Labor Day weekend has always meant two things in my family—backyard barbecues and lingering laughter as the sun dips below the trees. One year, though, the summer heat was relentless. Standing over the grill for hours, turning chicken pieces while everyone else lounged under the shade, made me wonder if there was an easier way to get that same smoky, sweet flavor without missing out on the fun. That’s when Slow Cooked BBQ Chicken Sliders came to life.
Instead of laboring over the coals, I turned to my trusty slow cooker. With Crockpot Barbecue, there’s no need to babysit the grill or fight flare-ups. The chicken simmers slowly in rich barbecue sauce until it’s tender enough to fall apart with a fork. It fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas while I sit back, sip iced tea, and enjoy time with friends.
What I discovered that weekend was that Slow Cooked BBQ Chicken Sliders aren’t just about convenience—they’re about creating space for connection. No smoke in your eyes, no rushing between conversations and cooking duties. Just effortless flavor and the joy of sharing food that practically makes itself. Whether you’re planning Labor Day Crockpot Recipes or simple weeknight meals, this dish brings all the taste of traditional barbecue with none of the extra work.
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Slow Cooked BBQ Chicken Sliders – Easy Crockpot Barbecue for Labor Day
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Description
These slow cooked BBQ chicken sliders deliver tender, flavorful pulled chicken with minimal effort. Perfect for Labor Day gatherings, weeknight dinners, or potlucks, this easy crockpot recipe frees you to enjoy time with friends and family while the cooker does the work.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Spray the inside of a 4- to 6-quart crockpot with nonstick cooking spray or line with a slow cooker liner.
2. Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a single layer in the bottom of the crockpot.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, turning each piece to coat evenly.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken reaches 165°F and is fork-tender.
6. Transfer the cooked chicken to a large bowl and shred with two forks or shredding claws.
7. Return shredded chicken to the crockpot, stir to coat with sauce, and switch the cooker to the warm setting.
8. Lightly butter and toast the slider buns on a skillet or baking sheet until golden.
9. Pile a generous portion of shredded chicken onto each bottom bun and drizzle with extra barbecue sauce if desired.
10. Top with coleslaw or pickles, close the sliders, and serve immediately or keep warm in the crockpot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours
- Category: slider
- Method: slow cooking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 15
- Cholesterol: 60
Keywords: slow cooked bbq chicken sliders, crockpot barbecue, pulled chicken in the crockpot, bbq chicken in the crockpot, labor day crockpot recipes, bbq chicken crockpot healthy
Why Slow Cooked BBQ Chicken Sliders Fit Every Occasion
Once you try these sliders, it’s easy to see why Slow Cooked BBQ Chicken Sliders have become my go-to for nearly any occasion. The combination of slow-cooked tenderness and barbecue’s signature sweet-smoky-tangy flavor hits the spot every time. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or prepping dinner on a busy Tuesday, this Crockpot Barbecue recipe adapts beautifully.
The magic lies in how the slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into something crave-worthy. Pulled Chicken In The Crockpot soaks up every drop of sauce, becoming juicy, flavorful, and perfect for piling onto soft slider buns. Each bite gives you that cookout feel—even if you never light the grill.
And while these sliders shine on Labor Day, they’re also a crowd-pleaser during Memorial Day picnics, Fourth of July gatherings, and even casual Sunday lunches. There’s something about that melt-in-your-mouth chicken, kissed with smoky sweetness, that makes everyone smile.
From family reunions to potluck spreads, Slow Cooked BBQ Chicken Sliders deliver hearty comfort and party-perfect flavor. They remind us that great barbecue isn’t about standing over flames—it’s about sharing something slow, delicious, and easy enough to let you savor the day.
Ingredients, Tools & Prep for Crockpot Barbecue
Ingredients You’ll Need for Pulled Chicken In The Crockpot
Every great Bbq Chicken In The Crockpot recipe starts with simple, dependable ingredients. The beauty of Pulled Chicken In The Crockpot is that you don’t need anything fancy to achieve the flavor of slow-smoked barbecue—your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. Below is a quick reference table to help you gather everything you’ll need before you start.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Quick Tips & Variations |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs | 2–2.5 pounds | Breasts stay lean; thighs create extra tenderness. |
| Barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade) | 2 cups | Go classic sweet, smoky chipotle, or Carolina-style mustard sauce. |
| Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons | Optional—adds sweetness and depth to tangy sauces. |
| Apple cider vinegar | 2 teaspoons | Brightens flavor and balances the sweetness. |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon | Adds savory richness without chopping onions. |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon | Enhances the barbecue aroma. |
| Smoked paprika | ½ teaspoon | Gives that outdoor smokehouse flavor. |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | Always season lightly before cooking. |
| Slider buns | 12 small buns | Toast lightly to hold up under saucy chicken. |
| Coleslaw or pickles (optional) | As desired | Adds crunch and contrast when topping the sliders. |
Simple Swaps:
- Healthier version: Use grilled chicken breast leftovers or low-sugar sauce to make Bbq Chicken In The Crockpot lighter.
- Spicy version: Add hot sauce, cayenne, or diced jalapeños for a kick.
- Low-carb serving idea: Serve the pulled chicken over lettuce cups or roasted sweet potatoes instead of slider buns.
