Smoky Chipotle-Maple Shredded Chicken Sliders Recipe

Slow Cooked Chipotle Maple Shredded Chicken Sliders are an easy dinner option and a crowd-pleasing game day snack.

Football season is the perfect time for slow cooker recipes: prepare everything in the morning, enjoy the game, and come back to a flavorful, hands-off meal. These chipotle-maple chicken sliders blend sweet Vermont maple syrup with smoky chipotle spice for a balanced sweet-heat profile, finished with sharp cheddar and served on soft Hawaiian rolls.

This recipe was inspired by a trip through the Northeast, where I spent time in Maine and Vermont visiting farms, tasting cheese and picking up a jar of pure Vermont maple syrup. The combination of Cabot sharp cheddar and authentic Vermont maple syrup pushed me to develop a slow-cooked chicken slider that’s ideal for fall gatherings, weeknight meals or watching the big game.

These sliders deliver tender, shredded chicken infused with warm spices and maple sweetness. The chipotle brings a subtle smoke and depth, while cinnamon and ground ginger add warmth and complexity. Topped with sharp cheddar and briefly broiled, the sliders are sticky, gooey and irresistible.

Chipotle Maple Shredded Chicken Sliders

Summary: Slow-cooked chicken flavored with chipotle and Vermont maple syrup, shredded and served on Hawaiian rolls with sharp cheddar. Great for game day, casual dinners, and make-ahead meals.

Ingredients

• 3 tsp chipotle powder
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ¾ cup pure maple syrup
• ¼ cup apple juice
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo, chopped, plus 1 tbsp adobo sauce
• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the chipotle powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, cinnamon and ground ginger.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the spice mixture and toss until evenly coated.
3. Transfer the seasoned chicken to the slow cooker and spread in an even layer.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, apple juice, chopped chipotle with adobo sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
5. Pour the maple-chipotle mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.
7. Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing the shredded meat with the cooking juices so it stays moist and flavorful.
8. Pile the shredded chicken onto Hawaiian rolls and top each slider with a sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar.
9. If you prefer melted cheese and toasted rolls, arrange the assembled sliders on a baking sheet and place under the broiler on low for 3–4 minutes, watching closely so the cheese melts and the rolls toast without burning.

Serving Suggestions and Tips

• For variation, serve with pickled red onions, sliced jalapeños, coleslaw, or a drizzle of ranch for contrast.
• Adjust the heat by using more or less chipotle powder and by omitting some adobo sauce. For a milder version, use smoked paprika instead of chipotle powder.
• To make ahead: cook and shred the chicken, then refrigerate in its sauce for up to 3 days. Reheat on low in the slow cooker or gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of apple juice if needed to loosen the sauce.
• Freeze leftover shredded chicken in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Swap rolls for slider buns, small kaiser rolls or even lettuce wraps for a lower-carb option.

Nutrition Highlights (per serving)

Calories: 277 kcal | Carbohydrates: 30 g | Protein: 22 g | Fat: 7 g | Sugar: 17 g | Sodium: 359 mg

These Chipotle Maple Shredded Chicken Sliders are versatile and forgiving. They make a satisfying main course, the perfect plate for game day, or a simple way to feed a crowd. The maple syrup gives a natural sweetness that balances the smokiness of the chipotle, while the cheddar adds a bright, savory finish. Enjoy these warm, sticky sliders with your favorite sides and a cold beverage this football season or any time you want a comforting, flavorful meal.

This recipe was developed in partnership with Cabot Cheese and celebrates the bold flavor of sharp Vermont cheddar paired with pure maple syrup.