BBQ pulled chicken sliders are the perfect combination of tender shredded chicken, smoky-sweet barbecue sauce, soft slider buns, and crunchy toppings. These mini sandwiches are ideal for parties, game days, family gatherings, potlucks, or easy weeknight dinners. They’re fun to eat, simple to prepare, and full of bold flavors that always impress.
The best part? BBQ pulled chicken sliders can be made in a slow cooker, on the stovetop, or even with leftover shredded chicken. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you can create delicious sliders that taste restaurant-quality but feel homemade and comforting.
Why BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders Are So Popular
These sliders check every box for a satisfying meal or snack:
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Soft, buttery buns paired with saucy pulled chicken
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Smoky, sweet, tangy flavors that appeal to both kids and adults
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Perfect for serving a crowd
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Easy to customize with toppings and sauces
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Quick prep and hands-off cooking, especially with a slow cooker
Every bite delivers warmth, texture, and just the right amount of barbecue flair.
Equipment You’ll Need
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Slow cooker or large saucepan
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Cutting board
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Sharp knife
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Tongs or forks (for shredding chicken)
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Mixing spoon
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Serving platter
Ingredients List
For the BBQ Pulled Chicken
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2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
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1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand)
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½ cup chicken broth
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1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
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½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sliders
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12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
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2–3 tbsp melted butter
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1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
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1 cup coleslaw (optional but highly recommended)
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Pickles (optional)
Optional Toppings
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Sliced red onion
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Cheddar or pepper jack cheese
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Jalapeños
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Extra BBQ sauce
Prep Time, Cook Time & Servings
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Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
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Cook Time: 2–4 hours (slow cooker) or 25–30 minutes (stovetop)
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Total Time: Varies by method
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Servings: 12 sliders
How to Make BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders
This recipe is straightforward and can be adapted to your cooking style.
Step 1. Slow Cooker Method (Most Hands-Off)
Add chicken, BBQ sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and all seasonings into the slow cooker.
Stir gently to coat the chicken.
Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–2½ hours, until the chicken is fork-tender.
Shred the chicken using two forks and return to the slow cooker.
Simmer for an additional 10–15 minutes to absorb the sauce.
Step 2. Stovetop Method (Quickest Option)
Place chicken, BBQ sauce, and seasonings in a large pot.
Cover and simmer on medium-low for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked.
Shred chicken and return to pot. Simmer another 5–10 minutes for a thicker, richer sauce.
Step 3. Build the Sliders
Brush slider buns with melted butter and toast lightly for extra flavor.
Add a generous scoop of BBQ pulled chicken onto each bun.
Top with coleslaw for crunch, pickles for tang, or extra BBQ sauce for extra richness.
Add the top bun and serve warm.
Why These Sliders Are a Balanced and Satisfying Meal
BBQ pulled chicken sliders offer a nice mix of:
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Lean protein from the chicken
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Carbs from soft slider buns
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Healthy fats from small amounts of butter or cheese
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Fiber and crunch from coleslaw or veggie toppings
They’re filling without being heavy, making them great for appetizers or a full meal.
Flavor Variations & Customizations
Make these sliders your own with simple tweaks:
Make Them Spicy
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Add jalapeños
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Drizzle with spicy BBQ sauce
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Mix in cayenne or chili flakes
Make Them Creamy
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Add a slice of cheddar
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Top with creamy coleslaw
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Mix in a spoonful of ranch dressing
Make Them Smokier
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Add liquid smoke
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Use smoked BBQ sauce
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Add extra smoked paprika
Make Them Sweeter
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Use Hawaiian rolls
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Add a touch of honey or maple syrup
Make Them Healthier
Use:
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Whole-grain buns
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Low-sugar BBQ sauce
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Cabbage slaw without mayonnaise
Serving Ideas for BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders
These sliders pair well with classic American sides:
Perfect Sides
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Coleslaw
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Mac and cheese
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Potato salad
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Corn on the cob
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Sweet potato fries
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Baked beans
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Garden salad
They also hold up well on party platters and buffet tables.
Meal Prep, Storage & Reheating Tips
BBQ pulled chicken is excellent for meal prep and leftovers.
Refrigerator
Store shredded chicken in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers.
Reheating
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Stovetop with a splash of broth
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Microwave in 30-second intervals
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Slow cooker on warm
Keep buns separate until serving to prevent sogginess.
Expert Tips for the Best BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders
Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness
They stay tender and shred easily.
Toast the Buns
Toasted slider buns resist soaking and add great texture.
Balance Sweetness and Tang
Taste your sauce—add vinegar for tang, sugar for sweetness, or spices for heat.
Let the Chicken Rest in Sauce
After shredding, let it sit in the sauce to absorb flavor.
Serve Immediately
Sliders are best when fresh and warm.
Nutritional Facts (Approx. per Slider)
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Calories: 180–240
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Protein: 12–15g
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Carbohydrates: 18–22g
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Fat: 5–8g
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Fiber: 1–2g
Values vary based on buns, sauces, and toppings.
If snack-time favorites are your thing, you may also love Flatbread Pizza Margherita, Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas, or Homemade No Bake Granola Bars.
BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add chicken, BBQ sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and all seasonings into the slow cooker.
- Stir gently to coat the chicken.
- Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–2½ hours, until the chicken is fork-tender.
- Shred the chicken using two forks and return to the slow cooker.
- Simmer for an additional 10–15 minutes to absorb the sauce.
- Place chicken, BBQ sauce, and seasonings in a large pot.
- Cover and simmer on medium-low for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked.
- Shred chicken and return to pot. Simmer another 5–10 minutes for a thicker, richer sauce.
- Brush slider buns with melted butter and toast lightly for extra flavor.
- Add a generous scoop of BBQ pulled chicken onto each bun.
- Top with coleslaw for crunch, pickles for tang, or extra BBQ sauce for extra richness.
- Add the top bun and serve warm.
Conclusion
BBQ pulled chicken sliders combine sweet, smoky, tender chicken with soft buns and flavorful toppings to create a comforting dish that fits any occasion. With customizable ingredients, simple cooking methods, and bold, crowd-pleasing flavors, these sliders are a reliable favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What type of chicken works best for pulled chicken sliders?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well. Thighs are slightly juicier, while breasts are leaner.
2. Can I make BBQ pulled chicken ahead of time?
Yes. The pulled chicken can be made up to 2 days ahead and reheated gently before assembling sliders.
3. Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
Absolutely. Store-bought BBQ sauce works perfectly, or you can mix in spices or honey to customize the flavor.
4. How do I keep sliders from getting soggy?
Toast the buns lightly and add sauce just before serving to help prevent sogginess.
5. What toppings go well with BBQ pulled chicken sliders?
Coleslaw, pickles, sliced onions, or melted cheese all pair well with BBQ pulled chicken.