Citrus Pulled Chicken Sliders
This dish features tender, shredded chicken cooked with a bright citrus-infused sauce, resulting in juicy meat with a lively flavor profile. The chicken is simmered until soft, then shredded and combined with the tangy sauce, creating a vibrant filling for slider buns, with a moist and flavorful final texture.
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Fork
Ingredients
- 2 pounds skinless chicken breasts or thighs for more flavor
- 1 cup fresh orange juice preferably freshly squeezed
- 1/4 cup honey adds sweetness and balances acidity
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce for depth of umami
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing or mixing
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin optional for depth
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 4 slider buns small sandwich buns for serving
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in a saucepan and cover with water or chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Once done, transfer to a plate and shred with a fork until fine.
- In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, and black pepper to create a bright, tangy sauce. Set aside.
- Pour the citrus sauce into the saucepan used for the chicken and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened and fragrant, watching for bubbles.
- Add the shredded chicken into the sauce, stirring well to coat all the pieces evenly with the citrus mixture. Cook together for another 2-3 minutes until heated through and flavorful. The sauce should cling nicely to the chicken, giving it a juicy, vibrant appearance.
- Toast the slider buns lightly until golden in a dry skillet or oven, just enough to add a slight crunch and warmth. This makes the buns more resilient and flavorful for serving.
- Assemble each slider by spooning a generous amount of the citrus-coated shredded chicken onto the bottom half of the bun. Top with the other half, pressing gently to secure.
- Serve the sliders immediately, allowing the juices and citrus flavors to shine through with each bite. Enjoy them hot and freshly assembled for the best texture and flavor!
Notes
Feel free to customize with fresh herbs or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor. Using thighs instead of breasts can add extra juiciness. These sliders are perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.