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Crockpot cranberry BBQ chicken sliders are my trusty answer to the “what do I bring for the party” panic. You know those evenings when you promised to make something, but work was wild and you’re out of energy? Yeah, that’s when I whip out this ultimate lifesaver. It tastes like a five-star restaurant but takes literally ten minutes to throw together. Even my picky uncle (who generally eats only pie at get-togethers) comes back for seconds.

Why These Sliders Are Great for Parties

Let’s be honest, no one wants to fuss over food during a party. That’s exactly why these cranberry BBQ chicken sliders are a hit. For one, they’re made in the crockpot, so you just dump in the goods and let the machine do its magic. The chicken comes out perfectly tender without you hovering in the kitchen (that leaves you more time for awkward small talk or an extra glass of whatever’s in your cup).

I’ve noticed people gravitate toward anything on a little bun. It’s just a fact. It’s like, small bread equals more fun, right? These sliders are totally portable, so folks can wander around with ‘em and not miss a minute of chasing toddlers or talking to that surprising neighbor. Plus, the combo of sweet cranberry and smoky BBQ sauce? That’s just a flavor bomb.

Seriously, I started making these after finding this gem of a chicken cranberry sliders for holiday parties and now they’re on every family menu. Trust me, you’ll be asked for the recipe (and maybe have none left for yourself if you’re not careful).

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You really don’t need anything wild for these cranberry BBQ chicken sliders—I’ve even grabbed everything in one trip to the store.

Chicken breasts or thighs, about two pounds (I go with what’s on sale)
BBQ sauce (pick your fave; tangy, bold, doesn’t matter)
Canned whole berry cranberry sauce – yes, the jelly stuff works in a pinch, too
Fresh or dried rosemary (just a sprinkle, but if you hate rosemary, skip it honestly)
Slider buns (there’s no shame in pre-sliced packs)
Salt and pepper (the easy kind from your table)

I’ve seen friends toss in some onion or garlic powder, but I gotta say, the main three are magic by themselves.

Crock Pot Cooking Steps

I always say—okay, I usually say—this is a “barely any work” dish. Layer your chicken in the crockpot. Pour over the BBQ sauce and then dump in the cranberry sauce. Sprinkle over that rosemary if you’re feeling kinda fancy, salt and pepper too.

Then, put the lid on and leave it. That’s it. Set your crockpot to low for six or so hours, or high for about three hours if you’re racing against time. The kitchen starts to smell ridiculous halfway through—like, you’ll want to sneak a bite with a fork.

Once it’s done, just shred the chicken directly in the pot with two forks. Stir everything together. If you’re a big fan of crockpot magic, check out these 3 ingredient chicken dump go crock pot dinner or my go-to for weeknights, the 5 ingredient shredded chicken tacos in crock pot. All from one simple appliance—love that!

Assembling Sliders

Alright, now for my favorite part (because, let’s face it, we’re all hungry at this point). I split open the slider buns, spoon a generous heap of that cranberry BBQ chicken on the bottom half, and pop the tops back on. Easy as pie. You really don’t need to go wild here. I’ve seen people toast their buns, but honestly, I never bother unless company’s already at my house watching.

Here’s something odd: once I made the mistake of skimping on the filling and nobody noticed except my always-hungry cousin who eats like a linebacker. So, pile it high or keep it tidy, up to you.

“These sliders are absolutely FAMOUS at our football parties. I bring my crockpot, plug it in at the counter, and they vanish before halftime!”
– Jenny, my best friend’s neighbor who’s now obsessed.

Optional Toppings

You can totally go classic—just that juicy cranberry BBQ chicken, nothing else. Still, if you want to jazz things up a bit, try some fixings. Sometimes I put out a little spread so everyone can pick their own:

Coleslaw – brings a tangy crunch, and people love it (almost too much, actually)
Pickled red onions – zingy, adds color and a little zip
A slice of cheddar or provolone for the cheese-lovers
Sliced jalapeños if you want a hint of heat

Swapping out the toppings can totally change the vibe. Lately, my cousin started mixing sriracha mayo in. That’s next-level if you ask me. If you like playing with toppings, check out my take on bbq pulled beef sweet tangy crock pot recipe for even more inspiration!

Serving + Storage

Want to make these cranberry BBQ chicken sliders go further? Here’s how I keep things easy and tasty for everyone:

Keep the chicken warm in the crockpot (on the warm setting) so it’s always juicy
Serve buns in a basket on the side and let everyone build their own (less work for you)
Stash any leftovers in a covered container in your fridge for 3-4 days—maybe even freeze for emergencies
Top with fresh herbs before serving if you kinda wanna show off

Wanna stretch the party spirit even longer? I sometimes use leftovers in wraps for lunch the next day. The flavor gets even better, if that’s possible.

Common Questions

Do I need to use chicken breast for these sliders?
Nope, thighs work great too and can be juicier.

Can I prep this a day ahead?
Absolutely. I actually think the flavors get a little deeper if you make it the night before. Just reheat in the crockpot.

Is fresh cranberry sauce better than canned?
Honestly, both work. I use canned most times because it’s just easy.

Do the sliders get soggy if you assemble them ahead?
A little, yeah, if they sit around. I always put the meat and buns out separately till it’s go time.

What can I serve with these sliders?
Chips, coleslaw, veggies, or even just a big old salad. Super flexible.

Give These Sliders a Try at Your Next Bash

If you’ve ever needed a hero dish for the potluck or game night, cranberry BBQ chicken sliders are IT. The prep is super simple, they feed a ton of people, and there’s never leftovers (unless you hide a couple for yourself). Honestly, they remind me of this Cranberry BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich | The Oven Light—which is also amazing if you want something just a little bit different next time.

The sweet tangy twist is just magic in a bun, especially for those who’ve had enough plain meat and cheese combos at parties. Want to try other slow cooker greats? It’s worth peeking at my classic chicken and dumplings in the slow cooker as a cozy crowd-pleaser.

So grab your ingredients, don’t stress, and know you’ve got a wild crowd-pleaser waiting for you. And if you end up making them and loving them—let me know, I live for the party food gossip!