Irresistible Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Chicken Sliders

Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Chicken Sliders with Cranberry BBQ are the kind of dish that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. Imagine tender, juicy chicken infused with the warm spices of fall and kissed by the sweetness of apple cider, all nestled in a soft slider bun. cozy slow cooker white chicken chili It’s like a cozy hug from your grandma on a chilly day, only better because there’s no awkward small talk involved.

Now, let me take you back to a family gathering last autumn, where the scent of cider simmering on the stove mingled with laughter and stories. My cousin decided to challenge my culinary prowess by bringing his “famous” ribs, but little did he know that my slow cooker apple cider pulled chicken sliders with cranberry BBQ were about to steal the show. Spoiler alert: they did! Perfect for game day or a casual dinner party, these sliders are sure to impress while requiring minimal effort on your part. Get ready for an explosion of flavors! For more inspiration, check out this Flavorful Chicken Burrito Bowls recipe.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Chicken Sliders with Cranberry BBQ

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Using about 3-4 chicken breasts ensures tenderness; opt for organic if you can for best flavor.
• Apple Cider: Choose fresh apple cider for the best sweetness; skip the hard stuff unless you’re planning to spike it later!
• Cranberry Sauce: A jar of store-bought cranberry sauce works wonders here; look for one without added sugars.
• Onion: A medium yellow onion adds depth; chop it finely so its flavor melds perfectly into the dish.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic cloves will amp up the flavor; crush and mince them to release their amazing aroma.

For seasoning:

• Spices (Cinnamon and Thyme): These spices bring warmth; adjust according to your preference—more cinnamon for sweet lovers!

For serving:

• Slider Buns: Soft and fluffy slider buns are essential; pick whole grain for added nutrition or go classic with white buns.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

 

 

How to Make Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Chicken Sliders with Cranberry BBQ

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients together on a clean counter. Chop the onion and mince those garlic cloves so they’re ready to rock.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Place your boneless chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Sprinkle them generously with salt, pepper, cinnamon, and thyme—give those flavors a chance to party!

Step 3: Add Cider and Cranberries

Pour in that beautiful apple cider over the chicken followed by dollops of cranberry sauce. The combination is like a sweet symphony playing just for you.

Step 4: Add Onions and Garlic

Scatter your chopped onions and minced garlic over everything. They’ll infuse their flavors into the chicken as it cooks low and slow.

Step 5: Cook

Cover your slow cooker and set it on low heat for about six hours or until that chicken shreds easily with a fork. Go ahead—take a snooze or binge-watch your favorite show during this time.

Step 6: Shred and Serve

Once cooked, shred that chicken right in the cooker using two forks. Mix everything together until well combined—it’s going to smell incredible! Spoon generous amounts onto soft slider buns.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra cranberry BBQ sauce if you dare—it takes these sliders over the top! Enjoy every bite while pretending that you’re in a fancy restaurant instead of at home in your pajamas.

Now you’re armed with an amazing recipe that’ll have everyone talking—and maybe even fighting over who gets the last slider! Happy cooking!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken for extra flavor before placing it in the slow cooker. While that’s happening, mix your apple cider and cranberry BBQ sauce. This ensures everything cooks evenly and maximizes taste.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the chicken for pulled pork or turkey if you’re feeling adventurous. You can also add spices like smoked paprika or even a splash of hot sauce to kick it up a notch!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, simply warm it on low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of apple cider if it seems dry.

There was that one time I made these sliders for a game night with friends. They were devoured within minutes, and my friends still joke about how they almost tackled me for the last slider!

FAQs :

What ingredients do I need for Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Chicken Sliders with Cranberry BBQ?

To make Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Chicken Sliders with Cranberry BBQ, you’ll need boneless chicken breasts, apple cider, cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, onion, garlic, and slider buns. Additionally, you can include spices like salt, pepper, and thyme to enhance the flavors. old fashioned beef stew garlic butter beef sliders These ingredients combine to create a deliciously sweet and savory pulled chicken that pairs perfectly with the tangy cranberry BBQ sauce.

How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Chicken?

Cooking Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Chicken typically takes about 4 to 6 hours on the low setting or 2 to 3 hours on high. The longer cooking time allows the chicken to absorb all the flavors from the apple cider and cranberry BBQ sauce. Ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption. Shred the chicken before serving for maximum flavor infusion.

Can I make Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Chicken in advance. After cooking, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months. When ready to serve, reheat it in a slow cooker or on the stove until warmed through. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or entertaining.

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Chicken Sliders?

Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Chicken Sliders pair well with various sides. Consider serving them alongside coleslaw for a crunchy contrast or sweet potato fries for a comforting touch. You can also offer a light salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the meal. For an extra layer of flavor, provide additional cranberry barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.

Conclusion for Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Chicken Sliders with Cranberry BBQ :

Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Chicken Sliders with Cranberry BBQ are a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. This dish is easy to prepare and ideal for gatherings or weeknight dinners. The combination of tender pulled chicken and zesty cranberry BBQ sauce creates a delightful experience for your taste buds. three bean chili for gatherings With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you’ll enjoy this delicious recipe any time of year!