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Easy Big-Batch Pulled Chicken Sliders Recipe for Crowd-Pleasing Parties

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This easy pulled chicken sliders recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal fuss. Tender, flavorful chicken piled on soft slider buns makes a quick and delicious meal for gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (Stubb’s Original recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
  • 12 slider buns (soft, slightly sweet like King’s Hawaiian)
  • Coleslaw (optional)
  • Pickles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry chicken thighs. Season evenly with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown (optional).
  3. Transfer chicken to a slow cooker or keep in skillet. Pour in chicken broth, cover, and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until tender.
  4. Remove chicken and shred with two forks into bite-sized pieces.
  5. In a bowl, combine barbecue sauce and apple cider vinegar. Pour over shredded chicken and toss until coated.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F. Warm slider buns on a baking sheet for 5-7 minutes until soft and slightly toasted.
  7. Assemble sliders by piling pulled chicken on buns. Top with coleslaw and pickles if desired.
  8. Serve immediately or keep warm on a tray for up to an hour.

Notes

Searing the chicken before slow cooking adds depth of flavor but can be skipped if short on time. Add a splash of chicken broth to the sauce if too thick. Use chicken thighs for juiciness and shredding. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Lemon juice can substitute apple cider vinegar.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled chicken sliders, party food, crowd-pleaser, easy recipe, barbecue chicken, slider buns, slow cooker chicken

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/easy-big-batch-pulled-chicken-sliders-recipe-for-crowd-pleasing-parties/