Slow Cooker Zesty Pulled Chicken Sliders

Why You’ll Adore These Tangy Crockpot Chicken Sliders

In today’s fast-paced world, finding recipes that are both delicious and effortlessly simple is a true gem. Our Tangy Chicken Sliders Crockpot recipe fits the bill perfectly. Not only do they burst with incredible flavor, but their versatility makes them ideal for any occasion – from a quick family lunch to a centerpiece at your next potluck or tailgate party. The secret lies in the harmonious blend of a few humble ingredients transformed into something truly spectacular by the magic of slow cooking.

The sweet and tangy teriyaki-based sauce comes together with minimal effort, elevating basic chicken breasts into tender, juicy pulled chicken. Best of all, your slow cooker handles the majority of the work, leaving you free to focus on other things while dinner practically cooks itself. The tender chicken, combined with the bright, zesty kick of our homemade spicy sesame slaw, creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and exciting – a symphony of tastes and textures in every bite.

While these sliders are a masterpiece on their own, don’t be afraid to get creative! Serve the savory pulled chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or a tangle of noodles for a satisfying bowl meal. Transform it into a unique pizza topping, or even tuck it into crisp lettuce wraps for a lighter option. The possibilities are truly endless, making this recipe a fantastic foundation for various culinary explorations.

If you’re craving a different kind of chicken slider, our Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins would also be fantastic on a slider bun, complemented by this very same spicy sesame slaw. For more delightful chicken dinner ideas, be sure to explore our Homemade Orange Chicken and our classic Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki – both equally stress-free and delicious!

Essential Ingredients for Your Tangy Pulled Chicken Sliders

Crafting these delectable Tangy Crockpot Chicken Sliders requires a handful of accessible ingredients that work in harmony to create a truly memorable meal. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need for the flavorful pulled chicken and the irresistible spicy sesame slaw:

• Chicken Breasts: We recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their lean protein content and ease of shredding. However, boneless, skinless chicken thighs would also be a fantastic choice, offering a slightly richer flavor and even more moisture. For ultimate convenience, a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can significantly cut down on cooking time – simply shred and let it simmer in the sauce to absorb all the delicious flavors.
• Ketchup: Often underestimated, plain old ketchup plays a crucial role in balancing the sweet and tangy notes of our sauce. It adds a subtle acidity and a touch of sweetness that ties all the flavors together beautifully. Any brand of your favorite ketchup will do the trick.
• Teriyaki Sauce: The cornerstone of our tangy flavor, teriyaki sauce provides that distinct sweet, savory, and umami punch. Feel free to use your preferred brand, whether it’s a classic soy-based teriyaki or a ginger-garlic infused variety.
• Onions: Minced white or yellow onions contribute a foundational sweetness and aromatic depth to the chicken sauce as it slow cooks. Red onions can also be used for a slightly sharper flavor profile.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers a pungent, robust flavor that mellows beautifully during the slow cooking process, becoming sweet and aromatic. If you’re short on time, jarred minced garlic is a convenient substitute.
• Ginger Powder: Ground ginger powder adds an extra layer of warmth and tangy zest, perfectly complementing the teriyaki sauce and giving the dish its signature “tang.” Don’t skip this for that authentic flavor!
• Salt: A simple seasoning to enhance all the natural flavors and ensure the chicken is perfectly seasoned. Adjust to your personal preference.
• Buns: The perfect vessel for your sliders! Small slider buns, mini hamburger buns, or even soft Hawaiian rolls work wonderfully. Their slightly sweet taste pairs exceptionally well with the tangy chicken and spicy slaw. If you’re feeling ambitious and want to bake your own, consider our delightful Potato Rolls or our speedy Quick Dinner Rolls.

Crafting the Irresistible Spicy Sesame Slaw

No Tangy Crockpot Chicken Slider is complete without its crowning glory: the spicy sesame slaw. This vibrant, crunchy topping provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, tender chicken, adding a burst of flavor and a satisfying texture that takes these sliders to the next level. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this quick and easy slaw:

• Coleslaw Mix: For ultimate convenience, a pre-packaged coleslaw mix from the produce section of your grocery store is a lifesaver. It contains shredded cabbage and often carrots, saving you precious prep time. Alternatively, you can shred about 2 cups of red or green cabbage yourself.
• Mayonnaise: This forms the creamy base of our slaw dressing. We prefer regular, full-fat mayonnaise for its rich texture and flavor, but a low-fat option will also work if you’re watching calories.
• Sriracha: This beloved hot sauce is where the “spicy” in our slaw comes from. You can customize the heat level to your liking by adding anywhere from 1 to 2 teaspoons, or even more for a fiery kick! We recommend starting with a smaller amount, tasting, and then adding more if desired.
• White Rice Vinegar: A splash of white rice vinegar introduces a delightful tang and authentic Asian-inspired brightness to the slaw, cutting through the richness of the mayonnaise and chicken.
• Sesame Oil: This ingredient is non-negotiable for capturing that distinct, nutty sesame flavor that makes this slaw truly special. There isn’t a perfect substitute if you want the full sesame experience. If you’re just looking for a spicy, tangy slaw without the sesame, you could substitute it with a neutral oil like avocado oil, but the flavor profile would be different.

