Slow Cooker BBQ Cranberry Chicken Sliders
Sweet and tangy shredded chicken combining barbecue sauce with whole cranberry sauce for a perfect balance of smoky and fruity flavors. The slow cooker does all the work, making tender, pull-apart chicken that's ideal for casual entertaining, game day gatherings, or easy weeknight dinners. This crowd-pleasing twist on traditional BBQ chicken offers a unique cranberry twist that sets it apart from standard slider recipes.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, heaping
- 1 can cranberry sauce, whole berry or classic
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon dry minced onion
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- 1
Trim fat from chicken and place in slow cooker
- 2
Brush Dijon mustard over both sides of chicken
- 3
Pour cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce over chicken
- 4
Add minced onion, salt and pepper
- 5
Toss chicken to coat and mix seasonings
- 6
Cover and cook until chicken reaches internal temperature
- 7
Transfer chicken to large bowl and rest
- 8
Shred chicken using two forks
- 9
Return shredded chicken to sauce in slow cooker
- 10
Stir to coat chicken with sauce
- 11
Serve on slider buns
Tips
Let chicken rest 15 minutes before shredding to retain moisture and make shredding easier
Use two forks to pull chicken apart in opposite directions for best texture
Toast slider buns lightly for extra texture contrast with the tender chicken
Good to Know
Refrigerate up to 3 days in airtight container. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.
Can cook chicken day before and reheat before serving. Sauce may thicken when cold.
Serve hot on toasted slider buns with coleslaw or pickles for extra crunch.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip resting time to avoid losing moisture when shredding
Don't overcook to prevent dry, stringy chicken texture
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, add 1-2 hours to cooking time and ensure internal temperature reaches 165F before shredding.
What if sauce is too thick?
Add small amounts of chicken broth or water to thin sauce to desired consistency.
How long does this keep?
Refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.