Pin This sweet and tangy root beer BBQ pulled chicken slider recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering feast. The secret lies in simmering tender chicken in a homemade BBQ sauce infused with Rebel Float Root Beer, creating layers of complex flavor that will have everyone asking for your recipe.
I first made these sliders for a backyard gathering when I wanted something different from traditional BBQ. The root beer addition was initially an experiment that turned into our family's most requested recipe. Now my teenagers regularly text me from school asking if we can have these for dinner.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: provide the perfect base for soaking up all the delicious BBQ flavors. Look for fresh, high quality cuts without excess fat.
- Rebel Float Root Beer: gives this recipe its signature sweet complexity. The vanilla notes complement the smoky BBQ flavors beautifully.
- Ketchup: creates the tomato base for our sauce. Choose a quality brand without high fructose corn syrup for the best flavor.
- Apple cider vinegar: adds brightness and helps tenderize the meat. Always use raw unfiltered for maximum flavor and benefits.
- Light brown sugar: enhances the caramelization process. The molasses content pairs perfectly with the root beer.
- Worcestershire sauce: introduces umami depth. This fermented ingredient is what gives the sauce its sophisticated flavor profile.
- Dijon mustard: provides subtle tanginess. The French variety offers more complexity than yellow mustard.
- Smoked paprika: brings authentic BBQ flavor without requiring a smoker. Spanish paprika offers the richest color and taste.
- Slider buns: cradle all the deliciousness. Brioche or potato rolls offer the perfect balance of softness and structure.
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Chicken:
- Pat your chicken completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper on all sides. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium high heat until almost smoking, then add olive oil. Place chicken carefully in the hot pan without overcrowding and let it develop a golden crust for 2 to 3 minutes before flipping. This initial sear locks in moisture and creates flavor compounds that will enrich the sauce.
- Create the Root Beer BBQ Sauce:
- Using the same pan with all those delicious browned bits from searing, pour in the Rebel Float Root Beer and watch it bubble and steam. Immediately add ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne if using. Whisk thoroughly, making sure to scrape up any caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan. These contain concentrated flavor that will make your sauce exceptional. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, noticing how the ingredients begin to meld together.
- Simmer the Chicken to Perfection:
- Return your seared chicken to the bubbling sauce, nestling each piece so it's partially submerged. Reduce the heat to maintain a low, steady simmer and cover the pan. This gentle cooking method allows the chicken to slowly absorb the flavors while remaining juicy. After about 15 minutes, carefully flip each piece to ensure even flavor distribution. Continue simmering until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 25 to 30 minutes total. The chicken should be fork tender and practically falling apart.
- Master the Shredding Technique:
- Transfer the fully cooked chicken to a cutting board, allowing it to cool just enough to handle. Using two forks, pull the chicken apart along its natural grain lines, creating tender shreds rather than chopped pieces. This technique maximizes surface area for the sauce to cling to. Return all shredded chicken to the pan, stirring thoroughly to coat each piece. Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for 5 to 10 additional minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Pin The Rebel Float Root Beer is truly the star ingredient here. I discovered this technique after visiting a famous BBQ joint in Tennessee where the pitmaster revealed his secret ingredient was root beer. The complex vanilla, wintergreen and sassafras notes in quality root beer create depth that ordinary BBQ sauce simply cannot achieve. My family now judges all BBQ by this standard.
Perfect Slaw for BBQ
Creating the ideal slaw to accompany BBQ is all about balance. The creamy, crisp cabbage provides refreshing contrast to the rich, sweet pulled chicken. For best results, make your slaw at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld while maintaining crispness. The slight tang from apple cider vinegar cuts through the richness of the BBQ sauce, cleansing your palate between bites. For an extra flavor dimension, try adding a tablespoon of the root beer BBQ sauce directly into your slaw mixture.
Make-Ahead Options
These sliders are perfect for meal prep and entertaining. The pulled chicken can be prepared up to three days ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container. When ready to serve, gently reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or additional root beer to maintain moisture. The slaw actually improves after several hours in the refrigerator as flavors meld, but add any delicate ingredients like green onions just before serving. For parties, keep the chicken warm in a slow cooker on the low setting for up to two hours, allowing guests to build their own sliders.
Creative Variations
While the classic version is delicious, this recipe welcomes customization. For a tropical twist, add a cup of diced pineapple to the BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes of simmering. The natural enzymes help tenderize the meat while adding sweetness. Spice lovers can double the cayenne or add chipotle powder for smoky heat. For a Southern twist, top sliders with pickled green tomatoes or jalapeños. Vegetarians can substitute jackfruit for chicken, following the same cooking method but reducing simmer time to 15 minutes.
Pairing Suggestions
These sliders deserve thoughtful accompaniments to create a complete meal. Crispy sweet potato fries with a sprinkle of smoked salt complement the sweet BBQ flavors beautifully. A simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lime juice provides refreshing contrast. For beverages, craft root beer is the obvious choice, but a hoppy IPA or bourbon sweet tea also pairs wonderfully. Complete the meal with individual mason jars of banana pudding topped with vanilla wafers for a nostalgic Southern dessert experience.
Pin Enjoy these flavor-packed sliders at your next gathering or as a special weeknight treat.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts?
Yes, both chicken breasts and thighs work well. Thighs offer extra juiciness and rich flavor.
- → Is it possible to use regular root beer instead of Rebel Float?
Any quality craft or regular root beer enhances the sauce’s sweet and spicy character.
- → How do I make this dish dairy-free?
Use dairy-free buns and mayonnaise in the slaw to keep everything fully dairy-free.
- → Can the slaw be made in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare the slaw ahead and refrigerate it until serving—it gets even tastier.
- → What’s the best way to shred the chicken?
Shred cooked chicken using two forks or meat claws for a tender, even texture.