Fenway Park-Inspired BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pulled chicken tossed in smoky barbecue sauce, piled high on mini buns for a perfect game day snack inspired by Boston’s iconic Fenway Park. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 135 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, smoky barbecue sauce, medium, thinly sliced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice mix evenly over 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Transfer seared chicken to a slow cooker or covered baking dish and spread 1 medium thinly sliced yellow onion on top. Pour 1 cup smoky barbecue sauce evenly over chicken.
  4. Step 4: Cook in slow cooker on low for 4 hours or bake covered at 325°F for 1.5 to 2 hours until chicken is tender and shreds easily.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken and shred with two forks, mixing well with the sauce and cooked onions.
  6. Step 6: Assemble sliders by placing 1/4 cup pulled chicken mixture on each of the 12 mini slider buns and topping with 1 tablespoon coleslaw. Serve warm.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Fenway Park-Inspired BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders take to make?

Total time is about 135 minutes (15 min prep + 120 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Fenway Park-Inspired BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep smoky barbecue sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Fenway Park-Inspired BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Fenway Park-Inspired BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Fenway Park-Inspired BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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