Sitting around the grill in my backyard on a warm summer evening, the delicious aroma of Cherry BBQ Chicken Sliders wafting through the air – it takes me right back to that perfect evening with friends and family. It was one of those easygoing gatherings where we didn’t have a care in the world, just laughing and sharing stories over a plate of these juicy, saucy little sandwiches. Even now, the thought of biting into that perfectly tender chicken, the sweet-tangy cherry BBQ glaze mingling with the soft, toasted bun – it makes my mouth water. Cherry BBQ Chicken Sliders have become a signature dish for me, and I know they’ll be a hit at your next cookout or game day celebration too.
Why This Cherry BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The secret behind these incredible Cherry BBQ Chicken Sliders is all in the marinade and the homemade cherry BBQ sauce. I’ve experimented with so many different flavor combinations over the years, but this recipe is the one that always stands out. The chicken stays incredibly moist and juicy, thanks to a quick brine that infuses it with flavor. Then, it’s coated in a rich, sticky-sweet sauce that just can’t be beaten. Your guests are going to be begging you for the recipe!
The Secret Behind Perfect Cherry BBQ Chicken Sliders
What really sets this Cherry BBQ Chicken Sliders recipe apart is the balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The cherry preserves in the barbecue sauce provide a lovely fruity note that complements the savory chicken perfectly. And the touch of apple cider vinegar gives it just the right amount of zing to keep things from being too cloying. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite!
Another key element is the technique of grilling the chicken thighs whole before shredding them. This helps the meat stay incredibly juicy and tender, rather than drying out. Plus, it’s so much easier than dealing with individual chicken breast pieces. Just let the thighs work their magic on the grill, then pull them apart with a couple of forks.
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Cherry BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 12
Description
Tender, juicy Cherry BBQ Chicken Sliders are a quick and easy dinner that the whole family will love. The sweet and tangy cherry barbecue sauce complements the shredded chicken perfectly, making these mini sandwiches an irresistible weeknight meal or casual gathering dish.
Ingredients
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup cherry preserves
– 1 cup barbecue sauce
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– 12 slider buns, split in half
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. – In a large pot or Dutch oven, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the chicken breasts and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until cooked through.
2. – Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks.
3. – In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cherry preserves, barbecue sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until well mixed.
4. – Place the slider buns on a baking sheet and toast them lightly.
5. – Scoop the cherry BBQ chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each slider bun. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
6. – Place the sliders back in the oven for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted.
7. – Remove the sliders from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley.
8. – Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture. You can also use any type of barbecue sauce or preserve that you prefer.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
Chicken thighs
Cherry preserves
Apple cider vinegar
Worcestershire sauce
Garlic
Onion
Smoked paprika
Salt and pepper
Slider buns
Step-by-Step Cherry BBQ Chicken Sliders Instructions
Preparing Your Cherry BBQ Chicken Sliders couldn’t be simpler. In just about an hour, you can have these delectable little sandwiches ready to serve. All you need is a grill, a saucepan, and a few basic kitchen tools. Let’s get started!
1- Begin by brining the chicken thighs in a saltwater solution for 30 minutes. This helps keep the meat moist and flavorful as it cooks.
2- Fire up your grill to medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, grill the chicken thighs for 8-10 minutes per side, until they’re cooked through and develop a beautiful char.
3- While the chicken is grilling, make the cherry BBQ sauce. In a saucepan, sauté some minced garlic and onion until fragrant. Then, stir in the cherry preserves, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4- Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces right in the saucepan with the cherry BBQ sauce. Stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated.
5- Toast the slider buns lightly on the grill, then pile the saucy, shredded Cherry BBQ Chicken onto the bottom halves.
6- Top each slider with a little extra sauce and close them up with the top buns. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Cherry BBQ Chicken Sliders is not to overcook the chicken. Keep a close eye on it as it grills, and pull it off as soon as it reaches 165°F internally. If you let it go too long, the meat will dry out.
Another pro tip is to make the cherry BBQ sauce in advance. It actually tastes even better if you let the flavors meld together for a few hours or even a day before assembling the sliders. That way, you can focus on the grilling when it’s time to serve.
Serving and Storing Your Cherry BBQ Chicken Sliders
Perfect Pairings for Cherry BBQ Chicken Sliders
These Cherry BBQ Chicken Sliders are the ultimate backyard or game day grub. They pair perfectly with creamy coleslaw, crispy fries, or a fresh summer salad. And of course, an ice-cold beer or sweet iced tea is the perfect beverage accompaniment.
For a more elevated occasion, you could serve them alongside a seasonal fruit salad and some herbed roasted potatoes. They also make a fantastic main course for a casual dinner party, with a side of roasted vegetables and dinner rolls.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Cherry BBQ Chicken Sliders will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just store the shredded chicken and sauce separately from the buns. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chicken mixture in a saucepan or the microwave, toast the buns, and assemble.
You can also make the cherry BBQ sauce and shred the chicken up to 3 days in advance. Keep them stored separately in the fridge until you’re ready to put the sliders together. This makes for super quick and easy assembly on the day you want to serve them.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cherry BBQ Chicken Sliders
Creative Cherry BBQ Chicken Sliders Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many ways to put a twist on these Cherry BBQ Chicken Sliders. For a spicier version, add a dash of cayenne or chipotle powder to the sauce. Or, swap out the cherry preserves for strawberry or raspberry for a slightly different fruity note.
You could also try topping the sliders with crispy fried onions, melted cheddar cheese, or even a tangy pickle slaw. And for a fun seasonal spin, use cranberry sauce instead of cherry preserves in the fall, or swap in peach preserves for a summery twist.
Making Cherry BBQ Chicken Sliders Diet-Friendly
To make these Cherry BBQ Chicken Sliders a bit more diet-friendly, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just be careful not to overcook them. You can also use a lower-sugar fruit preserve, or even make your own cherry compote with just a touch of honey.
For a gluten-free option, serve the saucy chicken on lettuce cups or sturdy cucumber slices instead of buns. And for a dairy-free version, simply omit the Worcestershire sauce or use a vegan Worcestershire alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work just fine in this recipe. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more easily than thighs. I recommend brining the breasts as well to help keep them juicy.
Q: How long do the sliders need to marinate?
A: The chicken only needs a 30-minute brine in saltwater before grilling. This is enough time to infuse the meat with flavor and moisture. You don’t want to let it sit for too long, or the texture can become mushy.
Q: Can I make the cherry BBQ sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, the sauce is actually better if you make it in advance! Prepare the sauce up to 3 days before you plan to serve the sliders. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to toss the shredded chicken in it.
Q: How many sliders does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield 8-10 Cherry BBQ Chicken Sliders, depending on the size of your buns. It’s a great amount for a small gathering or party. If you need to feed a larger crowd, you can easily double or triple the ingredients.
Q: What if my sliders are getting soggy?
A: To prevent soggy buns, be sure not to over-sauce the chicken. You want just enough of the cherry BBQ sauce to lightly coat the meat, not drench it. Toast the buns right before assembling, and consider serving the extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Conclusion
Cherry BBQ Chicken Sliders are truly the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish. With their mouthwatering combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, they’re sure to be a total hit at your next backyard bash or tailgate party. And the best part is, they’re so easy to make!
I hope this recipe inspires you to fire up the grill and get cooking. These little sandwiches are guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Don’t forget to let me know how they turn out – I love hearing feedback from fellow Cherry BBQ Chicken Sliders enthusiasts!
