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Flavorful Honey Chipotle Pulled Pork Sliders Easy Recipe with Apple Slaw

honey chipotle pulled pork sliders - featured image

These sliders combine smoky, sweet, and spicy honey chipotle pulled pork with a fresh, tangy apple slaw for a perfect bite. Ideal for casual get-togethers or weekday dinners, they offer a delicious balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 lbs pork shoulder (pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 cup (85 g) honey
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth or water
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 large crisp apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), julienned or shredded
  • 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)
  • Slider buns or small soft rolls (Hawaiian rolls recommended)
  • Butter, for toasting buns (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry and season generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub the spices evenly all over (about 10 minutes prep).
  2. In a small bowl, mix chopped chipotle peppers with honey and chicken broth. Stir until combined (about 2 minutes).
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). Transfer the pork to the slow cooker.
  4. Pour the honey chipotle glaze over the pork in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 3 hours, until pork is tender and shreds easily.
  5. While the pork cooks, mix apple cider vinegar, mayonnaise, honey, cinnamon, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until smooth. Add shredded apples, sliced onion, and cilantro or parsley if using. Toss gently to coat and refrigerate (about 10 minutes prep).
  6. Once pork is done, transfer to a cutting board or bowl. Use two forks or meat claws to shred the meat finely. Pour some of the cooking juices back over the shredded pork to keep it moist.
  7. Slice slider buns in half and butter lightly. Toast them on a hot skillet or griddle until golden brown (about 1-2 minutes per side).
  8. Assemble the sliders by piling a generous scoop of pulled pork on the bottom bun, topping with a spoonful of apple slaw, and capping with the top bun. Serve immediately.

Notes

Slow cooking is essential for tender pulled pork. Searing the pork before slow cooking adds depth of flavor. Adjust chipotle peppers to control heat. Make apple slaw ahead for better flavor. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. For dairy-free slaw, substitute mayo with coconut yogurt.

Nutrition

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