Get ready to fall in love with the bold, smoky flavor of these Slow-Cooker Chipotle Brisket Sliders! Tender brisket is infused with chipotle chiles, zesty seasonings, and sweet barbecue sauce, then tucked into toasted slider buns with spicy pickles for the ultimate bite-sized treat. They’re effortless to prepare and guaranteed to disappear fast at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set-It-and-Forget-It Ease: The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, making these sliders unbelievably fuss-free for busy days and gatherings.
- Big, Bold Flavors: Smoky chipotle chiles and tangy barbecue sauce create an irresistible combination that wakes up every taste bud.
- Crowd-Pleasing Party Food: These Slow-Cooker Chipotle Brisket Sliders are perfect for game day, cookouts, or family dinners—everyone will ask for seconds!
- Customizable & Fun: Dress them up with your favorite toppings or sides to make every batch a little different and totally you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed how just a handful of everyday ingredients transform into something extraordinary here! Every single item in these Slow-Cooker Chipotle Brisket Sliders brings something important: smoky heat, deep savoriness, a touch of sweetness, and irresistible texture.
- Packed light brown sugar: Adds just a little caramel sweetness to balance the heat and brings out that crave-worthy bark on the brisket.
- Kosher salt: Enhances and deepens all the flavors in the rub and meat. Don’t be shy here!
- Ground cumin: This earthy spice is a must for that warm Southwestern backbone.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground packs the most punch, adding spark without overpowering.
- Trimmed beef brisket (about 2 pounds): The slow cooker transforms brisket into melt-in-your-mouth shreds. Look for a cut with a little marbling for best results.
- Chipotle chiles in adobo sauce: Smoky, spicy, and complex—use both the chiles and a bit of the sauce for depth. Start with 2, but you can always amp up for extra heat!
- Garlic cloves: Smashed, not minced—this way they infuse the whole dish without overpowering.
- Barbecue sauce: Go for a tangy and smoky variety you love—this is the finishing touch that ties everything together.
- Slider buns, toasted: A toasty bun holds up beautifully to the saucy meat and offers a touch of crunch.
- Spicy pickle chips: A must for crunch and a bright, briny kick that cuts through the rich brisket.
Variations
These Slow-Cooker Chipotle Brisket Sliders are famously flexible! You can easily swap in your favorite flavors, swap proteins, or make creative tweaks to accommodate what’s in your pantry or your family’s needs.
- Make it mild: For less heat, use only one chipotle chile or swap half the adobo for tomato paste—you’ll still get that smoky flavor with less spice.
- Cheesy sliders: Melt a thin slice of provolone, pepper jack, or smoked gouda on top of each slider just before serving for extra richness.
- Low-carb version: Pile the brisket over lettuce wraps or roasted sweet potato rounds instead of buns for a lighter take.
- Pulled pork swap: Substitute pork shoulder for brisket if you want a change of meat—the method is the same, and it’s equally delicious.
How to Make Slow-Cooker Chipotle Brisket Sliders
Step 1: Mix the Seasoning Rub and Prep the Brisket
Start by stirring together the brown sugar, kosher salt, ground cumin, and black pepper in a small bowl. This rub is what creates that crave-worthy outer layer on your brisket. Pat the brisket dry, then generously massage the spice mixture all over—it’s a bit messy, but the flavor payoff is worth it!
Step 2: Layer in the Slow Cooker
Place your seasoned brisket in a 6-quart slow cooker. Scatter the minced chipotle chiles and smashed garlic cloves over and around the meat—these infuse the brisket with rich, smoky depth as it cooks low and slow, just the way we love it.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover and set your slow cooker to HIGH for 4–5 hours or LOW for about 8 hours. The brisket is ready when it’s irresistibly tender and falls apart at first touch. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll know it’s nearly time for sliders!
Step 4: Shred and Sauce the Brisket
Transfer the brisket to a cutting board, reserving about ½ cup of the cooking juices. Shred the brisket with two forks for rustic, juicy pieces. Combine it in a large bowl with barbecue sauce and the reserved liquid, mixing until every bite is glistening and flavorful.
Step 5: Assemble the Sliders
Layer the saucy brisket onto toasted slider buns, top with a few spicy pickle chips, and crown with the top bun. Serve right away for maximum juiciness and crunch, or set them out on a platter for a crowd—these sliders shine in any setting!
