There’s something about BBQ that just feels like a celebration — even if it’s a Tuesday night. These tangy BBQ pulled chicken sliders bring all the smoky-sweet flavor you love from a summer cookout, no grill required. Just a few minutes of prep, a handful of pantry ingredients, and your slow cooker does the rest.

The chicken breasts slowly simmer in a simple mix of BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar, soaking up every drop of flavor. By the time dinner rolls around, the meat shreds effortlessly and the sauce has thickened into sticky, finger-licking perfection.

Pile that juicy pulled chicken onto soft slider buns with tangy pickles and a heap of crunchy coleslaw, and you’ve got yourself a budget-friendly dinner that tastes like it came from a backyard barbecue. You can even stretch the meal by serving the pulled chicken over baked potatoes or rice — perfect for game nights, parties, or just feeding hungry people without breaking the bank.

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Sweet, Tangy, and Just the Right Amount of Smoky

The secret to these sliders’ crave-worthy flavor is the balance of sweet BBQ sauce, a splash of apple cider vinegar for tang, and a touch of brown sugar to round it all out. As the chicken cooks low and slow, the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze that clings to every shred.

Slow Cooker Magic — Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor

No standing over a stove or heating up the oven — just toss everything in your slow cooker, set it, and go about your day. By dinner time, your kitchen will smell incredible, and all you’ll need to do is shred the chicken and assemble your sliders.

Party-Perfect and Family-Friendly

Sliders are made for sharing. Whether you’re hosting friends for the big game, putting together a casual potluck, or feeding your family on a busy weeknight, these little sandwiches hit the sweet spot of fun, easy, and satisfying.

Budget-Friendly BBQ Any Time of Year

Using store-brand BBQ sauce and a few basic pantry staples keeps this meal easy on your wallet without sacrificing flavor. Plus, chicken breasts often go on sale, making this recipe a smart choice for feeding a crowd on a budget.

Versatile Serving Options

While these sliders shine on a bun with coleslaw, they’re just as good spooned over fluffy rice, stuffed into baked potatoes, or layered in a wrap for an easy lunch. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making them a gift that keeps on giving.

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 (18 oz) bottle store-brand BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Slider buns, for serving
Pickles and coleslaw, for topping (optional)

Instructions

Load the slow cooker: Place chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Mix the sauce: In a bowl, stir together BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Pour over the chicken.
Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
Shred and coat: Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker, mixing it into the sauce until fully coated.
Serve: Pile onto slider buns, add pickles and coleslaw if desired, and enjoy.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes (low) or 3 hours 5 minutes (high)
Servings: 8–10 sliders
Calories: ~280
Fat: 5g
Protein: 23g
Carbohydrates: 36g