Slow Cooker BBQ “Chicken” Pasta Sliders: The Ultimate Plant-Based Comfort Food

Slow Cooker BBQ “Chicken” Pasta Sliders: The Ultimate Plant-Based Comfort Food is a rich, smoky, creamy slow cooker dinner made with tender pasta, bold barbecue sauce, and perfectly melted dairy-free cheese. It’s designed for easy prep, dependable results, and filling portions, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, gatherings, and meal prep cooking.

If you enjoy crockpot comfort meals, you can also serve it with this slow cooker vegan chicken and dumplings for a full cozy dinner combination that requires very little active cooking time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe works because the slow cooker handles the hard part. The pasta soaks up barbecue flavor while cheese creates a creamy texture. It stores well and feeds several people without extra effort.

Ingredients

Regular (full list):

• 2 cups dry pasta (shells or elbow macaroni)
• 2 cups shredded plant-based chicken
• 1½ cups smoky barbecue sauce
• 2 cups shredded vegan cheddar or mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup vegan cream cheese
• 12–15 soft slider buns
• 1 cup diced bell peppers or onions
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Vegetarian (swap only):

• Replace plant-based chicken with shredded cooked chicken.
• Use regular cheese and cream cheese.

Vegan (swap only):

No changes.

Directions

Regular (full steps):

1. Cook pasta 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain well.
2. Season the shredded plant-based chicken with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add cooked pasta, seasoned protein, diced vegetables, barbecue sauce, vegan cream cheese, and shredded cheese into the slow cooker.
4. Mix carefully so the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until hot and creamy.
6. Stir once more to distribute melted cheese throughout the mixture.
7. Spoon filling generously into slider buns and serve warm.
8. For balanced sauce flavor, this BBQ sauce method explains adjusting sweetness and acidity.

Vegetarian (swap only):

• Cooking time remains identical when using regular chicken.

Vegan (swap only):

No changes.

Prep Time And Nutrition Facts

Prep time 10 minutes. Cook time 3–8 hours depending on heat setting. Serves 6. About 390–420 calories per serving with approximately 18–24g protein and a good amount of fiber from plant ingredients.

How To Serve Slow Cooker BBQ “Chicken” Pasta Sliders: The Ultimate Plant-Based Comfort Food

• Serve with crunchy vegan coleslaw.
• Add sliced pickles for acidity.
• Pair with roasted potato wedges.
• Serve with a green salad.
• Add jalapeño slices for heat.
• Lightly toast slider buns before filling.

How To Store Slow Cooker BBQ “Chicken” Pasta Sliders: The Ultimate Plant-Based Comfort Food

• Store filling refrigerated up to 3 days.
• Freeze filling up to 2 months.
• Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave.
• Add extra BBQ sauce when reheating if thick.

Tips To Make Slow Cooker BBQ “Chicken” Pasta Sliders: The Ultimate Plant-Based Comfort Food

• Undercook pasta slightly before slow cooking.
• Use thick barbecue sauce.
• Finely shred plant protein.
• Do not overcook beyond recommended time.
• Stir halfway if possible.
• Toast buns to avoid soggy texture.
• For vegan success: choose a melting dairy-free cheese.
• For vegan success: add 1 tsp apple cider vinegar for balance.

Health And Benefits Of This Recipe

Plant protein helps satiety. Pasta supplies steady energy. Vegetables add fiber. Dairy-free ingredients reduce saturated fat. Slow cooking requires minimal oil.

Variations (If Any)

• Add black beans.
• Use whole wheat pasta.
• Mix in corn kernels.
• Use jackfruit instead of plant protein.
• Add chipotle powder for smokiness.

FAQs

• Can I prepare it ahead? Yes, reheat before serving.
• Can I bake it? Bake covered at 350°F for 25 minutes.
• Is it freezer friendly? Freeze only the filling.
• Best pasta type? Shells or elbows hold sauce best.
• Can I make gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta and buns.
• Why is pasta mushy? It cooked too long or wasn’t undercooked first.
• Can I use jackfruit? Yes, season and shred before cooking.
• Is it kid friendly? Yes, the flavor is mild and slightly sweet.

BBQ "Chicken" Pasta Sliders

These slow cooker BBQ "chicken" pasta sliders are a flavorful, creamy dish that's perfect for gatherings. Easy to prepare and customizable, they feature plant-based chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, and melty vegan cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: Comfort Food, Vegan

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Base

• 2 cups dry pasta (shells or elbow macaroni) Cook until just al dente.
• 1/2 cup vegan cream cheese or dairy-free sour cream

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded plant-based chicken Use brands like Daring or Gardein. Non-vegans can use regular shredded chicken.
• 1.5 cups BBQ sauce Choose a smoky variety.
• 2 cups shredded vegan cheese Recommended brand is Violife.
• 12-15 pieces vegan slider buns Soft buns preferred.

Vegetables and Spices

• 1 cup chopped bell peppers or onions
• garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper Add to taste.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until just al dente.
2. Toss your plant-based chicken with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Cooking

1. Add the cooked pasta, seasoned chicken, chopped vegetables, BBQ sauce, vegan cream cheese, and shredded vegan cheese to the slow cooker.
2. Stir gently to ensure everything is coated in the sauce.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 360 minutes or HIGH for 240 minutes, until the mixture is hot, bubbly, and creamy.

Serving

1. Stir once more to incorporate the melted cheese, then spoon the mixture generously onto slider buns.

Notes

Prevent mushy pasta by slightly undercooking it before adding it to the crockpot. For a nice touch, toast the buns with vegan butter to prevent sogginess. Add fresh vegan coleslaw as a topping for a crunch.