Tender Slow Cooker Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe with Easy Tangy Coleslaw
A simple and satisfying slow cooker recipe for tender pulled BBQ chicken sliders topped with a quick tangy coleslaw, perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 cups shredded cabbage mix (green and purple cabbage)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise (dairy-free mayo optional)
- 1/2 tsp celery seeds (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 12 slider buns or small rolls
- Optional: extra BBQ sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth around the edges to keep the chicken moist without washing off the seasoning. Pour the BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender enough to shred easily.
- Remove the chicken to a large bowl and shred finely using two forks or meat claws. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the remaining BBQ sauce and juices.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, honey, mayonnaise, celery seeds, salt, and pepper. Add the shredded cabbage and carrots, tossing to combine. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Lightly toast the slider buns in a toaster oven or under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until just golden.
- Assemble the sliders by piling a generous scoop of pulled BBQ chicken onto the bottom half of each bun, topping with a spoonful of tangy coleslaw, then sandwiching with the bun tops. Drizzle extra BBQ sauce if desired.
- Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Do not rush cooking time; low and slow yields tender, juicy chicken. Season chicken before cooking for best flavor. Adjust coleslaw acidity and sweetness to taste. Warm chicken before shredding for easier shredding. Leftovers keep well for 3 days refrigerated; freeze shredded chicken without buns or slaw for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 25
Keywords: slow cooker, pulled chicken, BBQ chicken sliders, tangy coleslaw, easy dinner, comfort food, family meal