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Flavorful Smoky Chipotle Pulled Pork Sliders with Easy Jalapeño Slaw

smoky chipotle pulled pork sliders - featured image

Tender pulled pork infused with smoky chipotle heat, topped with a crisp, tangy jalapeño slaw, served on slider buns. Perfect for casual gatherings and game days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 2 tablespoons chipotle chili powder (or smoked paprika with a pinch of cayenne)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
  • 12 fresh jalapeños, seeded and thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (optional)
  • Slider buns or mini brioche buns
  • Pickles or sliced avocado (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pork Shoulder Rub: In a small bowl, combine chipotle chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar. Mix well.
  2. Season the Pork: Pat pork shoulder dry. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork, pressing into the meat to form a crust.
  3. Set Up the Slow Cooker: Place seasoned pork in slow cooker. Pour apple cider vinegar and chicken broth around pork. Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 4-5 hours until fork-tender.
  4. Make the Jalapeño Slaw: Combine shredded green and red cabbage with sliced jalapeños in a large bowl. In a smaller bowl, whisk mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Pour dressing over cabbage and toss. Add cilantro if using. Refrigerate until serving.
  5. Shred the Pork: Transfer cooked pork to a bowl and shred finely with forks. Return shredded pork to slow cooker to soak in juices for 10 minutes. Skim excess liquid if needed.
  6. Assemble the Sliders: Lightly toast slider buns. Pile pulled pork on buns, top with jalapeño slaw, and add pickles or avocado if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the pork juices before mixing. Avoid overusing to prevent artificial taste. Toast buns lightly to prevent sogginess. Make slaw a few hours ahead for best flavor but add fresh to sliders. Use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for gluten-free option. Use plant-based mayo for dairy-free slaw.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork sliders, chipotle pulled pork, jalapeño slaw, slow cooker pulled pork, smoky pulled pork, game day recipe, slider recipe