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Tender Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders with Jalapeño Slaw

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These tender slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken sliders topped with a spicy jalapeño slaw are perfect for easy party meals. The slow cooking makes the chicken melt in your mouth, while the fresh slaw adds a crunchy, tangy kick.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs tend to be juicier)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (recommend Sweet Baby Ray’s)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1–2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter twist)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 12 mini slider buns or dinner rolls (potato rolls recommended)
  • Optional: pickle slices or extra BBQ sauce for serving

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts or thighs. Season evenly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. (5 minutes)
  2. In a bowl, combine BBQ sauce, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well to blend flavors. (3 minutes)
  3. Place seasoned chicken in slow cooker and pour BBQ mixture over it, coating chicken. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until tender and shreddable.
  4. While chicken cooks, shred cabbage and carrots. Thinly slice jalapeños, removing seeds if desired. In a mixing bowl, whisk mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Toss shredded veggies and jalapeños in dressing until evenly coated. Refrigerate until serving. (10-15 minutes)
  5. When chicken is done, shred it using two forks or tongs directly in the slow cooker. Mix well with sauce. If sauce is too thin, remove chicken and simmer liquid on high for 10-15 minutes to thicken. (10 minutes)
  6. Lightly toast slider buns on griddle or in oven for 1-2 minutes to add crunch and prevent sogginess. (Optional)
  7. Assemble sliders by piling pulled chicken on buns, topping with jalapeño slaw, and adding pickle slices or extra BBQ sauce if desired. Serve immediately. (5 minutes)

Notes

Use chicken thighs for juicier meat. Season chicken before slow cooking for depth of flavor. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Slaw can be prepped a day ahead for better flavor. If no slow cooker, bake chicken covered at 325°F for about 2 hours or use a pressure cooker. Adjust jalapeño seeds to control heat. Gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps can be used for gluten-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ pulled chicken, slow cooker, sliders, jalapeño slaw, party food, easy recipe, crowd-pleaser

Find it online: https://milacook.com/tender-slow-cooker-bbq-pulled-chicken-sliders-with-jalape-n-o-slaw-recipe-for-easy-party-meals/