These slow cooker shredded chicken BBQ sliders are loaded with tender chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and creamy coleslaw for an easy family dinner.
Some dinners earn a permanent spot in the meal rotation, and this is definitely one of them.
The slow cooker does almost all the work, leaving you with tender crockpot shredded chicken that's perfect for sliders, sandwiches, or even meal prep throughout the week.
My family especially loves these on slider buns because they're just the right size for little hands and make a fun dinner for game day or casual gatherings.
Add a scoop of homemade coleslaw on top, and you've got a meal that's packed with flavor and surprisingly simple to make.
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Why You'll Love this Recipe
This slow cooker shredded chicken is one of those recipes you'll find yourself making again and again. The chicken cooks low and slow in a homemade BBQ sauce, creating juicy, flavorful meat that's perfect for sandwiches without much hands-on work.
The homemade coleslaw adds a cool, creamy crunch that balances the rich BBQ sauce. Together, they make a simple dinner that tastes like it came from your favorite barbecue restaurant.
Ingredients
See the recipe card below for measurements and instructions.
For the BBQ Chicken
- Chicken Breasts
- Shallot
- Lemon
- Ketchup
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Vegetable Broth
- Yello Mustard
- Brown Sugar
- Nutmeg
- Ginger
- All Spice
- Cayenne Pepper
- Smoke Paprika
- Garlic Powder
- Slider Buns
For the Homemade Coleslaw
- Celery
- Carrot
- Mayonaise
- Plain Greek Yogurt
- Yellow Mustard
- Cider Vinegar
- Sugar
- Salt & Pepper
- Shredded Cabbage
BBQ Chicken and Homemade Cole Slaw Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
For the BBQ Shredded Chicken
- 6 Chicken Breast boneless and skinless
- 1 cup Ketchup
- 2 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 cup Vegetable Broth
- 1 tablespoon Yellow Mustard
- ½ cup Brown Sugar
- ¼ teaspoon Nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon Ginger
- ⅛ teaspoon All Spice
- ⅛ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 3 Lemon Slices with the skin and seeds removed
- 1 whole shallot quartered
For the Homemade Cole Slaw
- 1 Celery Stalk
- 1 Carrot medium
- 6 tablespoon Mayonnaise
- 6 tablespoon Plain Greek Yogurt
- 2 teaspoon Yellow Mustard
- 2 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 4 teaspoon Sugar I used sugar in the raw
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- Pepper to taste
- 16 ounces Shredded Cabbage
Additional Ingredients
- 12 Slider Buns
Instructions
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, vegetable broth, yellow mustard, brown sugar, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Add the lemon slices and quartered shallot, then pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
- Remove and discard the lemon slices and shallots.
- Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks, then stir it into the cooking juices. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavorful sauce.
- Use a slotted spoon to serve the shredded BBQ chicken on slider buns.
Homemade Coleslaw
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, celery, and carrot.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Top each BBQ chicken slider with a generous scoop of homemade coleslaw before serving.
Notes
- Removing the lemon slices and shallots before shredding keeps the sauce smooth while leaving behind all their flavor.
- After shredding, let the chicken rest in the sauce for several minutes to let it soak up the juices.
- The coleslaw can be prepared up to one day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Leftover shredded chicken is delicious on baked potatoes, salads, wraps, or sandwiches.
Nutrition
Helpful Tips
Boneless skinless chicken breasts become incredibly tender after 6 to 8 hours of slow cooking. Once cooked, remove the lemon slices and shallot before shredding the chicken to keep the finished sauce smooth.
After shredding, stir the chicken back into the cooking juices and let it rest for a few minutes. The chicken absorbs even more of the sauce, making every bite extra juicy.
If you prefer darker meat, boneless skinless chicken thighs work just as well and stay wonderfully tender in the slow cooker.
Serving Ideas
These BBQ chicken sliders are delicious with homemade coleslaw, potato chips, baked beans, corn on the cob, or fresh fruit.
The shredded chicken is also incredibly versatile. Use leftovers in baked potatoes, rice bowls, wraps, quesadillas, salads, or even on homemade pizza for an easy second meal.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover BBQ chicken and coleslaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
The shredded chicken also freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring it, along with some of the cooking juices, to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Warm the chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! This is an excellent meal prep recipe. The chicken can be cooked a day or two in advance and simply reheated before serving.
You can, but making the homemade sauce gives the chicken a richer flavor with just the right balance of sweetness and spices.
Two forks work perfectly, but you can also use a stand mixer on low speed to shred the cooked chicken in just a few seconds.
Need Help With This Recipe?
Try asking AI what I can do with leftover shredded BBQ chicken.
More Chicken Recipes
Looking for another easy chicken dinner? Here are a few more family favorites that are packed with flavor and simple enough for busy weeknights.
Hi, I'm Katie!
I'm so glad you're here. Want to make something fabulous? I'm here to help!
Heidi
Looks delicious! Love the slaw recipe added to the slider!
Christine
I've been thinking of ways to use my slow cooker more. Thank you for sharing this delish recipe!