Description
These Mississippi Mud Chicken Sliders On Toasted Rolls are a delightful blend of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors that will become a new favorite in your home. Perfect for game day or a casual dinner, these sliders are easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 ½ cups your favorite BBQ sauce
- 1–2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup packed light or dark brown sugar or 1–2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee or beef broth
- 12–15 small slider buns (brioche or Hawaiian sweet rolls preferred)
- Butter (unsalted)
- Optional toppings: dill pickle chips, creamy coleslaw, crispy fried onions, fresh cilantro or chives
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry and season generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- For the Slow Cooker Method: Place the chicken in the slow cooker, whisk together the BBQ sauce, cocoa powder, brown sugar (or molasses), apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and coffee or broth. Pour over the chicken and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until tender.
- For the Instant Pot Method: Place the chicken in the Instant Pot, pour the mud sauce over it, secure the lid, and cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes for breasts or 12-15 minutes for thighs. Allow a natural pressure release for 5-10 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure.
- For the Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken in a Dutch oven, pour the mud sauce over it, cover tightly, and bake for 30-45 minutes until cooked through and tender.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the pot with the sauce, stirring to coat.
- Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally and brush the cut sides with melted butter.
- Toast the rolls either on a griddle or in the oven until golden brown.
- Assemble the sliders by spooning a portion of the Mississippi Mud Chicken onto the bottom half of each toasted bun.
- Add optional toppings as desired, then place the top half of the bun over the chicken and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (slow cooker) or 10-12 minutes (Instant Pot)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking, Instant Pot, Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Don't fear the cocoa; it adds depth without sweetness. Adjust the spice level with cayenne pepper to your liking. Use sweet brioche or Hawaiian rolls for the best flavor and texture. Let the shredded chicken sit in the sauce for 15-30 minutes for enhanced flavor.