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BBQ Chicken Sliders

★★★★★ 5 /5 Updated: 10/26/22
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This post may contain affiliate or sponsored links. Please read our disclosure policy.

With 3 simple steps, you’ll have finger-licking good BBQ Chicken Sliders. The perfectly seasoned, shredded chicken breasts are served on mini buns and topped with BBQ Sauce to make an easy weeknight meal or a scrumptious meal for groups of people. Be sure to double and freeze the recipe to save your future self time!

BBQ Chicken Sliders on a cutting board with a salad in the background

Let’s Talk Chicken Sliders

A slider is basically a small sandwich. We are big fans of sliders because they are perfect for families (since kids can be smaller eaters) and can stretch a food budget pretty far. With the popularity of our Ham & Cheese Sliders and our Chicken Parmesan Sliders, we have a hunch this BBQ Chicken Slider recipe will be a winner for you, too.

Chicken Sliders on a cutting board with chips

Ingredients Needed for BBQ Chicken Sliders

You will be amazed at how easy this recipe is. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Onion powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt & Pepper
  • Cayenne pepper (optional; do not use if using a spicy BBQ sauce)
  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • BBQ sauce (homemade BBQ Sauce or store-bought like Stubb’s Original or Sticky Sweet)
  • Slider buns or wheat rolls
Ingredients in separate dishes including chicken, bbq sauce, and seasonings

How to Make BBQ Chicken Sliders

Season the Chicken Breast

The first step to making your sliders will be to season your chicken. Stir the seasoning mixture in a small bowl.

seasoning in a bowl

Then, sprinkle the seasoning over all sides of the chicken. Tip: You may want to put the chicken down the crockpot for this part for less mess!

Raw, seasoned chicken on a cutting board

Cook the Chicken Breast & BBQ Sauce in the Crockpot

Ah, now to the fun part–pressing a button and walking away! Place the seasoned chicken in the crockpot and top evenly with 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Turn the chicken to make sure it’s coated in the sauce.

Keep scrolling if you want Instant Pot directions, too!

Shred and Serve the Chicken Sliders

After your chicken is fully cooked (use an internal meat thermometer to ensure it is 165°F), you will remove it from the cooker and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes, and then use two forks to shred the chicken breast apart.

Shredded chicken on a cutting board

If you want a shortcut on shredding, consider tossing it into a Kitchen Aid Mixer (or a large mixer of your choice) and use the paddle attachment. Put it on low and watch it closely to make sure the chicken doesn’t get too shredded.

Once it’s shredded, add the chicken back into the crockpot and stir in remaining 1/2 cup of BBQ Sauce.

shredded bbq chicken being placed on a bun with tongs

How Long Should I Slow Cook the Chicken?

Wait wait wait! We want to make sure you don’t overcook your chicken. For a long time, I chronically overcooked and dried out chicken breast in the slow cooker. After testing hundreds of recipes in the crockpot, we’ve honed in on the perfect timing: 2 1/2 – 3 hours on low.

Yes, you read that right. Chicken breast only takes 2 1/2 – 3 hours on low to be fully cooked. It makes us cringe when we see recipes out there that tell you to cook chicken for 6-8 hours. In fact, we have written an entire post about how long to cook your chicken in the crockpot if you want to read about it in more detail.

Can I Use Frozen Chicken in the Crockpot?

As cookbook authors and freezer meal experts, we commonly get the question, “Can I cook frozen food in the crockpot?” I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but simply put, the answer is no. You should not put frozen food in a crockpot.

I know, we are sad too.

Raw chicken in a slow cooker with BBQ Sauce

But, before you start giving us dirty looks, you should know we are coming out strong on this because the experts have made it very clear: cooking frozen food in a crockpot is not safe!

USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service says, “Always thaw meat or poultry before putting it into a slow cooker.”

Can I Make BBQ Chicken Sliders in the Instant Pot?

If you don’t want to go the low and slow method, using your Instant Pot to pressure cook BBQ Chicken Sliders will work just as well. After testing hundreds of recipes for our cookbook, From Freezer to Cooker, we have narrowed down the perfect Instant Pot cooking times. In fact, you can snag a free Instant Pot Cooking Times Chart here.

To make fresh in the Instant Pot:

  1. Add 1 cup of water or chicken broth and the steamer rack in the bottom of the pot.
  2. Put the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer on the rack and top evenly with 1 cup of BBQ sauce (turn halfway through so each side gets coated).
  3. Lock and seal the lid. Cook at high pressure for 7 minutes and quick release the remaining pressure. (If the chicken isn’t done, pressure cook for 1 more minute.)

