4th of July Grilled Pulled Chicken Sliders Recipe

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Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Yield: 18-20 sliders

Ingredients:

For Barbecue Sauce

¾ cup ketchup

¾ brown sugar

1/3 cup apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons whole grain mustard

2 tablespoons maple syrup

3 dashes worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon chili powder

For Sliders

6 chicken pieces (Note: A mixture of thighs and breasts works well, but use whatever you have on hand.)

3 tablespoons prepared chicken seasoning rub

18-20 slider roles

Sliced white onion, for garnish

Bread and butter pickles, for garnish

Cole slaw, for garnish

Shredded cheese, for garnish

Directions:

1. Set up your grill. If using charcoal, create a hot side and a cool side. If using gas, turn one burner to high, one to medium, and one to low.
2. Prepare the chicken by rinsing it, drying it thoroughly with paper towels, and seasoning it with the dry rub. Don’t be afraid to use your hands to ensure the chicken gets completely coated.
3. Place your chicken on the grill with the breasts over high heat and the thighs on low to account for their different cooking times. Allow the chicken to cook for 30 minutes, turning once it starts to brown.
4. While the chicken cooks, combine the ingredients for the barbecue sauce in a small saucepan. Adjust seasonings to taste and cook it over medium heat until it reduces down and thickens into a glaze. (Note: This step can be done up to 3 days in advance.)
5. After the chicken has browned on all sides, lower the heat on the grill below 265 degrees F to prevent the sugars in the sauce from burning. Then, baste the sauce over the chicken and close the lid to allow the chicken to cook for 5 minutes.
6. Then, flip the chicken and baste the other side before cooking it again. Continue until all sides are coated with a generous layer of sauce.
7. Once the glaze has darkened and the juices run clear, remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest for five minutes.
8. As the chicken rests, prepare the garnishes for the sliders.
9. Pull the cooked chicken meat using two forks or by slicing the meat into bite-sized pieces.
10. Serve the meat alongside the garnishes and rolls for a make-your-own slider bar or assemble them by placing a generous portion of meat inside of each bun and topping as desired.

Sense this meal is easy to prepare, tasty, and fun to eat, your family will want it every week. While Fourth of July grilling seems extra special, you could easily adapt this recipe to be made in a slow cooker during the colder months. Just add the chicken to the slow cooker with the barbecue sauce and a little extra liquid – some chicken stock or even beer – and you’ll have succulent sliders in just a few hours. Whichever cooking method you choose, these little guys are bound to be a success.

For more 4th of July recipes on Stagetecture, click here.