Name: Slow-Cooker BBQ Chicken Sliders
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp salt; ¼ cup honey; 12 slider buns (Hawaiian or brioche); 2 cups coleslaw (store-bought or homemade); 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Savor the tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors of Slow-Cooker BBQ Chicken Sliders, perfect for gatherings. Tender chicken simmers in a rich barbecue sauce, served on soft slider buns with crunchy coleslaw. This easy, hands-off recipe delivers mouthwatering results, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Slow-Cooker BBQ Chicken Sliders are a game-changer for busy home cooks and party hosts alike. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, infusing the chicken with bold, smoky barbecue flavors while keeping it juicy and tender. With minimal prep, you get maximum flavor, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or game-day spreads. The combination of tangy sauce, soft buns, and crisp coleslaw creates a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Plus, the sliders are endlessly customizable—swap sauces or toppings to suit your palate. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is a stress-free, delicious win.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Low and Slow: Cook on low for 6-8 hours to ensure the chicken stays tender and absorbs the sauce fully.
Shredding Hack: Use two forks or a hand mixer to shred the chicken quickly right in the slow cooker.
Sauce Control: If the sauce is too thin, simmer it on the sauté function (if available) or on the stovetop to thicken.
Bun Toasting: Lightly toast slider buns for a slight crunch that holds up to the saucy chicken.
Coleslaw Timing: Add coleslaw just before serving to keep it crisp and avoid soggy buns.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the chicken a day in advance; the flavors deepen overnight.

Yield: serving 4

Slow-Cooker BBQ Chicken Sliders

Juicy slow-cooker BBQ chicken sliders with tangy sauce and crisp coleslaw, perfect for easy dinners or game-day gatherings.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 8 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

1 ½ cups BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
¼ cup honey
12 slider buns (Hawaiian or brioche)
2 cups coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker for even cooking.
Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Coat the Chicken: Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated for maximum flavor.
Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.
Shred the Chicken: Remove chicken, shred with two forks or a hand mixer, and return to the slow cooker.
Mix with Sauce: Stir shredded chicken in the sauce to soak up all the smoky, tangy goodness.
Toast the Buns: Lightly toast slider buns on a skillet or in the oven for a warm, golden crunch.
Assemble Sliders: Spoon a generous portion of BBQ chicken onto each bun bottom for hearty bites.
Add Coleslaw: Top with a scoop of crisp coleslaw for a refreshing contrast to the rich sauce.
Serve and Enjoy: Place bun tops on sliders, serve immediately, and watch everyone dig in with smiles!

Notes

For extra flavor, reserve some sauce before cooking to brush on sliders before serving.
If the sauce is too thin, simmer it briefly to thicken before assembling.
Double the recipe for larger crowds, but don’t overfill the slow cooker to ensure even cooking

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 1041Total Fat 34gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 25gCholesterol 285mgSodium 2441mgCarbohydrates 118gFiber 7gSugar 69gProtein 68g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are ideal for their juicy texture and rich flavor, but chicken breasts work too.
BBQ Sauce: Choose a high-quality store-bought sauce or make your own for a personalized flavor profile.
Slider Buns: Hawaiian rolls add a touch of sweetness, but any soft slider bun pairs well.
Coleslaw: Pre-made coleslaw mix saves time, but freshly shredded cabbage and carrots elevate crunch and freshness.
Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar: These balance the sauce’s sweetness and tanginess, enhancing the overall flavor.
Spices (Paprika, Garlic Powder): Smoked paprika adds depth, while garlic powder boosts savory notes.

Variations and Substitutions

For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of chili powder or a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ mixture. Swap chicken thighs for pulled pork or shredded turkey for a different protein. If you’re avoiding gluten, use gluten-free slider buns or lettuce wraps. For a lighter option, replace coleslaw with pickled onions or fresh arugula. Vegetarian? Try jackfruit instead of chicken—it mimics the texture perfectly. Experiment with BBQ sauce flavors like honey mustard or chipotle for a unique twist. You can also swap honey for maple syrup for a subtle flavor change.

Storage Options

Store leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it moist. The chicken can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep coleslaw separate to maintain its crunch. Assemble sliders fresh to avoid soggy buns.