Introduction
Craving a taste of classic Americana? Look no further than these delectable All-American Pulled Chicken Sliders! Perfect for game day, summer barbecues, or a quick and easy weeknight dinner, these sliders are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. We’ll guide you through creating juicy, flavorful pulled chicken and assembling it into irresistible mini-sandwiches that everyone will love.
Making the Best All-American Pulled Chicken Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. Thighs offer a richer flavor, but breasts are leaner.
- BBQ Sauce: Your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce is the key to the flavor. Experiment with different flavors like smoky, sweet, or spicy.
- Slider Buns: Choose soft and slightly sweet slider buns for the perfect texture.
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch and balances the richness of the pulled chicken.
- Spices: Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Optional Toppings: Pickles, sliced onions, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for extra kick.
Preparing the Pulled Chicken
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated.
- Slow Cooker Method: Place the seasoned chicken in a slow cooker. Pour in your favorite BBQ sauce, enough to cover the chicken. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is easily shredded.
- Instant Pot Method: Place the seasoned chicken in the Instant Pot. Add 1 cup of chicken broth and BBQ sauce to cover the chicken. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker or Instant Pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce and mix well.
Assembling the Sliders
- Prepare the Buns: Lightly toast the slider buns for a warm, slightly crispy texture. This prevents them from getting soggy.
- Pile on the Chicken: Generously spoon the pulled chicken onto the bottom half of each slider bun.
- Add the Coleslaw: Top the pulled chicken with a generous helping of creamy coleslaw.
- Add Optional Toppings: Add your favorite toppings, such as pickles, sliced onions, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy: Place the top bun on each slider and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Pulled Chicken Sliders
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste the pulled chicken and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more BBQ sauce, salt, or pepper.
- Make Ahead: The pulled chicken can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it before assembling the sliders.
- Customize Your Sliders: Get creative with your toppings! Try adding crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, or a spicy mayo.
Conclusion
These All-American Pulled Chicken Sliders are a guaranteed hit! With tender, flavorful pulled chicken, creamy coleslaw, and soft slider buns, they’re the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and satisfying. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker or Instant Pot, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Americana with every delicious bite!
