BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders with Zesty Italian Dressing

These Pulled Chicken Sliders are bursting with tangy, zesty flavors and plenty of savory goodness. Easy to eat and even easier to make, most of the work is done in a slow cooker! Make this pulled chicken sliders crockpot recipe with a few simple ingredients for one incredible meal.

Pulled Chicken Sliders

It doesn’t take a long list of ingredients to make a satisfying meal, and these BBQ pulled chicken sliders are proof of that!

Slow cook chicken in BBQ sauce, Italian dressing, and a little brown sugar, then shred and pile onto buns with pickles and cheese. Easy peasy!

Whether it’s buffalo style or stuffed into tacos, shredded chicken is one of the easiest ways to satisfy a hungry family.

In fact, I usually cook a big batch once a month to add to soups, pasta salads, and more!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Chicken – It’s easiest to make pulled chicken sliders in the crockpot with boneless, skinless breasts. You can also use boneless thighs if you prefer dark meat!
  
  If you opt for bone-in thighs, account for the extra weight and fish the bones out before shredding the meat.
  
• Barbecue Sauce – Use your favorite homemade or store-bought version.
  
  I think my Jack Daniels Double Kick sauce would be incredible in this pulled chicken sliders crockpot recipe!
  
  Or, use my signature sauce for an alcohol-free option.
  
• Italian Dressing – Same here… grab a bottle of your favorite from the store or make my homemade version, found in the recipe card below.
  
• Brown Sugar – This helps balance all those tangy, zesty flavors.
  
  Regular white sugar will work in a pinch, but you’ll miss the added caramel note from the molasses.
  
• Slider Buns – Regular burger slider buns are my top choice, but Kings Hawaiian buns would add another layer of sweetness.
  
  Have a bakery nearby? See if you can find mini versions of potato or pretzel rolls instead!!
  
• Toppings – I like to top my pulled BBQ chicken sliders with dill pickle chips and shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
  
  Coleslaw is another popular choice, or try some sliced red onions if you’re not a fan of pickles. For a cheese swap, try mozzarella or white cheddar!

Tips for Making Juicy Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

• Cook chicken slowly in the crockpot.

We’re actually cooking on High, just to speed up the process. All this means is that the slow cooker reaches temperature faster, but the meat still cooks “low and slow.”

If needed, you can use the Low setting for this pulled chicken sliders crockpot recipe instead — just increase the time to 6-8 hours.

Either way, the chicken has plenty of time to marinate in the BBQ sauce and Italian dressing. The acidity in both helps to make the meat extra tender!

• Avoid over shredding the meat.

Trust me, it will practically fall apart when you touch it, so there’s no need to use a ton of muscle.

Gently pull the breast meat apart with two forks or meat claws, just until there are no longer large chunks in the crock.

Pulled chicken sliders meat shouldn’t be stringy, though!

Sometimes, I’ll simply pinch each chicken breast with a pair of tongs to break it apart, then shred to the right consistency before serving.

• Let it cook a little longer after it’s been shredded.

An extra 30 to 60 minutes in the slow cooker allows every shred of chicken to get thoroughly coated in that zesty sauce!

The meat will soak it up a bit too, so every bite is infused with all that delicious flavor.

Prep Ahead

• Make Italian dressing
• Grate cheese
• Slice open slider buns

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

• Slow Cooker – Great for soups, roasts, shredded chicken, and more! I love it in the cooler months, but it’s also great in the summer when you don’t want to heat up the whole house with the oven.
• Mason Jar – The easiest way to make any homemade dressing — just add all the ingredients and shake!
• Cheese Grater – Fresh cheese makes this recipe even better! Skip the bagged shreds and buy a block to grate yourself.
• Bread Knife – If your buns don’t come pre-sliced, a large serrated knife is the best way to cut them in half without tearing.

Serving Suggestions

Pair BBQ pulled chicken sliders with all the classic cookout sides: macaroni salad, baked beans, corn on the cob, or your choice of potatoes.

Enjoying leftovers for lunch? Add a handful of crispy air fryer chips or a scoop of fresh fruit.

You can also use the pulled chicken sliders meat on nachos or baked potatoes, over rice, in quesadillas, or on top of pizza!

Storing and Reheating Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders

Allow leftover meat to cool, then transfer to an airtight container. Shredded chicken will keep for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheat however much you need in the microwave or on the stovetop, thawing in the refrigerator first if frozen.

Then, assemble pulled BBQ chicken sandwiches as directed and dig in!

Pulled Chicken Sliders FAQ

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Originally Published October 2011, updated and republished March 2024

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