Slow Cooker Recipes That Taste Like Summer – Easy & Flavorful Meals

Hi There! Let’s Make Some Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders

If you’re anything like me, you love a good sandwich that’s packed with flavor but doesn’t take forever to make. That’s exactly why I am so excited to share this slow cooker cheesy BBQ chicken sliders recipe with you. It’s super easy, perfect for busy days, and turns simple ingredients into a melt-in-your-mouth, crowd-pleasing meal. Plus, it’s ideal for casual dinners or even game day, and you get that great combo of cheesy, smoky, and just a little bit sweet—all in one bite!

Why This Recipe is a Winning Choice

Using a slow cooker means the chicken turns out incredibly tender and flavorful without you having to hover over the stove. The shredded chicken soaks up all the yummy sauce, and the melted cheddar cheese makes it irresistibly gooey. The crispy bacon topping gives it that extra crunch and smoky punch. It’s like the perfect balance of tasty textures and bold flavors coming together!

Some Healthy Touches to Keep It Balanced

One thing I love about this recipe is that it has a fair dose of protein from the chicken and bacon, which keeps you full and satisfied. Choosing boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs helps keep it lean, though thighs add more juiciness if you prefer. By making the sauce from scratch using spices and a little natural sweetener like honey or brown sugar, you can avoid the added sugars and preservatives in some store-bought sauces. Also, topping with fresh cilantro or parsley not only looks beautiful but adds a refreshing herbal note that’s good for digestion.

Fun Ways to Make It Your Own

• Mild or Spicy? Adjust the chili powder to suit your taste. Add a bit more if you like a kick or swap it for smoked paprika if you prefer milder smokiness.
• Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack or mozzarella instead of cheddar to change the flavor profile.
• Go Meatless: If you want a vegetarian version, swap chicken for shredded jackfruit and skip the bacon!
• Different Buns: Use whole wheat buns or lettuce wraps for a lower-carb option.
• Add Some Veggies: Mix in sautéed onions or bell peppers into the chicken before shredding for extra flavor and nutrition.

Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders: Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1-1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 6-8 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth or stock
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (or a tomato-based smoky/spicy sauce)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (helps balance flavors)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped for garnish
• 6-8 soft sandwich buns or slider buns
• Olive oil or butter (optional, for toasting buns)

How to Make These Delicious Sliders

1. Place your chicken pieces in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix chicken broth, barbecue sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, brown sugar (if you’re using it), apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour this tasty sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and easy to shred.
5. Once the chicken is cooked, shred it right in the slow cooker using two forks, mixing it into the sauce well.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the shredded chicken, cover again, and let it melt on low for 10-15 minutes.
7. While the cheese is melting, cook your bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain and chop.
8. If you like, lightly toast the buns by spreading a little butter or olive oil on them, and warming them in the oven, a skillet, or on top of the slow cooker for a few minutes.
9. Build your sliders: spoon cheesy shredded chicken onto the bottom buns, add crispy bacon, sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley, then top with the buns.
10. Serve immediately, maybe with some extra sauce on the side for dipping!

Helpful Tips & Tricks

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the shredded chicken a day early and refrigerate it. Just reheat gently in the slow cooker or on the stove with a splash of broth to keep it juicy.
• Extra Gooey: Add a bit more cheese, or switch to a melty cheese blend like mozzarella and cheddar for a different texture.
• Buns Matter: Toasting buns is a game-changer! It adds crispness and stops them from getting soggy from the saucy chicken.
• Bacon Alternatives: If you don’t eat pork, try crispy turkey bacon or omit it and add some crunchy coleslaw on top for texture.
• Storage: Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep chicken moist.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Slow cooker or crockpot
• Mixing bowl for sauces
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Spatula or spoon to mix
• Forks to shred the cooked chicken
• Skillet for cooking bacon and toasting buns (optional)
• Serving plates and utensils for sliders

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe? Yes! Just add extra cooking time (about 1-2 hours on low) but make sure chicken is cooked through before shredding.
2. What if I don’t have barbecue sauce? You can substitute with a mix of tomato sauce, a bit of smoked paprika, a touch of honey, and apple cider vinegar for similar flavors.
3. Can I make these sliders spicy? Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or use a spicy BBQ sauce to suit your heat preference.
4. Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Definitely. Thighs are juicier and tend to shred easier, plus they add extra flavor.
5. How can I keep the sliders from getting soggy? Toast the buns well, don’t overload with sauce, and add some crunchy elements like lettuce or coleslaw if you want extra texture.

You’re All Set to Enjoy!

This slow cooker cheesy BBQ chicken sliders recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. I’d love to hear how yours turn out—do you have any fun twists you added? Pin this recipe on Pinterest to save it for your next cozy night in or party. Let’s keep sharing delicious moments together, one slider at a time!