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Hi! I’m Kate, the face behind KateFi.com—a blog all about making life easier and more affordable.
Looking for a tasty, budget-friendly appetizer or meal that will be the star of your game day spread? These BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders are packed with smoky, tangy flavors and are surprisingly easy to make—all without breaking the bank! Perfect for parties, gatherings, or a satisfying dinner, these sliders offer a delicious, crowd-pleasing option for any occasion.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Budget-Friendly: Enjoy juicy, flavorful pulled chicken at a fraction of the cost.
- Game Day Favorite: Ideal for parties and casual get-togethers.
- Easy Preparation: Set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker recipe that requires minimal hands-on time.
- Customizable: Adjust the BBQ sauce and toppings to suit your taste.
- Versatile Serving: Great as sliders, tacos, or on a salad for a lighter option.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Pulled Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand; try Sweet Baby Ray’s for inspiration)
- ½ cup chicken broth (or water + bouillon for a budget option)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Sliders:
- 8 slider buns (or mini rolls)
- Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade; see Simple Coleslaw Recipe)
- Pickles (optional, for extra tang)
- Extra BBQ sauce (for drizzling)
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 kcal |
| Protein | ~25 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~30 g |
| Fat | ~12 g |
| Fiber | ~3 g |
Values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Place the chicken in your slow cooker.
- Add BBQ sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to combine well, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken and use two forks to shred it thoroughly.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the juices.
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
- Lightly toast the slider buns.
- Spoon a generous amount of pulled chicken onto the bottom bun.
- Top with a spoonful of coleslaw, a few pickle slices (if using), and drizzle with extra BBQ sauce.
- Place the top bun on and secure with a toothpick if desired.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve warm as a delicious game day snack or a complete meal.
- Pair with sides like oven-baked fries, potato wedges, or a fresh salad.
💰 Cost Breakdown (Estimated for 8 Sliders)
| Ingredient | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Chicken (1.5 lbs) | $3.00 |
| BBQ sauce (1 cup) | $1.00 |
| Chicken broth, vinegar, spices | $0.75 |
| Slider buns (8) | $1.00 |
| Coleslaw (homemade or store-bought) | $1.00 |
| Pickles and extra BBQ sauce | $0.50 |
| Total Estimated Cost | ~$7.25 |
| Cost Per Serving (approx.) | ~$0.91 |
Prices are approximate and may vary by location. Use store brands and buy in bulk to save more!
Additional Tips & Variations
Cooking & Storage Tips
- Meal Prep: Make the pulled chicken in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
- Sauce Adjustment: For a sweeter or tangier flavor, adjust the amount of BBQ sauce and vinegar.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes with the BBQ sauce for extra heat.
- Alternative Protein: Use shredded pork or turkey as a substitute for chicken.
- Sliders on a Salad: For a lighter option, serve the pulled chicken over mixed greens instead of on buns.
Presentation & Serving Ideas
- Garnishing: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions on top for a burst of color.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with a side of sweet potato fries or crispy onion rings for a restaurant-quality experience at home.
- Party Platter: Arrange the sliders on a platter with extra coleslaw and pickles on the side for a self-serve game day spread.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but thighs are generally juicier and more flavorful. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Q: How can I make the pulled chicken extra saucy?
A: For a saucier dish, add an extra 2-3 tablespoons of BBQ sauce during the shredding process.
Q: Can this recipe be made in a pressure cooker?
A: Absolutely! Use a pressure cooker to reduce cooking time. Cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes and use a natural release.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain moisture.
For more budget cooking and meal prep tips, visit Meal Prep 101: How to Save Time & Money on Family Dinners.
Related Recipes & Internal Links
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💡 Follow KateFi.com on Pinterest for:
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- DIY tricks that save you money
- Easy Teriyaki Chicken & Rice – One-Pan Wonder for Busy Nights
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For additional budget-friendly inspiration, check out The 50 Grocery Challenge – Can You Eat for a Week on This Budget?.
Final Thoughts
These BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders are a game day favorite that offers a fantastic mix of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors—all on a budget. With minimal prep and a one-pot approach to creating succulent pulled chicken, these sliders will become your go-to dish for parties, family dinners, or any casual gathering.
🔥 Tried this recipe? Share your flavor tweaks or favorite sides in the comments below!
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