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Pickles are an essential element in our Smoky Honey BBQ Chicken Sliders. Their tangy crunch perfectly contrasts the sweetness of the honey and the richness of the BBQ sauce. Choose dill pickles for a classic flavor, or go for bread and butter pickles if you prefer a sweeter option. Whichever you select, they’ll add a delightful zing to every bite, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the sliders.

Slow Cooked BBQ Chicken Sliders

Transform your family gatherings with these irresistible Smoky Honey BBQ Chicken Sliders. Each slider features tender, juicy chicken flavored with a rich smoky BBQ sauce and a touch of honey, perfectly complemented by crunchy coleslaw and tangy pickles. Easy to prepare, these sliders can be made in a slow cooker or on the grill, making them perfect for any occasion. Gather your loved ones and embark on a flavorful journey that’s sure to impress everyone at the table!
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Ingredients
  

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup smoky BBQ sauce

1/4 cup honey

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a touch of heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

12 slider buns

1 cup coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)

Pickles (for garnish)

Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a spacious mixing bowl, blend together the BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture will serve as a flavorful marinade for your chicken.

    Slow Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs into your slow cooker and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. You're aiming for the chicken to become tender and easy to shred.

      Shred the Chicken: After cooking, remove the lid and use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Mix it well with the remaining sauce to ensure every bite is succulent and flavorful.

        Prepare the Slider Buns: While the chicken is cooking, prepare your slider buns by slicing them in half. If you prefer a crunchy texture, toast the cut sides on a skillet or grill over medium heat until they’re golden brown.

          Assemble the Sliders: For each slider, take the bottom half of a bun and pile on a generous serving of the shredded BBQ chicken. Top it off with a spoonful of coleslaw and a few crunchy pickles. Finally, place the top half of the bun to complete your slider stack.

            Garnish (Optional): For added freshness and color, top each slider with a sprig of fresh cilantro right before serving.

              Serve & Enjoy: Arrange your sliders on a large platter, and serve them warm at your next gathering, making sure everyone can savor the delightful flavors of your Smoky Honey BBQ Chicken Sliders!

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 7 hours | Servings: 12 sliders

                  - Presentation Tips: Consider serving the sliders with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping, along with a bowl of coleslaw for guests to add more if they desire.