Ultimate Pull Apart Chicken Sliders: Easy Recipes for Game Day & Family Gatherings

Italian Chef Team

2 months ago

Ultimate Pull Apart Chicken Sliders: Easy Recipes for Game Day & Family Gatherings

Pull apart sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser! They’re fun, easy to make, and endlessly customizable. These chicken pull apart sliders are perfect for game day, potlucks, family gatherings, or even a quick weeknight dinner. This guide will walk you through several delicious recipes, providing detailed instructions and helpful tips to ensure your sliders are a hit. Get ready to impress your guests with these irresistible, bite-sized treats!

Why Pull Apart Sliders are a Great Choice

* **Easy to Serve:** The pre-cut slider buns make serving a breeze. No need to individually assemble sandwiches; just pull and enjoy!
* **Customizable:** Adapt the recipes to your liking with different sauces, cheeses, and toppings.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Everyone loves sliders! They’re the perfect size for sampling and enjoying a variety of flavors.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Many of these recipes can be prepared in advance, saving you time on the day of your event.
* **Fun and Interactive:** The pull-apart nature of the sliders makes them a fun and interactive food experience.

## Recipe 1: BBQ Chicken Pull Apart Sliders

This classic recipe is a guaranteed winner! The sweet and tangy BBQ sauce combined with tender shredded chicken is simply irresistible.

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5 – 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls work great)
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
* 2 tablespoons melted butter
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, toss the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure chicken is evenly coated in the spice mixture.

2. **Cook the Chicken:** Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step is not about fully cooking the chicken, but about adding flavor and color. Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish. Pour chicken broth over the chicken. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. Let it rest for 10 minutes before shredding.

3. **Shred the Chicken:** Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken in the baking dish. Discard any excess liquid.

4. **Add BBQ Sauce:** Pour the BBQ sauce over the shredded chicken and mix well to coat evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of chicken broth to reach desired consistency.

5. **Prepare the Slider Buns:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Without separating the rolls, slice the entire slab of slider buns horizontally in half. Place the bottom half of the buns in a baking dish lined with parchment paper or foil. This makes for easier cleanup.

6. **Assemble the Sliders:** Spread the BBQ chicken evenly over the bottom half of the slider buns. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken. Place the top half of the slider buns over the cheese.

7. **Butter and Bake:** In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and garlic powder. Brush the top of the slider buns with the garlic butter mixture. This will give them a golden brown color and add extra flavor. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are heated through. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top of the buns to brown slightly.

8. **Serve:** Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired. Cut the sliders along the pre-cut lines and serve warm.

**Tips and Variations:**

* For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce.
* Use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
* Add crispy fried onions or coleslaw on top of the chicken for extra texture and flavor.
* Prepare the chicken and BBQ sauce mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the sliders.
* If you don’t have time to bake the chicken, you can use rotisserie chicken instead.

## Recipe 2: Buffalo Chicken Pull Apart Sliders

Spice up your slider game with this Buffalo chicken version! The combination of spicy buffalo sauce and creamy ranch dressing is a winning combination.

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5 – 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (your favorite brand)
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 12 slider buns
* 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
* 1/2 cup ranch dressing
* 2 tablespoons melted butter
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* Optional: blue cheese crumbles, chopped celery

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, toss the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spice mixture.

2. **Cook the Chicken:** Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish. Pour chicken broth over the chicken. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. Let it rest for 10 minutes before shredding.

3. **Shred the Chicken:** Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken in the baking dish. Discard any excess liquid.

4. **Add Buffalo Sauce:** Pour the buffalo wing sauce over the shredded chicken and mix well to coat evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more buffalo sauce if you prefer it spicier.

6. **Assemble the Sliders:** Spread the buffalo chicken evenly over the bottom half of the slider buns. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the chicken. Drizzle ranch dressing over the cheese. Place the top half of the slider buns over the cheese.

7. **Butter and Bake:** In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and garlic powder. Brush the top of the slider buns with the garlic butter mixture. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are heated through. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top of the buns to brown slightly.

8. **Serve:** Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles and chopped celery, if desired. Cut the sliders along the pre-cut lines and serve warm.

**Tips and Variations:**

* Use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or mozzarella.
* Add a layer of blue cheese dressing instead of ranch dressing.
* Serve with a side of celery sticks and carrot sticks for dipping.
* For a milder flavor, use a less spicy buffalo wing sauce.
* Make homemade buffalo sauce by combining hot sauce, butter, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.

## Recipe 3: Pesto Chicken Pull Apart Sliders

For a fresh and flavorful twist, try these pesto chicken sliders. The bright and herbaceous pesto pairs perfectly with juicy chicken and melted mozzarella cheese.