With these staples, you’ll be ready to build flavor from the first hour of cooking to the final, pull-apart perfection.
Tools & Preparation Tips for Slow Cooked BBQ Chicken
The right setup ensures your Pulled Chicken In The Crockpot comes out juicy and flavorful every time. Luckily, you don’t need much beyond your slow cooker and a few kitchen basics.
Essential Tools:
- Crockpot or slow cooker (4–6 quart)
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs
- Two forks or shredding claws
- Serving tray and spoon
Prep Steps Before Cooking:
- Lightly spray the Crockpot with nonstick spray or line with a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
- Lay raw chicken breasts or thighs evenly along the bottom.
- Mix barbecue sauce, vinegar, sugar, and spices in a bowl.
- Pour the sauce over chicken, turning each piece to coat fully.
- Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Pro Tips for Best Results:
- Drain excess liquid before serving to prevent soggy buns.
- Once the chicken shreds easily, switch the Crockpot to warm to prevent drying out.
- Stir in a few tablespoons of extra sauce right before serving for a glossy finish.
Prepping your Bbq Chicken In The Crockpot takes less than 15 minutes, but it sets the stage for hours of stress-free cooking. When you lift the lid later, you’ll have perfectly Pulled Chicken In The Crockpot ready to pile high on slider buns—smoky, sweet, and made for sharing.
Cooking & Assembling Slow Cooked BBQ Chicken Sliders
Step-by-Step Method for Tender Bbq Chicken In The Crockpot
Cooking Slow Cooked Bbq Chicken is all about letting time and gentle heat do the work. Follow these easy steps to create flavorful, fall-apart Bbq Chicken In The Crockpot that’s ideal for sliders or meal prep.
- Load the chicken: Place seasoned chicken breasts or thighs in the Crockpot. Don’t overcrowd so heat circulates evenly.
- Add the sauce mixture: Pour barbecue mixture over the chicken, coating every piece. The sauce should almost cover, not drown the meat.
- Set it and forget it: Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Shred the chicken: Transfer cooked chicken to a bowl and pull apart with forks. Stir in some sauce from the Crockpot to keep it juicy.
- Healthy tweaks: For a Bbq Chicken Crockpot Healthy version, skim fat or use low-sugar sauce.
- Keep warm: Leave the Crockpot on “warm” mode for serving at parties, stirring occasionally.
You’ve just made Slow Cooked Bbq Chicken that tastes like it spent hours in a smoker—but with hardly any effort.
Serving and Assembling the Perfect Sliders
Once your Slow Cooked Bbq Chicken is tender, it’s time to build the sliders. Every small detail makes a difference.
- Toast the slider buns: Butter lightly and toast for flavor and structure.
- Pile on the chicken: Spoon generous portions of Bbq Chicken In The Crockpot onto the buns.
- Add extra sauce: Drizzle additional sauce over the top for saucier sliders.
- Customize toppings:
- Classic: Add crunchy coleslaw.
- Southern twist: Use dill pickle chips.
- Gourmet option: Try caramelized onions or pepper jack cheese.
- Present beautifully: Serve on a platter or wrap individually for easy grab-and-go.
- Storage & reheating: Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat gently with a bit of sauce.
Serving idea: For a balanced meal or lighter spread, add grilled vegetables or green salad—keeping that Bbq Chicken Crockpot Healthy feel alive.
These Slow Cooked Bbq Chicken Sliders blend smoky flavor, soft bread, and tangy toppings for the ultimate backyard dish that’s easy to love and even easier to make.
FAQ + Conclusion
Common Questions About Slow Cooked BBQ Chicken Sliders
Can I use frozen chicken in the Crockpot?
Use thawed chicken for safety and even cooking. Frozen chicken takes longer to reach 165°F, so thaw overnight for best results when making Labor Day Crockpot Recipes.
What’s the best barbecue sauce for this recipe?
Sweet Kansas City, tangy Carolina, or spicy chipotle sauces all work well. Homemade sauce personalizes your Crockpot Barbecue flavor.
How do I keep the sliders warm during a party?
Use the Crockpot “warm” function once the chicken’s done. Stir every 20–30 minutes and keep the lid slightly ajar to avoid excess moisture.
Can I make this into a Bbq Chicken Crockpot Healthy version?
Yes—use boneless skinless breasts, skip added sugar, and serve on whole-grain buns or lettuce wraps with fresh toppings.
How long does leftover Pulled Chicken In The Crockpot last?
Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months. Add extra sauce or broth when reheating to maintain moisture and flavor.
Conclusion – A Labor Day Recipe Everyone Will Love
Slow Cooked BBQ Chicken Sliders are pure comfort made effortless. Each tender bite carries smoky sweetness without long hours by the grill. The slow cooker turns this Crockpot Barbecue into the perfect celebration dish for family gatherings or summer cookouts.
Among all Labor Day Crockpot Recipes, few rival these sliders for flavor, ease, and versatility. Whether traditional or adjusted for a Bbq Chicken Crockpot Healthy twist, they’re guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
This Labor Day, let the slow cooker handle the heat. Serve up juicy Slow Cooked BBQ Chicken Sliders, celebrate good company, and soak in the last golden hours of summer.
Share your spin: Try your version and show off your Crockpot Barbecue creation—spicy, sweet, or somewhere in between—and inspire someone else’s next holiday tradition.