To make from frozen in the Instant Pot:

If you follow our freezer meal instructions below to turn this recipe into a freezer meal, you can easily cook it in the Instant Pot straight from frozen!

  1. Do not thaw the prepped chicken. Place the frozen meal in the Instant Pot with 1 cup of water or chicken broth (no need for the steamer rack).
  2. Lock and seal the lid. Cook for 15-20 minutes on high pressure, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Quick release the pressure.
  3. Shred the meat and stir in the remaining BBQ sauce.
BBQ shredded chicken being placed on a slider bun

Make Chicken Sliders a Freezer Meal

It’s no secret we are big fans of freezer meals around here. In fact, we have 2 freezer meal cookbooks, 1 Hour Freezer Prep Sessions, and even a round-up with 70+ freezer meal recipes that you will love!

So, yep, we have freezer meal instructions for the sliders.

BBQ Chicken Sliders being turned into a freezer meal

Freeze For Later:

Label a gallon-sized freezer bag. Follow Step 1. Add the seasoned chicken and 1 cup of BBQ sauce to the bag. Seal, squish around to distribute the sauce, squeeze out any excess air, and freeze alongside the buns (and extra sauce in a small bag, if desired).

To Freeze for the Instant Pot: If you want to cook this from frozen in the Instant Pot, place the bag in a round container in the freezer until frozen and then remove. Try not to stack the chicken, but place it in one flat layer.

Prepare From Frozen:

You have two options for cooking:

Thawed in the Crockpot or Instant Pot: Thaw completely using one of these safe thawing methods for chicken and follow Steps 2-4.

From Frozen in the Instant Pot: Do not thaw. Place the frozen meal in the Instant Pot with 1 cup of chicken broth. Lock and seal the lid. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Follow Steps 3-4.

What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Sliders

Oh man, I have so many ideas for you! Here are a few really easy sides that would go great with this recipe…

  • 5 Ingredient Coleslaw – Creamy and perfect to serve on the side or on top!
  • No Boil Corn on the Cob – Our microwave hack! Or you can grill it, too.
  • Grilled Asparagus or Roasted Asparagus
  • Instant Pot Mac and Cheese – Super easy and nutritious.

Overhead shot of BBQ Chicken Sliders

Did you make this? Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram at @thrivinghome so we can see your creations and cheer you on!

★★★★★ 5 from 2 reviews

BBQ Chicken Sliders

With 3 simple steps, you’ll have finger-licking good Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sliders. The perfectly seasoned, shredded chicken breasts are served on mini buns and topped with BBQ Sauce to make an easy weeknight meal or a scrumptious meal for groups of people. Be sure to double and freeze the recipe to save your future self time!

Yield: 8 1x
Prep: 5Cook: 3 hoursTotal: 3 hours 5 minutes
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Scale:

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne (optional; do not use if using a spicy BBQ sauce)
  • About 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 4 medium chicken breasts)
  • 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought), plus more for serving
  • 8 slider buns or wheat rolls, sliced in half

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

Instructions

Make It Now:

  1. In a small bowl, stir together the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Season the chicken breasts on all sides with this rub. (Freezing instructions begin here.)
  2. Cook using one of these methods until the chicken is done (reaches an internal temperature of 165°F or no longer has any pink inside):
    1. Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken in the crockpot and top evenly with 1 cup of BBQ sauce (turn the chicken to coat). Cover and cook on LOW for 2 ½ – 3 hours.
    2. Instant Pot: Add 1 cup of water or chicken broth and the steamer rack in the bottom of the pot. Put the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer on the rack and top evenly with 1 cup of BBQ sauce (turn half way through so each side gets coated). Lock and seal the lid. Cook at high pressure for 7 minutes and quick release the remaining pressure. (If the chicken isn’t done, pressure cook for 1 more minute.)
  3. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let rest 5-10 minutes. Use two forks to shred it. (If making in the Instant Pot, discard the liquid and remove the rack in the Instant Pot.) Return the shredded chicken to the cooker to keep warm and stir in the remaining ½ cup BBQ sauce.
  4. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to add the shredded chicken to slider buns. Top with more BBQ sauce, if desired.

