Tangy Carolina BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders with Fresh Summer Pickles
Savor the tantalizing taste of the South with these Tangy Carolina BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders. Juicy, shredded chicken breast is marinated in a rich and zesty vinegar and mustard-based barbecue sauce, resulting in a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness. Each slider is perfectly nestled within a soft bun, making it an irresistible grab-and-go option for summer gatherings, picnics, or game day celebrations. Pair these sliders with crispy, homemade Easy Summertime Pickles for a refreshing crunch that complements the bold flavors of the chicken. Perfect for feeding a crowd, these sliders are sure to be a hit at your next event!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ketchup
3/4 cup (none)
Cider Vinegar
3/4 cup (none)
Sweet Onion (Vidalia recommended)
1/2 cup (coarsely chopped)
Light Brown Sugar
1/3 cup (firmly packed)
Grill Mates® Carolina Country Marinade
1 package (1 ounce) (none)
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Halves
1.5 lbs (none)
Vegetable Oil
1 tablespoon (for brushing chicken)
Slider Sandwich Buns
12 (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, cider vinegar, chopped sweet onion, light brown sugar, and Grill Mates® Carolina Country Marinade. Stir until well blended, then bring the mixture to a boil.
2
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the onions are tender. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
3
While the sauce simmers, brush both sides of the chicken breast halves with vegetable oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.
4
Preheat the grill to medium heat. Grill the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through and juices run clear, flipping occasionally to ensure even cooking.
5
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
6
Return the shredded chicken to the saucepan with the barbecue sauce. Toss well to coat the chicken evenly in the tangy sauce.
7
To assemble the sliders, place a generous portion of the pulled chicken on each slider sandwich bun. Serve immediately with Easy Summertime Pickles on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tangy Carolina BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders?
They are mini sandwiches featuring juicy, shredded chicken breast tossed in a vinegar and mustard-based Carolina BBQ sauce, typically served with fresh pickles.
How many sliders does this recipe produce?
This recipe yields 12 slider sandwiches.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breast halves.
What are the main components of the BBQ sauce?
The sauce is made from ketchup, cider vinegar, sweet onion, light brown sugar, and Grill Mates Carolina Country Marinade.
How long does the BBQ sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer for about 10 minutes on low heat until the onions are tender.
Which type of onion is recommended for the sauce?
A Vidalia sweet onion is highly recommended for the best flavor profile.
What type of vinegar should I use for the Carolina style sauce?
The recipe specifies using 3/4 cup of cider vinegar to achieve the traditional tangy flavor.
How much brown sugar is required?
You will need 1/3 cup of firmly packed light brown sugar.
Do I need to marinate the chicken before grilling?
No, the chicken is brushed with vegetable oil and seasoned with salt and pepper before grilling, then tossed in the sauce after being shredded.
What grill temperature is used for the chicken?
The grill should be preheated to medium heat.
How long do I grill the chicken breast halves?
Grill the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes on each side until fully cooked through.
How do I know the chicken is done cooking?
The chicken is ready when the juices run clear and it is no longer pink in the center.
What is the best way to shred the cooked chicken?
After letting the chicken rest for a few minutes, use two forks to pull the meat apart into bite-sized pieces.
When do I add the BBQ sauce to the chicken?
Once the chicken is shredded, return it to the saucepan with the prepared BBQ sauce and toss well to coat.
What should I serve as a side dish with these sliders?
The recipe suggests serving them with Easy Summertime Pickles for a refreshing crunch.
What specific marinade packet is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses one 1-ounce package of Grill Mates Carolina Country Marinade.
Is the onion chopped finely or coarsely?
The sweet onion should be coarsely chopped.
Should the chicken rest before shredding?
Yes, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after grilling to keep it juicy.
How is the vegetable oil used in this recipe?
The vegetable oil is used to brush both sides of the chicken breasts before they are placed on the grill.
Can these sliders be served cold?
While they are best served immediately after assembly, they can be enjoyed at room temperature during picnics or outdoor events.
Are these sliders suitable for game day events?
Yes, they are described as an irresistible grab-and-go option perfect for game day celebrations and feeding a crowd.
What is the flavor profile of Carolina BBQ sauce?
It is a tangy sauce that balances sweetness from brown sugar with tartness from vinegar and savory notes from mustard and marinade.
What kind of buns should I buy?
You should use 12 slider-sized sandwich buns.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
While the recipe specifies breasts, boneless skinless thighs can be substituted, though cooking times may vary.
How much ketchup is required for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of ketchup.
Does the sauce need to be boiled?
Yes, you should first bring the sauce mixture to a boil before reducing it to a simmer.
Is the chicken seasoned with salt and pepper?
Yes, the chicken should be seasoned lightly with salt and pepper before it goes on the grill.
How much onion is used?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of coarsely chopped sweet onion.
Is the chicken shredded before or after adding it to the sauce?
The chicken is shredded first, and then added to the saucepan to be coated with the BBQ sauce.
Is this a good recipe for summer picnics?
Absolutely, the tangy flavors and slider format make it a perfect option for summertime outdoor dining.