If you’re anything like me and love a hands-off, crowd-pleasing dish, this Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe is going to become your new best friend. I absolutely love how tender and flavorful the chicken turns out after slow cooking it with a perfect blend of ranch seasoning, garlic, and that smoky BBQ sauce we all crave. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, these sliders hit all the right notes without any stress.
What really makes this Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe special is how simple it is to pull together with minimal prep but maximum flavor payoff. I first tried these sliders on a busy weekend when I wanted something delicious but fuss-free, and my family went crazy for them. Plus, the King’s Hawaiian buns add that soft, sweet contrast that makes every bite a little celebration. You’re going to love how the whole house smells cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Prep: Just toss everything in the crockpot and come back to perfectly shredded BBQ chicken.
- Family Favorite: The combination of tender chicken, melty cheeses, and crispy bacon makes it irresistible for all ages.
- Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for game days, potlucks, or easy weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the chicken in advance and assemble sliders just before guests arrive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work beautifully together to create that classic BBQ chicken slider flavor. I recommend sticking to good-quality BBQ sauce—you’ll taste the difference! Plus, King’s Hawaiian rolls really elevate the sliders with their perfect balance of sweetness and softness.
- Chicken breasts: Choose fresh or thawed breasts for even, tender cooking in your crockpot.
- Salt, pepper, paprika: These classic seasonings provide the essential savory base and a little smoky warmth.
- Ranch dressing seasoning: Adds a subtle herby tang that pairs surprisingly well with the BBQ flavors.
- Minced garlic: Fresh or jarred garlic both work; it amps up the depth of flavor.
- Vinegar: A splash of acidity balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce and keeps the chicken bright.
- BBQ sauce (I usually use Sweet Baby Ray’s): Choose your favorite—this is the glue of the whole dish!
- King’s Hawaiian Slider buns (12 pack): Their signature sweet flavor and soft texture make these sliders sing.
- Sliced Colby Jack cheese: Melts smoothly over the chicken for a creamy, mild cheese layer.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and a gooey finish on top.
- Cooked bacon strips: Crispy bacon bits bring smoky crunch that takes these sliders to the next level.
- Butter: For brushing the buns, it helps them get beautifully golden and adds richness.
- Extra ranch seasoning: Mixed into melted butter for that irresistible flavor boost on top.
Variations
I love that you can tweak the Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe to suit your mood or dietary needs. I often mix up the cheese or add extra spices depending on what I have in the pantry—feel free to make it your own!
- Spicy Kick: I once added some chipotle powder to the BBQ sauce and it gave the sliders a smoky heat my family adored.
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap shredded chicken with pulled jackfruit and use a vegan BBQ sauce for a plant-based version that’s still loaded with flavor.
- Extra Veggies: Add sautéed onions or bell peppers into the mix for some crunch and sweetness.
- Cheese Options: I’ve experimented with pepper jack or smoked gouda for added depth—both are delicious!
How to Make Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Crockpot and Chicken
Start by spraying your crockpot with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then, add the chicken breasts, minced garlic, vinegar, salt, pepper, paprika, and ranch seasoning right into the pot. This layering is key for deep flavor. Pour your BBQ sauce over the top—don’t stress about exact amounts; I usually cover the chicken generously but let your taste buds guide you.
Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on high for about 4 hours or low for 6 hours. I’ve found that the low setting gives you a slightly more tender texture, but if you’re short on time, high works great too. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken easily shreds with two forks—that’s the dream texture for slider filling.
Step 3: Shred and Sauce More if Needed
Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir well so all that BBQ sauce and seasonings get nicely distributed. If you like it saucier, add a little extra BBQ sauce here and stir to combine. This step really locks in the juicy, tangy goodness.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
Slice your King’s Hawaiian rolls in half and layer the bottom halves with a slice of Colby Jack cheese. Spoon a generous amount of the shredded BBQ chicken over the cheese, then sprinkle shredded cheddar on top. Add cooked bacon strips evenly across the sliders—trust me, this bacon is a game changer. Finally, place the top halves of the rolls on each slider.
Step 5: Butter and Bake for the Perfect Finish
Melt butter and mix in ranch seasoning, then brush this flavored butter all over the tops of the sliders. This little step adds so much flavor and helps the buns get that irresistible golden crust. Bake at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes until everything is melty and toasty. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Pro Tips for Making Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Use Thick BBQ Sauce for Best Results: I’ve learned that thicker sauces cling better to the chicken, giving you that saucy, finger-licking bite.
- Don’t Skip the Ranch Butter: This simple addition elevates the sliders from tasty to unforgettable with minimal effort.
- Cook Low and Slow When You Can: Low setting locks in moisture and tenderness, but high works if you’re in a hurry.
