After that, I set my slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for about 6-8 hours. If you’re in a rush, you can set it to high for about 4 hours, but I promise, the low setting really breaks down the chicken into that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The smell will start wafting through your home, and trust me, it’s hard to resist sneaking a taste! Once the cooking time is complete, I carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. The meat should fall apart effortlessly!
Next, I return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it in with the remaining sauce. This step is vital, as it ensures every bite is packed with flavor. I let it sit on warm while I prepare the slider buns. The next stage is assembling the sliders! I pile a generous amount of the BBQ chicken onto each bun and add your favorite toppings. For me, I adore a crunchy coleslaw on top—it adds an extra layer of flavor and texture!
Pro Tips for Best Results
When I first experimented with this recipe, I tried different brands of barbecue sauce. I found that using a sauce with a bold flavor profile really enhances the chicken! My favorite is a smoky chipotle BBQ sauce which adds a nice kick. I also tested the cooking time, and at first, I had the chicken cooking for too long, which dried it out. Watch your chicken closely, as every slow cooker can vary in heat intensity!
Another tip I learned is to let the chicken rest in the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes each bite incredibly succulent. Finally, don’t skimp on the toppings! It’s the small details that elevate the dish. A sprinkle of fresh green onions or a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce can make a world of difference.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most common errors I made on my first try was not seasoning the chicken beforehand. Since we’re relying on the flavor of the Dr Pepper and BBQ sauce, it’s easy to overlook salting the chicken itself. A simple sprinkle of salt and pepper before adding the sauces can take the flavor up a notch! (See the next page below to continue…)