Description
Tender, shredded chicken slow-cooked in a flavorful sauce, served on soft, toasted slider buns. Perfect for a quick and satisfying snack or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
For the Pulled Chicken:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds (680-900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for spice)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (optional for flavoring)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional for tang)
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (mini buns or small sandwich rolls)
- 1 cup coleslaw (optional, for topping)
- 1/2 cup pickles, sliced (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
For the Barbecue Sauce (optional):
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Begin by preparing the chicken. You can use either chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe, depending on your preference. Thighs will give a slightly richer flavor and are more forgiving if overcooked, while breasts provide a leaner option. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and chili powder.
If you prefer a slow cooker or pressure cooker method, you can prepare the chicken by adding a bit of olive oil to the pot, sautéing onions and garlic for a few minutes until fragrant, and then placing the chicken on top. Alternatively, you can skip this step and simply add the chicken directly to the pot with the chicken broth or water.
There are a few ways to cook the chicken:
Slow Cooker Method: Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker along with the chopped onion, garlic, and chicken broth (or water). Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken will become very tender and easy to shred.
Pressure Cooker (Instant Pot) Method: Set your pressure cooker to the “manual” or “pressure cook” setting. Add the seasoned chicken, onion, garlic, and chicken broth. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes and then perform a quick release. The chicken will be cooked to perfection in a fraction of the time.
Stovetop Method: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken, onions, and garlic, and sauté for a few minutes. Add the chicken broth, cover, and cook on low heat for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and easy to shred.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring it soaks up all the flavorful juices from the cooking process. If you used a slow cooker or pressure cooker, you can easily shred the chicken directly in the pot.
If you like your pulled chicken a little saucier, stir in 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce and a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar at this stage. The sauce will enhance the flavor of the chicken and make it even juicier. Stir well to combine, and adjust the seasoning to taste.
While the chicken is cooking, prepare your slider buns. Slice each bun in half and lightly toast them in a dry skillet or under the broiler for a minute or two. Toasting the buns helps prevent them from getting soggy once the chicken is added.
You can also customize the buns with some garlic butter or your favorite seasoning before toasting for added flavor.
Once the chicken is shredded and the buns are toasted, it’s time to assemble your sliders. Take the bottom half of each bun and spoon a generous portion of the pulled chicken mixture onto it. You can top it with your favorite condiments, such as coleslaw, pickles, or cheese. A small handful of shredded cheese can be added on top of the chicken before placing the top half of the bun to create a delicious, gooey layer of melted cheese.
If you prefer, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Once the sliders are assembled, serve them immediately. You can arrange them on a platter, or if you’re serving a large crowd, you can use a baking dish to keep them warm in the oven until ready to serve. These sliders are perfect for parties, family dinners, or as a tasty snack for game day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 200-250 kcal
- Fat: 8-12g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Protein: 15-20g