Ultimate Fall Tailgating: Slow Cooker Apple Cider Chicken Sliders
Experience the quintessential flavors of autumn with these incredible Slow Cooker Apple Cider Chicken Sliders, the ultimate addition to your game day menu! This recipe transforms humble chicken into a succulent, apple-infused masterpiece, cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. The tender, flavorful chicken is then elevated with a vibrant, crunchy, and zesty apple cabbage slaw, creating a harmonious balance of sweet and savory that captures the essence of fall. These sliders are not just a meal; they’re an experience, perfect for tailgating, fall gatherings, or any occasion that calls for delicious, easy-to-eat comfort food.
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As the leaves begin to change and a crisp breeze fills the air, my thoughts inevitably turn to apples. Apples, apples everywhere, a true symbol of the autumn season, evoking a wealth of cherished memories and delicious possibilities. While many associate apples primarily with sweet desserts like pies and crisps, their versatility extends far beyond, especially when it comes to savory dishes. This recipe for Slow Cooker Apple Cider Chicken Sliders is a testament to the apple’s savory potential, blending those comforting fall notes with a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for any gathering.
Embracing the Flavors of Fall: A Personal Journey
For me, “apple anything” is more than just a flavor; it’s a portal to a flood of nostalgic fall memories. Growing up in Kansas City, one of my absolute favorite autumn traditions was heading out to the apple orchards with my mom. Those days were an adventure, spent wandering through rows of trees, hand-picking apples of every variety imaginable. We’d sample different local honeys, each with its unique floral notes, and always make sure to grab a jug of fresh, sweet cider for the journey home – the perfect accompaniment to our apple-filled car ride.
I loved searching for the most beautiful apples – those perfectly ripe, ruby-red ones that looked like they’d been plucked straight from a fairytale, perhaps even from the scene in Snow White. With my short, jet-black hair, bangs, and very fair skin, I was often nicknamed “Snow White” by the school photographers. While I used to shy away from the comparison, in those orchards, I’d lean into the fantasy. I’d play a game, carefully selecting apples that were mostly red but had a small patch of green. In my childish imagination, this green spot was the part the wicked witch had forgotten to poison, ensuring I’d be safe when I took a bite. It’s truly amazing how a simple food can unlock such vivid and cherished childhood memories, isn’t it?
Exploring the Savory Side of Apples for Game Day
Apples have always been a staple in my fall culinary adventures, but I realized I hadn’t fully explored their savory potential. Inspired by those sweet, fragrant orchard visits, I decided it was time to infuse those familiar fall flavors into something savory, juicy, and perfectly tender – ideal for prime tailgating and game day celebrations. The result? These incredible Slow Cooker Apple Cider Chicken Sliders, a dish that brings a sophisticated twist to classic comfort food while remaining incredibly easy to prepare.
The magic of this recipe lies in the slow cooker. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are gently simmered in a rich bath of apple cider and apple cider vinegar, along with a medley of aromatic spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cumin. This low-and-slow cooking method ensures the chicken becomes unbelievably juicy and fall-apart tender, practically melting in your mouth with every bite. The apple cider permeates the chicken, creating a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the savory spices.
Once shredded, this flavorful apple cider chicken is piled high onto toasted pretzel slider buns. The slight saltiness and chewy texture of the pretzel bun provide a delightful contrast to the chicken. A slice of sharp white cheddar cheese, melted under the broiler, adds a creamy, tangy layer that ties all the flavors together, creating a pretty amazing handheld sandwich experience. But wait, there’s even MORE flavor packed into these perfect fall sliders!
To top it all off, a generous helping of crunchy, zesty apple cabbage slaw is added. This slaw is a game-changer, featuring thinly sliced Granny Smith apples that deliver a delightful tang, complementing the sweetness of the chicken. Combined with crisp cabbage and a creamy, tangy dressing, it adds a refreshing textural contrast and a burst of bright flavor. It’s the perfect combination of savory, sweet, tangy, and crunchy, making each slider a balanced and incredibly satisfying bite. These are not just delicious; they’re hearty and filling, making them absolutely ideal for serving on game day when you need food that keeps everyone energized and happy!
Why Choose the Slow Cooker for these Sliders?
The slow cooker is an absolute hero for this apple cider chicken recipe. Its “set it and forget it” nature means minimal hands-on time, allowing the chicken to braise gently for hours, absorbing all the wonderful apple and spice flavors. This prolonged cooking breaks down the chicken fibers, resulting in unbelievably tender, moist, and easily shreddable meat. It’s also fantastic for meal prepping or feeding a crowd, as it keeps the chicken warm and juicy for hours, making it perfect for tailgates or parties where guests serve themselves. You can get all the prep done in the morning, and by evening, you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken ready to assemble into delicious sliders.
Picking the Perfect Apples for Your Sliders and Slaw
While the apple cider provides the core apple flavor for the chicken, choosing the right apples for the slaw is crucial for that ideal sweet and tangy crunch. For the slaw, Granny Smith apples are highly recommended due to their tartness and crisp texture, which holds up well in the dressing and provides a wonderful counterpoint to the rich chicken. If you prefer a slightly sweeter slaw, you could experiment with a Honeycrisp or Fuji apple, but ensure they are firm enough to provide that desirable crunch. For the apple cider in the chicken, any good quality, unfiltered apple cider will work beautifully, adding depth and natural sweetness without being overpowering.
