BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders Easy & Juicy

There’s nothing better than BBQ pulled chicken sliders for a quick and delicious meal.

These mini sandwiches are packed with tender, smoky, and saucy pulled chicken, making them a crowd favorite for parties, game days, or easy family dinners.

Whether you use a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or stovetop, this recipe delivers juicy, flavor-packed chicken every time.

Sliders are not only convenient, but they also allow you to serve a flavorful dish in bite-sized portions.

They are easy to prepare, customizable with a variety of toppings, and perfect for serving a group.

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love These BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders

Quick and easy to make with minimal ingredients
Perfect for meal prep, parties, or weeknight dinners
Can be made in a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or on the stovetop
Packed with smoky, tangy, and sweet BBQ flavors
Customizable toppings for extra crunch and flavor

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the best BBQ pulled chicken sliders, you will need the following ingredients:

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
BBQ Sauce: Your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce
Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper
Buns: Soft slider buns, brioche, or Hawaiian rolls
Toppings: Coleslaw, pickles, crispy onions, or melted cheese
Optional: Butter, honey, or extra BBQ sauce for brushing the buns

How to Make BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders

Slow Cooker Method

Place the chicken breasts or thighs into the slow cooker.
Add BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir to coat the shredded chicken with the sauce.

Instant Pot Method

Place the chicken in the Instant Pot and add BBQ sauce and seasonings.
Seal the lid and set the pressure to high for 10 minutes.
Allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then manually release the remaining pressure.
Shred the chicken and mix it with the sauce before serving.

Stovetop Method

Heat a skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add a little oil, then sear the chicken on both sides.
Pour in BBQ sauce and seasonings, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes until the chicken is tender.
Shred the chicken and mix it with the sauce.

The Best Buns and Toppings for Sliders

The right bun and toppings can elevate your BBQ pulled chicken sliders. Here are some great options:

Best Buns

Hawaiian Rolls: Slightly sweet, soft, and a great complement to BBQ flavors
Brioche Buns: Buttery and rich, perfect for gourmet-style sliders
Potato Rolls: Soft and sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart
Classic Slider Buns: A simple, no-frills option that works well

Toppings

Classic: Coleslaw, pickles, red onions
Cheesy: Melted cheddar, pepper jack, or smoked gouda
Crunchy: Crispy fried onions or jalapeño slices
Spicy: Sriracha mayo, chipotle aioli, or extra hot BBQ sauce

What to Serve with BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders

Sliders pair well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some great options:

Classic Sides: French fries, onion rings, potato chips
Healthy Options: Roasted veggies, sweet potato fries, or a side salad
Party Favorites: Mac and cheese, baked beans, or cornbread

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make Ahead: Cook and shred the chicken in advance. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm the chicken in a pan over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist.
Freezing: Store shredded BBQ chicken in airtight containers for meal prep convenience.

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I use rotisserie chicken for these sliders?

Yes, you can shred rotisserie chicken and mix it with warm BBQ sauce for a quick shortcut.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

It depends on your preference. Sweet, smoky, or spicy BBQ sauce all work well.

Can I make these sliders vegetarian?

Yes, try using BBQ jackfruit or pulled mushrooms as a plant-based alternative.

BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders Easy and Juicy

BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders are an easy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dish perfect for any occasion. Made with tender, slow-cooked chicken coated in smoky BBQ sauce, these sliders are served on soft buns and can be customized with coleslaw, pickles, or crispy onions.They can be prepared in a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or on the stovetop for a quick and delicious meal. Whether for a game day party or a casual dinner, these sliders are sure to be a hit!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 Sliders

Calories 375 kcal

For the Pulled Chicken:

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 ½ cups BBQ sauce your favorite brand or homemade
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sliders:

6-8 slider buns Hawaiian rolls, brioche, or potato rolls
1 tablespoon melted butter optional, for brushing the buns
1 teaspoon honey optional, for extra flavor
½ cup coleslaw optional topping
¼ cup sliced pickles optional topping

Slow Cooker Method:

Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker.
Add BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
Once fully cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir to coat with the sauce.
Toast the slider buns lightly if desired. Brush with melted butter and honey for extra flavor.
Assemble the sliders by placing a generous portion of pulled chicken on the bottom half of each bun.
Add toppings like coleslaw and pickles if using, then cover with the top bun.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Instant Pot Method:

Add the chicken, BBQ sauce, and seasonings to the Instant Pot. Stir to coat the chicken.
Seal the lid and set to high pressure for 10 minutes.
Allow natural release for 5 minutes, then manually release the remaining pressure.
Shred the chicken and stir with the sauce.
Follow steps 5-8 from the slow cooker method to assemble and serve.

Stovetop Method:

Heat a large pan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add a drizzle of oil, then sear the chicken on both sides for about 2 minutes per side.
Pour in BBQ sauce and seasonings, then cover and simmer on low for 30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway.
Shred the chicken in the pan and mix it with the sauce.
Follow steps 5-8 from the slow cooker method to assemble and serve.

Keyword BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders