Looking for a mouthwatering dish that’s easy to make and sure to impress? These Gradual Cooker Creamy BBQ Chicken Sliders are just the ticket. Imagine tender, shredded chicken coated in a rich, creamy BBQ sauce, all served up on soft slider buns. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a casual get-together, or just want a tasty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen, these sliders have got you covered.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These sliders aren’t just tasty—they’re also super convenient. By using a gradual cooker, you can set it and forget it, letting the chicken slowly soak up all the flavors while you go about your day. Plus, the creamy BBQ sauce adds an irresistible twist that takes these sliders to the next level. Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:
- Minimal Effort: With just a few simple ingredients and the help of your gradual cooker, you can have a delicious meal ready with minimal hands-on time.
- Crowd-Pleasing: These sliders are perfect for feeding a crowd, and the recipe is easy to double or triple if you’re hosting a larger group.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the sauce or toppings to suit your taste, making these sliders as mild or as spicy as you like.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up these sliders, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
(You can also use thighs if you prefer dark meat.) - 1 cup BBQ sauce
(Choose your favorite brand or make your own!) - 1/2 cup ranch dressing
(For that creamy, tangy twist.) - 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
(Adds richness to the sauce.) - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
(This gives the sauce a slight tang.) - 1 tsp garlic powder
(For a hint of savory flavor.) - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
(Adds a subtle smoky depth.) - Salt and pepper to taste
- Slider buns
(Hawaiian rolls work great, but any soft bun will do.) - Optional toppings:
Coleslaw, pickles, or crispy onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to get started? Here’s how to make these delicious sliders:
1. Prep Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your gradual cooker.
2. Make the Creamy BBQ Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, cream cheese, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken
Pour the creamy BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the gradual cooker, making sure they’re well-coated. Cover the gradual cooker with the lid.
4. Cook Low and Slow
Set your gradual cooker to low and cook the chicken for 6-7 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easy to shred. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours, but the low setting really allows the flavors to meld together.
5. Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the gradual cooker and shred it using two forks. The chicken should be so tender that it practically falls apart. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce in the gradual cooker and mix well.
6. Assemble the Sliders
To assemble the sliders, spoon a generous amount of the creamy BBQ chicken onto the bottom half of each slider bun. Add any optional toppings you like, then place the top half of the bun on the chicken.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the sliders warm, and watch them disappear in no time! These are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Tips for Success
- Use a meat thermometer: Ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee it’s fully cooked.
- Add more creaminess: If you like your BBQ sauce extra creamy, feel free to add a bit more cream cheese or ranch dressing to the mix.
- Toast the buns: For a little extra texture, lightly toast the slider buns before assembling. It adds a nice crunch and helps keep the buns from getting soggy.
- Make it spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add some hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the BBQ sauce mixture.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce up to a day in advance. Store it in the fridge, and then reheat and assemble the sliders when you’re ready to serve.
Q: Can I freeze the BBQ chicken?
A: Yes, the shredded BBQ chicken freezes well. Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Q: What sides go well with these sliders?
A: These sliders pair perfectly with coleslaw, potato salad, or baked beans. You could also serve them with a simple green salad or some sweet potato fries.
Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
A: Definitely! This recipe works great with pork or beef as well. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Final Thoughts
These Gradual Cooker Creamy BBQ Chicken Sliders are the perfect combination of easy and delicious. They’re a hit at any gathering, but they’re also simple enough for a weeknight meal. With tender chicken, a rich and tangy sauce, and all your favorite toppings, these sliders are sure to become a new favorite.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your gradual cooker, toss in those ingredients, and let the magic happen. You’ll be enjoying these creamy, BBQ-packed sliders in no time.
Gradual Cooker Creamy BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe: These sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make option for summer meals, perfect for your next barbecue. It belongs to the Summer Dishes and Sides cluster, alongside Authentic Mexican Street Corn and Creamy Potato Salad
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