Pro Tips for Making Slow-Cooker Chipotle Brisket Sliders
- Brisket Selection: Look for a brisket flat with a thin layer of fat—this balance ensures the meat stays juicy as it slowly cooks, but isn’t greasy when you shred it.
- Don’t Skimp on the Rub: Massage the seasoning in extra thoroughly—every nook and cranny counts for max flavor!
- Sauce While It’s Hot: Toss the shredded brisket with barbecue sauce and reserved juices while the meat is still hot to help the flavors marry beautifully.
- Toasted Buns Make All the Difference: Quickly toast your slider buns before assembling so they soak up the saucy brisket without getting soggy.
How to Serve Slow-Cooker Chipotle Brisket Sliders
Garnishes
Garnish each Slow-Cooker Chipotle Brisket Slider with a few extra pickle chips, a sprinkle of sliced green onions, or even a dollop of creamy coleslaw for a burst of color and an extra kick of crunch—don’t forget a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce for the saucy lovers in the crowd!
Side Dishes
Pair your sliders with classic sides like tangy slaw, kettle chips, roasted sweet potatoes, or corn on the cob. They also shine alongside crisp salads or seasoned fries—try elote-style corn or a punchy black bean salad for a real backyard feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, set up a DIY slider bar and let everyone customize their own with an array of toppings (think sliced jalapeños, pickled onions, or cheese). Or go mini by using tiny potato rolls and serving with colorful cocktail picks for a playful, appetizer-style spread!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow-Cooker Chipotle Brisket stores beautifully! Cool the brisket completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Store the meat separately from the buns to keep everything fresh and as delicious as day one.
Freezing
The shredded brisket (sauce and all) freezes well for up to 2 months. Package in freezer-safe bags with as much air pressed out as possible, and thaw in the fridge the night before you want a slider fix!
Reheating
Reheat the brisket gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of reserved or fresh barbecue sauce to restore moisture. Toast your buns fresh before assembling to bring that just-made slider magic back to life.
FAQs
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Can I make Slow-Cooker Chipotle Brisket Sliders ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! You can prepare the brisket a day or two in advance, shred it, mix with the barbecue sauce and juices, and store in the fridge. When ready to serve, just reheat the meat, toast your buns, and assemble the sliders so they’re fresh and delicious for guests.
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Can I use a different cut of meat instead of brisket?
Yes—chuck roast or pork shoulder both work well in this recipe and will soak up the chipotle and barbecue flavors beautifully. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is tender enough to shred easily.
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Are Slow-Cooker Chipotle Brisket Sliders very spicy?
They have a moderate kick from the chipotle chiles in adobo, but you can easily dial back the heat by using less chile or serving the sliders with plenty of creamy or tangy toppings to balance things out.
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What’s the best way to keep sliders warm for a crowd?
Keep the shredded brisket in the slow cooker on the “warm” setting and assemble sliders as needed. Alternatively, you can cover assembled sliders loosely with foil and keep them in a low oven (200°F/90°C) for up to 30 minutes before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s something downright magical about Slow-Cooker Chipotle Brisket Sliders—their bold flavor, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and total ease make them a must for any occasion. I hope you’ll give them a try and share the deliciousness with friends and family. Trust me, this is comfort food at its most memorable!
Print
Slow-Cooker Chipotle Brisket Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 4 hrs
- Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Slow Cooking
- Method: Slow Cooking
Description
These Slow-Cooker Chipotle Brisket Sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make dish perfect for a gathering or a weeknight meal. Tender beef brisket flavored with chipotle chiles and barbecue sauce is served on toasted slider buns with a side of spicy pickle chips.
Ingredients
For the Brisket:
- 1 1/2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (2-lb.) trimmed beef brisket
- 2 chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, minced (about 2 Tbsp.)
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
For Serving:
- 12 slider buns, toasted
- 1/2 cup spicy pickle chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Brisket: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, kosher salt, cumin, and black pepper. Rub the mixture onto the brisket. Place the brisket, chipotle chiles, and smashed garlic in a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Cook the Brisket: Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours or on LOW for about 8 hours until the brisket is tender.
- Shred and Serve: Remove the brisket from the slow cooker, shred it using forks, and place it in a bowl. Add barbecue sauce and ½ cup of the cooking liquid, then mix well. Divide the meat onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Top with spicy pickle chips and the bun tops.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
