I wanted something fast to make before work that would still taste like a treat. Sloppy Joe sliders are a classic quick meal, and swapping beef for chicken gives the sliders a lighter twist while staying simple. With just a can of sauce, chicken, buns, and cheese you can have these Instant Pot Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders ready in minutes — 10 minutes at high pressure and a few minutes to shred and assemble.
The Instant Pot does the heavy lifting: it cooks the chicken quickly and makes it very easy to shred. These sliders work great as a weeknight dinner for busy families, as a game-day snack, or as an appetizer for a casual party. Below you’ll find the equipment, ingredients, and step-by-step instructions for both Instant Pot and slow cooker methods, plus tips for serving and variations.
Equipment Needed for these Instant Pot Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders
Instant Pot or pressure cooker
Meat claws or two forks
You can also prepare these on the stovetop or in a slow cooker; instructions for those methods are included below. This recipe is designed to be quick, fuss-free, and flexible depending on what appliances you have.
What You Need to Make Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders
- Chicken (boneless skinless breasts or thighs)
- Sloppy Joe sauce (one 15 oz. can)
- Water
- Cheese (cheddar or your favorite melting cheese)
- Slider buns or small rolls
How to Make Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders in the Instant Pot
These are the simple steps to make shredded chicken sloppy joe sliders in an Instant Pot.
- Add the chicken, the can of sloppy joe sauce, and about 3/4 cup of water to the Instant Pot. The water keeps the sauce a bit looser and helps the chicken cook evenly. If you prefer a thicker sauce, use a bit less water.
- Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.
- When the cook time ends, carefully perform a quick (manual) release of the pressure. Once the pin drops, open the lid.
- Use two forks or meat claws to shred the chicken directly in the pot, mixing it with the sauce until well coated.
- Spoon the shredded chicken onto slider buns, add slices of cheese, and serve warm.
Tip: If you’d like melted cheese on top, place assembled sliders under a broiler for 1–2 minutes or toast the buns briefly before assembling.
Slow Cooker Method
If you prefer slow cooking, place the chicken, the can of sauce, and 3/4 cup water (or omit water for a thicker sauce) in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Shred the chicken in the slow cooker, stir to combine with the sauce, then assemble sliders.
Recipe Summary
- Prep time: about 5 minutes
- Cook time (Instant Pot): 10 minutes at high pressure (plus pressurizing and release time)
- Servings: about 10–12 sliders depending on portion size
- Course: Appetizer or main
Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Add diced onion or bell pepper to the pot before cooking for extra flavor and texture.
- Stir in a splash of barbecue sauce or hot sauce to customize the flavor profile.
- Top sliders with pickles, sliced onions, or coleslaw for contrast and crunch.
- Use Hawaiian rolls or brioche buns for a slightly sweeter slider.
Printable Ingredients and Method
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 (15 oz) can sloppy joe sauce (such as Manwich)
- 3/4 cup water (optional; reduces thickness)
- Cheese of choice (cheddar recommended)
- Slider buns or small rolls
Method
- Place chicken, sauce, and water in the Instant Pot.
- Secure lid and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.
- Perform a quick release when the cook time is complete.
- Shred the chicken with two forks or meat claws and stir to combine with sauce.
- Assemble sliders with cheese and preferred toppings. Serve immediately.
*Note: This recipe was updated with new photos on 2/9/2023.
More Instant Pot Ideas
If you like easy Instant Pot meals, try other simple recipes that use similar pantry staples. These shredded chicken sliders are flexible, fast, and crowd-pleasing — perfect for nights when you want a hearty meal without a lot of fuss.
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