Beer and Bourbon Barbecue Chicken Sliders
User Reviews
4.4
Beer and Bourbon Barbecue Chicken Sliders
Description
Beer and Bourbon Barbecue Chicken Sliders start with boneless skinless chicken breasts that are first seared in olive oil with salt and pepper to develop a browned exterior. Then, the chicken is simmered gently in lager beer with an optional splash of bourbon, which adds a subtle sweetness and depth, for 10 to 15 minutes until fully cooked and tender. After removing the chicken, it is shredded into bite-sized pieces and mixed with some of the cooking liquid and barbecue sauce for moisture and tangy flavor.
The slow simmering in beer and bourbon allows the chicken to absorb the rich, malty flavors, while the barbecue sauce contributes a balanced sweet and smoky taste. These sliders are assembled by spooning the saucy chicken onto lightly toasted slider buns, and pickles can be added to introduce a crisp and acidic contrast to the richness of the meat and sauce. The sliders make for a hearty appetizer or casual meal.
This recipe is best served warm and freshly assembled. Leftover sandwiches can be stored refrigerated for up to five days or frozen, and are easily reheated for later meals, retaining much of their moisture and flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 to 1.25 pounds chicken breast boneless skinless
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 12 ounces lager beer or your favorite beer, I used Sam Adams
- 2 tablespoons bourbon optional but strongly recommended, or whiskey
- 1 ½ cups barbecue sauce
- 10 to 12 slider buns lightly toasted if desired
- pickles optional for garnishing, sliced
Instructions
- To a large skillet, add the olive oil, chicken, evenly season with salt and pepper, and cook over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes on each side, or until chicken is seared and lightly browned on both sides.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the beer (use caution because it will bubble up), optional bourbon or whiskey, and simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through; flip a couple times to ensure even cooking.
- Remove chicken from pan and allow it to cool momentarily; save beer cooking liquid.
- Using two forks or your hands, shred the chicken into a large bowl.
- Add about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the beer cooking liquid (the more you add, the more beer flavor that’ll be present); discard remainder.
- Add the barbecue sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Add about 1/4 cup chicken to each slider bun, optionally top with pickles, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Serve sliders warm and fresh for best texture and flavor.
- Store leftovers airtight in the fridge up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Use your preferred lager beer for different flavor nuances; ale or other beers can be substituted.
- Pickles are optional but add a nice contrast to the barbecue chicken.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.4
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