How to Master This Tangy Crockpot Chicken Sliders Recipe

Creating these sensational Tangy Crockpot Chicken Sliders is incredibly straightforward, thanks to the magic of your slow cooker. Follow these simple steps to bring this crowd-pleasing dish to life:

1. Prepare and Cook the Chicken: Begin by placing your chicken breasts neatly at the bottom of your slow cooker. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, teriyaki sauce, minced onion, minced garlic, ginger powder, and salt until well combined. Pour this flavorful sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on high for 3-4 hours, or on low for 6-7 hours. The chicken is perfectly cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F and it can be easily shredded with a fork.
2. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is wonderfully tender and falling apart, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a clean cutting board or a shallow dish. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, tossing it gently to ensure every strand is enveloped in the delicious, tangy sauce. This step allows the chicken to fully absorb the flavors.
3. Prepare the Spicy Sesame Slaw: While the chicken is cooking or just before serving, prepare your vibrant slaw. In a large mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, Sriracha, white rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir vigorously until all the ingredients are evenly distributed and the cabbage is well coated. You can serve the slaw immediately, or cover it and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing the flavors to meld even further.
4. Assemble Your Sliders: Now for the best part – assembly! Take your favorite slider buns and place a generous portion of about 1/4 cup of the warm, shredded tangy chicken on the bottom half. If you’re using larger hamburger buns, approximately 1/3 cup will be perfect. Finish each slider by topping the chicken with a dollop of the crunchy, spicy sesame slaw. Serve immediately and get ready for rave reviews!

While the slow cooker is forgiving, it is technically possible to overcook chicken, leading to dry and stringy results. However, with this recipe, if you adhere to the suggested cooking times and ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, you’ll achieve perfectly tender and juicy pulled chicken every time. Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy to avoid any guesswork.

Both high and low heat settings will yield excellent results for this slow cooker chicken, producing wonderfully juicy and shreddable chicken. The choice primarily depends on your schedule. If you’re starting the recipe in the morning and want it ready by dinner, the low setting (6-7 hours) is ideal. If you’re getting a later start in the afternoon and need dinner sooner, the high setting (3-4 hours) will work perfectly. Always aim for an internal temperature of 165°F.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a popular choice due to their lean nature and ease of preparation, making them a kid-friendly option. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would also be a delicious alternative, offering a richer flavor and even greater moisture content. You could even adapt this recipe using turkey! For a significantly reduced cooking time, consider using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. In this case, you would only use the slow cooker to heat the shredded chicken thoroughly in the sauce, which typically takes about 1 hour on high.

Absolutely! This recipe is fantastic for meal prep. You can cook and shred the chicken completely, then store it in an airtight container with its sauce in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The spicy sesame slaw can also be prepared and stored separately for the same duration. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and assemble your sliders fresh. This makes it a perfect option for busy weeknights or entertaining.

These tangy chicken sliders pair wonderfully with a variety of simple side dishes. Classic options like potato chips, French fries, or a creamy potato salad are always a hit. For something lighter, consider a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or even some sweet corn on the cob. The spicy sesame slaw already provides a good veggie component, but a simple fruit salad would also offer a refreshing contrast.

Adjusting the spice level of the slaw is incredibly easy! For a milder slaw, start with just ½ teaspoon of Sriracha and taste before adding more. You can gradually increase it teaspoon by teaspoon until you reach your desired heat. If you want it even spicier, feel free to add an extra teaspoon or two of Sriracha, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for an added kick. Always taste as you go!

Storing and Reheating Your Tangy Chicken Sliders

This recipe is excellent for making ahead or enjoying as leftovers. Here’s how to properly store and reheat your components:

• Refrigerator: Once the cooked chicken has cooled completely, transfer it along with the sauce to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The spicy sesame slaw should be stored separately in an airtight container in the fridge for the same duration.
• Freezer: To freeze the tangy pulled chicken, allow it to cool entirely. Then, transfer the chicken and sauce to freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply transfer it to the refrigerator overnight. We do not recommend freezing the slaw as its texture will become watery upon thawing.
• To Reheat: You can easily reheat your tangy pulled chicken in the microwave until warmed through. Alternatively, for stovetop reheating, place the chicken and sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water, chicken stock, or even a little extra ketchup to loosen the sauce if needed, stirring occasionally until heated through.

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