- Avoid Overfilling the Sliders: Leaving a little room in each slider helps avoid messy bites and keeps everything together nicely.
How to Serve Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
I usually add a few simple garnishes like thinly sliced pickles or a bit of coleslaw right on top of the chicken before closing the slider. It adds a nice crunch and a tangy contrast that balances the richness. Sometimes, a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or green onions gives the sliders a fresh pop, too.
Side Dishes
We love pairing these sliders with classic sides like crispy sweet potato fries or creamy macaroni and cheese. A simple garden salad or baked beans round out the meal perfectly. For game day, some crunchy ranch dip with veggies or chips complements the sliders beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I’ve arranged the sliders in a large baking dish lined with parchment paper and topped with extra cheese and bacon before baking. It makes a fun, shareable platter that looks like a feast. You can even serve the pulled chicken buffet-style with bowls of toppings and buns so guests build their own sliders!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover shredded chicken separately from the assembled sliders in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps keep the buns from getting soggy. When I’ve had leftover chicken, it also makes a great quick lunch topped on salad or in wraps.
Freezing
You can definitely freeze the shredded BBQ chicken before assembling sliders. I portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers. When ready to eat, I thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm it up before building the sliders. I recommend freezing before baking for best texture.
Reheating
I reheat leftover assembled sliders in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to melt the cheese perfectly and warm the chicken through without drying it out. If you’re reheating just the shredded chicken, warming it gently in a skillet with a splash of BBQ sauce keeps it juicy and tender.
FAQs
-
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even more forgiving and tend to stay juicy during slow cooking. If you use thighs, you might want to reduce the cooking time slightly because they cook faster and shred easily once tender.
-
How spicy is this Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe, and can I make it milder or spicier?
This recipe is naturally mild and perfect for all ages, but you can adjust the heat by adding chipotle powder or cayenne pepper if you like it spicy. To keep it milder, just use your favorite mild BBQ sauce and skip any extra chili powders.
-
Do I have to cook the bacon before assembling the sliders?
Yes, cooking the bacon in advance is important to get that crispy texture and smoky flavor. You can bake it in the oven or cook it on the stovetop. Pre-cooked bacon gives the sliders a delicious crunch that balances the tender chicken perfectly.
-
Can I make these sliders without a crockpot?
Definitely! If you don’t have a crockpot, you can poach or bake the chicken breasts until cooked through and then shred them. Toss the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, herbs, garlic, and vinegar in a saucepan to warm through before assembling the sliders.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe has truly become a staple in my kitchen because it’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. I love how easy it is to prep in the morning and come home to a meal everyone loves. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy days and casual nights in. Trust me, once you make these sliders, they’ll become your go-to comfort food too!
Print
Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders (1 dozen)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking and Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make meal featuring tender shredded chicken slow-cooked in flavorful BBQ sauce and spices. Served on sweet King’s Hawaiian slider buns with layers of Colby Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a buttery ranch seasoning glaze, these sliders are perfect for parties, game days, or casual family dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 TBSP ranch dressing seasoning
- 1 TBSP minced garlic
- 1 TBSP vinegar
- BBQ Sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s is suggested; quantity enough to cover the chicken, approx. 1 cup)
Sliders Assembly
- 1 (12 pack) of King’s Hawaiian Slider rolls
- Sliced Colby Jack cheese (approx. 12 slices)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (approx. 1 cup)
- 6 strips cooked bacon
- 4 TBSP butter, melted
- 1 TBSP ranch dressing seasoning (for butter mixture)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Add Ingredients to Crockpot: Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Add minced garlic, vinegar, salt, pepper, paprika, and 1 tablespoon of ranch dressing seasoning on top.
- Add BBQ Sauce: Pour enough BBQ sauce over the chicken to cover it, approximately 1 cup or to your liking.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the crockpot, stir well with the juices, and add more BBQ sauce if desired for extra flavor.
- Prepare Sliders: Slice the King’s Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Place a slice of Colby Jack cheese on the bottom half of each roll.
- Assemble Sliders: Layer a generous amount of shredded BBQ chicken on top of the cheese, then add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add Bacon: Top each slider with cooked bacon strips (use at least 6 strips distributed evenly across sliders).
- Prepare Butter Glaze: In a small bowl, mix 4 tablespoons of melted butter with 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning. Brush this mixture onto the top halves of the slider rolls.
- Bake Sliders: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sliders on a baking sheet with the tops on, and bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden and buttery.
Notes
- The recipe yields enough shredded BBQ chicken to fill two 12-packs of sliders, so you can save leftovers for another meal.
- Adjust BBQ sauce quantity according to taste preferences; more sauce results in a saucier slider.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your crockpot model.
- For a spicier slider, consider adding a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the chicken before cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 sliders
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
