the pot and mix in the sauce.
  • Step 6: Assemble the Sliders – Spoon the BBQ chicken onto slider buns and add coleslaw if desired.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours 8 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Crock Pot
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slider
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 22g

Keywords: BBQ chicken, sliders, crock pot, easy recipe, game day food, slow cooker

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