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Sliders have become a popular choice for gatherings, parties, and family dinners. These mini sandwiches offer a delightful way to serve up a variety of flavors without the commitment of a full-sized meal. Their bite-sized nature makes them perfect for entertaining guests, allowing everyone to sample different fillings and toppings. Among the myriad of slider options, Smoky Sweet BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders stand out for their unique flavor profile and ease of preparation.

BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders

Indulge in the mouthwatering experience of Smoky Sweet BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders, perfect for gatherings, game days, or family dinners. Tender shredded chicken simmers in a rich, smoky BBQ sauce and is nestled between soft slider buns, creating a delightful flavor profile that's both sweet and tangy. Easy to prepare, these sliders can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more time with family and friends. Serve them with crunchy coleslaw for the ultimate comfort food treat!

Ingredients
  

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

12 small slider buns

1 cup coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)

Pickles for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

    Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until browned. You don’t need to cook them through; you just want a nice caramelized exterior.

      Cook the Chicken: Transfer the seared chicken to a slow cooker. Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it's well-coated. Cover and cook on low for 5-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.

        Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker, mixing it with the sauce so it absorbs the flavors. Let it warm for an additional 10-15 minutes on low.

          Assemble the Sliders: Slice the slider buns in half. On each bottom half, add a generous portion of the pulled chicken, followed by a tablespoon of coleslaw. Place the top bun on and gently press down.

            Serve: Serve the sliders warm with pickles on the side, if desired.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 8 hours (including cooking time) | 12 sliders