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5 – 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
* 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
* 12 slider buns
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* 2 tablespoons melted butter
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, toss the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

2. **Cook the Chicken:** Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish. Add about ¼ cup water to the baking dish to keep the chicken moist. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. Let it rest for 10 minutes before shredding.

3. **Shred the Chicken:** Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken in the baking dish. Drain any excess liquid.

4. **Add Pesto and Sun-dried Tomatoes:** Stir in the pesto and sun-dried tomatoes with the shredded chicken until evenly distributed.

6. **Assemble the Sliders:** Spread the pesto chicken mixture evenly over the bottom half of the slider buns. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken. Place the top half of the slider buns over the cheese.

8. **Serve:** Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Cut the sliders along the pre-cut lines and serve warm.

**Tips and Variations:**

* Add fresh basil leaves for extra flavor and aroma.
* Use provolone or fontina cheese instead of mozzarella.
* Include a layer of roasted red peppers for added sweetness.
* Make your own pesto using fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
* Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the pesto for a brighter flavor.

## Recipe 4: Chicken Bacon Ranch Pull Apart Sliders

This recipe combines the classic flavors of chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing for a truly satisfying slider experience.

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5 – 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
* 1/2 cup ranch dressing
* 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 12 slider buns
* 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
* 2 tablespoons melted butter
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* Optional: chopped green onions

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, toss the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

2. **Cook the Chicken:** Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish. Add about ¼ cup water to the baking dish to keep the chicken moist. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. Let it rest for 10 minutes before shredding.

3. **Shred the Chicken:** Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken in the baking dish. Drain any excess liquid.

4. **Add Bacon and Ranch:** Stir in the crumbled bacon and ranch dressing with the shredded chicken until well combined.

6. **Assemble the Sliders:** Spread the chicken bacon ranch mixture evenly over the bottom half of the slider buns. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese over the chicken. Place the top half of the slider buns over the cheese.

8. **Serve:** Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Sprinkle with chopped green onions, if desired. Cut the sliders along the pre-cut lines and serve warm.

**Tips and Variations:**

* Use turkey bacon for a healthier option.
* Add a layer of sliced tomatoes for freshness.
* Include avocado slices for a creamy texture.
* Use a combination of different cheeses, such as Colby Jack or provolone.
* Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

## General Tips for Making the Best Pull Apart Chicken Sliders

* **Use Quality Ingredients:** Start with fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Choose good-quality slider buns, cheese, and sauces.
* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** When searing the chicken, don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken in batches to ensure it browns evenly.
* **Use a Sharp Knife:** A sharp knife will make it easier to slice the slider buns horizontally.
* **Line Your Baking Dish:** Line your baking dish with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
* **Brush with Garlic Butter:** Brushing the top of the slider buns with garlic butter adds flavor and helps them brown nicely.
* **Cover with Foil:** Covering the sliders with foil during baking prevents the buns from drying out.
* **Let Them Rest:** Let the sliders rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to melt completely and the flavors to meld together.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings, such as crispy fried onions, coleslaw, pickles, or jalapenos.
* **Make it a Meal:** Serve your pull apart chicken sliders with a side of chips, salad, or coleslaw for a complete meal.

## Make-Ahead Tips

* **Prepare the Chicken in Advance:** You can cook and shred the chicken up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Mix the Sauce and Chicken:** Combine the shredded chicken with the sauce (BBQ, buffalo, pesto, or ranch) and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the sliders.
* **Assemble the Sliders (Partially):** Assemble the sliders by placing the chicken mixture on the bottom half of the buns and topping with cheese. Cover with foil and store in the refrigerator. Add the top buns and garlic butter just before baking. This can be done up to 24 hours in advance.
* **Don’t Bake Too Far in Advance:** It’s best to bake the sliders just before serving to ensure they are warm and the buns are soft. If you need to bake them in advance, reheat them gently in the oven before serving.

## Serving Suggestions

Pull apart chicken sliders are a versatile dish that can be served at a variety of occasions.

* **Game Day:** These sliders are the perfect snack for watching football or other sporting events.
* **Potlucks:** Bring a batch of pull apart sliders to your next potluck and watch them disappear.
* **Family Gatherings:** These sliders are a crowd-pleasing option for family gatherings and holiday parties.
* **Weeknight Dinners:** Make a batch of sliders for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
* **BBQs:** Serve pull apart sliders as an appetizer or main course at your next BBQ.

## Final Thoughts

Pull apart chicken sliders are a delicious, fun, and easy way to feed a crowd. With endless possibilities for customization, you can create a slider recipe that everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to enjoy these irresistible bite-sized treats!

Tags: Recipes