Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy BBQ Chicken Sliders
Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of our Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy BBQ Chicken Sliders, a beloved family recipe that promises to elevate your dinner game. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish highlights tender, shredded chicken enveloped in a rich and tangy homemade BBQ sauce. Simply mix the sauce ingredients in the morning, add your chicken, and let the slow cooker work its magic. Once cooked, pull apart the chicken and mix it back into the sauce for an irresistible filling perfect for serving on soft rolls. It's a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with a side of coleslaw or potato salad!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 (none)
tomato ketchup
1 1/2 cups (none)
brown sugar
3 tablespoons (packed)
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
soy sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
cider vinegar
1 tablespoon (none)
ground hot red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (none)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomato ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, cider vinegar, hot red pepper flakes, and garlic powder. Stir until well blended.
2
Pour the mixture into the crock pot. Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts on top, making sure they are well-coated with the sauce.
3
Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir well to coat all pieces in the flavorful BBQ sauce.
5
Serve the BBQ chicken warm on freshly toasted hard rolls, with optional toppings such as coleslaw or pickles.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy BBQ Chicken Sliders?
This recipe features tender, shredded chicken cooked in a rich, tangy, and slightly spicy homemade BBQ sauce, served on soft toasted rolls.
How long should I cook the chicken in the slow cooker?
The chicken should be cooked on the high setting for 3 to 4 hours, or until it is tender enough to be easily shredded.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts and will remain very juicy throughout the slow cooking process.
What ingredients are in the homemade BBQ sauce?
The sauce is made from tomato ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, cider vinegar, hot red pepper flakes, and garlic powder.
How do I shred the chicken?
Remove the cooked chicken from the crock pot and use two forks to pull the meat apart into thin shreds before returning it to the sauce.
Can I cook this dish on a low heat setting?
Yes, you can cook the chicken on the low setting for 6 to 7 hours if you have more time available.
What kind of rolls are best for serving?
Freshly toasted hard rolls or slider buns are the recommended choice for these BBQ chicken sandwiches.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The recipe has a moderate kick from the hot red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.
Can I prepare the BBQ chicken in advance?
Yes, you can cook and shred the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
How should I store leftover BBQ chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can the shredded BBQ chicken be frozen?
Yes, the cooked chicken in its sauce freezes well for up to 3 months when stored in a freezer-safe container or bag.
What side dishes pair well with these sliders?
Coleslaw, potato salad, pickles, or corn on the cob are excellent accompaniments for these sliders.
Do I need to thaw the chicken before putting it in the crock pot?
It is recommended to use thawed chicken breasts to ensure they cook evenly and reach a safe internal temperature.
Do I need to add water to the slow cooker?
No additional water is needed, as the liquid from the ketchup and other sauce ingredients provides plenty of moisture.
What can I use as a substitute for cider vinegar?
White wine vinegar or plain white vinegar can be used as a substitute for cider vinegar in the sauce.
Can I use honey instead of brown sugar?
Yes, honey can be used as a sweetener, though it will give the BBQ sauce a slightly different flavor profile.
How should I toast the rolls?
You can toast them in a toaster oven, under a broiler, or on a griddle with a little bit of butter for extra flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, ensure your Worcestershire sauce is GF, and serve on gluten-free buns.
Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker?
Adding thinly sliced onions or bell peppers to the pot along with the chicken adds extra flavor and texture to the sliders.
What if the sauce is too thick after cooking?
If the sauce is thicker than desired, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth to thin it out.
How can I thicken the sauce if it is too thin?
If the sauce is too thin, you can leave the lid off the slow cooker for the last 20 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
Can I use cayenne pepper instead of red pepper flakes?
Yes, you can use a smaller amount of cayenne pepper if you prefer a smoother heat without the visible flakes.
When do I add the shredded chicken back to the pot?
Add the chicken back to the crock pot immediately after shredding it so it can soak up the warm BBQ sauce.
How many people does this recipe serve?
While servings vary, 2 pounds of chicken typically yields enough for about 8 to 10 small sliders.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Yes, you can substitute the garlic powder with 2 to 3 cloves of minced fresh garlic for a more intense flavor.
Is this a good meal for kids?
Yes, it is a family favorite; just reduce or omit the red pepper flakes if your children are sensitive to spice.
Can I use a bottled BBQ sauce instead of making it?
You can use bottled sauce for convenience, though the homemade mixture in this recipe provides a specific sweet and spicy balance.
Should I grease the slow cooker before adding ingredients?
It is not required, but a light spray of non-stick cooking oil can help make cleanup easier later.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients as long as your slow cooker has enough capacity to hold the extra chicken and sauce.
What is the best way to reheat the BBQ chicken?
Reheat the shredded chicken in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through before assembling sliders.