Freeze For Later: Label a gallon-sized freezer bag. Follow Step 1. Add the seasoned chicken and 1 cup of BBQ sauce to the bag. Seal, squish around to distribute the sauce, squeeze out any excess air, and freeze alongside the buns (and extra sauce in a small bag, if desired). (Note: If you want to cook this from frozen in the Instant Pot, place the bag in a round container in the freezer until frozen and then remove. Try not to stack the chicken, but place it in one flat layer.)

Prepare From Frozen: Two options for cooking:

  1. Thawed in either cooker: Thaw completely and follow Steps 2-4.
  2. From frozen in the Instant Pot: Do not thaw. Place the frozen meal in the Instant Pot with 1 cup of chicken broth. Lock and seal the lid. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Follow Steps 3-4.

Equipment

Meat thermometer

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Instant Pot

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Notes/Tips

Gluten Free Option: Use gluten free buns.

© Author: Rachel Tiemeyer
Cuisine: american Method: Slow cooker

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Want More Easy Chicken Recipes?

We have a growing list of easy Chicken Freezer Meals for you to browse though. Every recipe can be made from fresh or prepped ahead as a freezer meal.

Chicken freezer meals
Chicken Freezer Meals
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Polly Conner

Polly Conner

As co-founder of Thriving Home, Polly’s passionate about helping busy parents get dinner on the table. With a house full of kids, dogs, and (usually) a DIY project in the works, she knows firsthand how every minute (and every dollar) counts. As a business owner, she enjoys wearing multiple hats and serves best as a project manager for Thriving Home.

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  1. AvatarGretchen W says

    Posted on 4/18/22 at 2:42 pm

    BBQ GOODNESS!
    As another reviewer said, this is a great alternative to the usual beef BBQ sliders. I used this recipe in a slightly different way. I had used the instapot to cook a whole chicken, shredded it and have used the chicken for multiple recipes. I weighed out the amount of shredded chicken, added the spices and BBQ sauce and followed the recipe. I added a little bit of shredded parm after the sliders had been in the oven to warm up. 2 thumbs way up from my crew! Easy to assemble and an even better eat!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Rachel TiemeyerRachel Tiemeyer says

      Posted on 4/20/22 at 2:18 pm

      Love the idea of using a whole chicken and adding a little shredded Parm to the sliders. Thanks for sharing, Gretchen!

      Reply
  2. AvatarDuAnne says

    Posted on 2/22/22 at 10:03 pm

    You slider recipes look amazing and I will be trying them for sure! However, I would love to see them sized for true ‘large groups’. These recipes serve 6 people. I need to serve 45. Can I just put 15 lbs of chicken in the crock pot (with adjusted amounts of spices & BBQ sauce) and still cook it for 3 hours on low? I know I can’t fit that much into my Instant Pot, but what is the max that will work without ending up with chicken that’s not cooked through?

    Reply
    • Rachel TiemeyerRachel Tiemeyer says

      Posted on 2/24/22 at 7:27 am

      Hi DuAnne. You could double (or maybe triple) this recipe in a 6 quart slow cooker. But I wouldn’t do more than that or it probably won’t cook evenly. If you want to serve that many people, I’d suggest doing it in batches ahead of time or borrow a few more slow cookers.

      Here are some more recipe ideas for large groups: https://thrivinghomeblog.com/20-easy-meals-ideas-for-a-group-of-people/

      Reply
  3. AvatarTeresa Passuello says

    Posted on 2/6/22 at 4:28 pm

    Is your nutrition value including the bun?

    Reply
    • Rachel TiemeyerRachel Tiemeyer says

      Posted on 2/7/22 at 9:57 am

      Yes, it does.

      Reply
  4. AvatarTeresa Passuello says

    Posted on 2/6/22 at 4:22 pm

    Is the nutrition chart with or without a bun?

    Reply
    • Rachel TiemeyerRachel Tiemeyer says

      Posted on 2/7/22 at 9:57 am

      It’s with the bun.

      Reply
  5. AvatarAnna says

    Posted on 1/11/22 at 12:50 am

    My family absolutely love this recipe! A healthy, budget friendly alternative to pulled pork or beef. Leftovers make amazing quesadillas, too! I highly recommend making the Thriving Home BBQ sauce to use in this recipe. It’s the best BBQ sauce & the only one we eat.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Rachel TiemeyerRachel Tiemeyer says

      Posted on 1/11/22 at 8:24 am

      Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review and feedback, Anna! Great idea to use leftovers for quesadillas.

      Reply

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