Tangy BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders
Savor the taste of North Carolina-style BBQ with these Tangy BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders made effortlessly in your crock pot. This recipe marries the sweet and tangy flavors of a homemade BBQ sauce with tender shredded chicken, creating a delightful sandwich perfect for lunch or casual gatherings. The gentle heat from the Tabasco sauce balances the sweetness of ketchup, making it kid-friendly while allowing for customizable spice levels to suit all palates. Enjoy it with toasted buns and your favorite sides like baked beans or coleslaw for a complete, satisfying meal. Ideal for meal prepping or serving a crowd, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 medium (thinly sliced)
boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 (trimmed)
ketchup
1 cup (none)
cider vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
molasses
2 tablespoons (none)
yellow mustard
1 tablespoon (none)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
onion powder
1 teaspoon (none)
cumin
1/4 teaspoon (none)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Tabasco sauce
1/2 teaspoon (none)
salt
1 pinch (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by slicing the onion into thin half rings. Line the bottom of your crock pot with the sliced onions to create a flavorful base.
2
Trim any excess fat from the boneless skinless chicken breasts, then place them directly on top of the onions in the crock pot.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine ketchup, cider vinegar, molasses, yellow mustard, black pepper, onion powder, cumin, garlic powder, Tabasco sauce, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well blended, creating a tangy BBQ sauce.
4
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are completely covered. (For convenience, consider preparing the sauce the night before and storing it in the refrigerator.)
5
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6 hours. During this time, the sauce will thicken, darken, and the onions will melt into a delicious addition.
6
Once the chicken is tender and easily shredded, use two forks to pull apart the chicken directly in the pot, mixing it with the sauce.
7
To serve, spoon the pulled chicken onto split and toasted buns, allowing the sandwich to hold up against the juicy filling.
8
Pair with classic side dishes such as baked beans, corn on the cob, coleslaw, or a refreshing cucumber salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tangy BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders?
They are North Carolina-style shredded chicken sandwiches made easily in a crock pot with a sweet and tangy homemade sauce.
How do I make the BBQ sauce for this recipe?
Mix ketchup, cider vinegar, molasses, yellow mustard, and various spices including pepper, onion powder, cumin, and garlic powder in a bowl.
Which type of vinegar should I use for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar to achieve the classic tangy BBQ flavor.
What is the best way to cook the chicken?
Place the chicken on top of a bed of sliced onions in a crock pot, cover with sauce, and cook on low for 6 hours.
How should the onions be prepared?
Slice one medium onion into thin half rings before placing them in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Where do I place the onions in the crock pot?
Line the bottom of your crock pot with the sliced onions to create a flavorful base for the chicken.
Do I need to trim the chicken breasts?
Yes, you should trim any excess fat from the boneless skinless chicken breasts before placing them in the pot.
What spices are included in the homemade BBQ sauce?
The sauce includes black pepper, onion powder, cumin, and garlic powder for a well-rounded flavor.
How long does it take to cook in the slow cooker?
The recipe requires 6 hours of cooking on the low setting for the chicken to become tender.
Can I prepare the BBQ sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce the night before and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, the heat level is gentle and kid-friendly, though you can adjust the spice level to suit your family's palate.
How can I make the chicken spicier?
You can increase the amount of Tabasco sauce or add extra spices to customize the heat level.
What happens to the onions during the cooking process?
During the 6 hours of cooking, the onions will melt into the sauce, adding depth and delicious flavor.
How do I shred the chicken once it is cooked?
Use two forks to pull the chicken apart directly in the crock pot, mixing it thoroughly with the thickened sauce.
What is the best way to serve the pulled chicken?
Spoon the pulled chicken onto split and toasted buns to help the sandwich hold up against the juicy filling.
What side dishes pair well with these sliders?
Classic sides like baked beans, corn on the cob, coleslaw, or a refreshing cucumber salad are perfect accompaniments.
Can I use this recipe for meal prepping?
Yes, this dish is ideal for meal prepping or serving a large crowd at casual gatherings.
How much ketchup is required for the BBQ sauce?
You will need 1 cup of ketchup as the primary base for the homemade sauce.
Does the recipe call for molasses?
Yes, the sauce uses 2 tablespoons of molasses to provide sweetness and a dark color.
Is yellow mustard used in the sauce?
The recipe includes 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard to add to the tangy profile.
How much Tabasco sauce is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of Tabasco sauce for a balanced, mild heat.
What setting should I use on my crock pot?
You should use the low setting for 6 hours to ensure the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens correctly.
What type of BBQ style does this recipe follow?
This recipe is inspired by North Carolina-style BBQ, known for its tangy and vinegar-based sauce.
How much cumin is added to the sauce?
The sauce uses 1/4 teaspoon of cumin for a subtle hint of earthiness.
Do I need to toast the buns?
Toasting the buns is recommended to provide a sturdy base for the moist pulled chicken.
Can I use this recipe for a large crowd?
Absolutely, the crock pot method makes it easy to prepare a large quantity for parties or gatherings.
Is garlic powder used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder is added to the sauce mixture for seasoning.
How much black pepper is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Should I add salt to the recipe?
The recipe recommends adding one pinch of salt to the BBQ sauce mixture.
Does the sauce thicken while cooking?
Yes, over the 6-hour cooking period, the sauce will thicken and darken into a rich glaze.