Tailgating and Serving Tips for Success
These slow cooker apple cider chicken sliders are a tailgating dream. To make game day assembly a breeze, prepare the apple cider chicken and the apple cabbage slaw ahead of time. The shredded chicken can be kept warm in the slow cooker on a “warm” setting, or reheated gently on the stovetop or in the oven. The slaw can be made hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Transporting the components separately and assembling on-site ensures freshness. Don’t forget to pack your pretzel buns, white cheddar slices, and optional BBQ sauce. You can quickly melt the cheese under a portable broiler if you have one, or simply enjoy it softened by the warm chicken. Consider serving with extra napkins – these juicy sliders are delightfully messy!
Delicious Variations to Personalize Your Sliders
While this recipe is perfect as is, there are always ways to personalize it!
- **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker chicken mixture for a subtle kick.
- **Cheese Choices:** Experiment with different cheeses! Provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked gouda could offer interesting flavor profiles.
- **Bun Alternatives:** If pretzel buns aren’t available, brioche slider buns or even Hawaiian rolls would make excellent substitutes, adding a touch of sweetness.
- **Slaw Swaps:** Instead of a green apple, you could add thinly sliced red onion to the slaw for an extra bite, or a different type of crisp apple. A touch of dijon mustard in the slaw dressing could also add a pleasant zing.
- **BBQ Sauce:** While optional, a smoky or tangy BBQ sauce drizzled over the chicken adds another layer of complexity. Choose a cider-based BBQ sauce for an even deeper apple flavor.
So, let’s celebrate fall and tailgating season to the fullest, shall we?! These Slow Cooker Apple Cider Chicken Sliders are sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a memorable dish for all your autumn festivities. The ease of preparation combined with the irresistible flavors makes this recipe a true winner.
I’m thrilled to be partnering up for another year of amazing tailgating recipes with some of my favorite food bloggers! From savory to sweet, you’ll find everything you need to win at this whole tailgating thing below the recipe! CHECK. IT. OUT.
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This Recipe’s Must Haves
Instant Pot 6 Qt 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker because you can cook quick when you’re in a rush OR slow when you are running out for the day!
Shun Classic 8-Inch Chef’s Knife = my go-to always reliable knife
Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Half Sheet
Slow Cooker Apple Cider Chicken Sliders
equipment
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Instant Pot DUO
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Shun Chef’s Knife
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Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Half Sheet
ingredients
- 1/2 yellow onion thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1 1/2 Tbsp molasses
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 6 slider pretzel buns halved and toasted
- 6 slices white cheddar
- Optional: your favorite BBQ sauce
- 1 green apple cored and thinly sliced
- 1 scallion thinly sliced
- 1 lb shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
instructions
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In the bottom of a slow cooker, add sliced onion, apple cider, molasses, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
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Add chicken breasts to slow cooker. Cook on low for approximately 6 to 8 hours, until cooked through. You can also use a pressure cooker and cook for 15 to 20 minutes.
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Remove chicken from the slow cooker or pressure cooker to a large bowl. Using two forks, shred chicken. Set aside.
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In a medium bowl. toss together ingredients for the apple cabbage slaw until well combined.
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To assemble the sliders. add a good helping of shredded chicken to the bottom halves of the toasted pretzel slider buns. Add a slice of white cheddar cheese on top of each.
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Place bottom halves of the sliders on a sheet pan. Place under the broiler set to high and broil until the cheese is melted, approximately 2 minutes.
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Remove from heat and top with your favorite BBQ sauce, if desired. Add a good pinch of the apple cabbage slaw on top. Finish with the top half of the slider bun. Repeat with remaining sliders and serve.
More Fantastic Tailgating Recipes
Looking for more amazing dishes to complete your game day spread? Check out these fantastic tailgating recipes from my fellow food bloggers. From hearty mains to irresistible dips and delightful desserts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Chicken Swiss Dip by The Life Jolie
Traeger Pulled Pork by Or Whatever You Do
Slow Cooker Apple Cider Chicken Sliders by Cake ‘n Knife
Baked Brie Crescent Bites by The Culinary Compass
Aunt Julie’s Pepperoni Bread by Off the Eaten Path
Jalapeño Ranch Dip by A Joyfully Mad Kitchen
Corn Dip by Me and My Pink Mixer
Chorizo Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates by Feast + West
Bacon Wrapped Cheese Smokies by West Via Midwest
Easy Roasted Veggie Fajitas by Hello Little Home
Pumpkin Pulled Pork Bowls by The Speckled Palate
Caramelized Onion Dip by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
Easy Potato Chip Nachos by Honey and Birch
Apple Pie Twists by 2 Cookin Mamas
Buffalo Cauliflower + Blue Cheese Dressing by For the Love of Food
Pigskin Cheeseball by Love & Flour