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Savory Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Easy Crispy Pickled Slaw

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These sliders feature tender slow-cooked buffalo chicken paired with a tangy, crispy pickled slaw, perfect for casual gatherings and game days. The slow cooker method makes it easy to prepare a flavorful, juicy meal with minimal hands-on time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup buffalo sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned or shredded
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 12 slider buns or soft dinner rolls
  • Optional: Blue cheese crumbles or ranch dressing for topping

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker.
  2. In a small bowl, mix buffalo sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken.
  4. Cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 1.5 to 2 hours until chicken is tender and shreds easily.
  5. Remove chicken and shred using two forks or meat claws.
  6. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat with remaining sauce; keep warm on low.
  7. In a large bowl, combine shredded green and purple cabbage with carrot.
  8. In a separate bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, celery seeds, and pepper until sugar dissolves.
  9. Pour vinegar mixture over cabbage and carrot; toss well and let sit at least 20 minutes to develop flavor and crunch.
  10. Lightly toast slider buns if desired.
  11. Assemble sliders by piling buffalo chicken on bun bottoms, topping with pickled slaw, adding blue cheese crumbles or ranch if desired, then placing bun tops.
  12. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcook chicken to avoid dryness; check at 3 hours on low. Butter in buffalo sauce adds richness. Use fresh cabbage and avoid overdressing slaw to keep it crisp. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Prepare slaw ahead but assemble sliders just before serving for best texture. For gluten-free, use gluten-free rolls; for dairy-free, omit butter or use plant-based alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken sliders, slow cooker chicken, pickled slaw, game day recipe, easy sliders, buffalo sauce, slow cooker recipe

Find it online: https://jollyfork.com/savory-slow-cooker-buffalo-chicken-sliders-with-easy-crispy-pickled-slaw/