Ezra Cohen Montreal knows how to bring unexpected flavor to everyday meals, and our Chipotle Cranberry Zalsa proves it from the first bite. Whether you’re planning a casual get-together or looking to elevate a weeknight dinner, these Cranberry Chipotle Chicken Sliders with jalapeño slaw are a bold and memorable choice.
Why Does Cranberry Chipotle Chicken Work So Well?
It’s all about the contrast of flavors. Tart cranberries and smoky chipotle peppers come together in a sauce that’s sweet, spicy, and surprisingly complex. Ezra Cohen Montreal’s version strikes a perfect balance, layering tangy brightness with subtle heat and savory depth. When that sauce coats tender pulled chicken and is topped with a crunchy, creamy slaw, the result is a satisfying slider with serious flavor impact.
What You’ll Need to Make Cranberry Chipotle Chicken Sliders
To pull off this recipe, gather the following ingredients:
Pulled Chicken:
- 2-3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup flavorful chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup Ezra Cohen Montreal Chipotle Cranberry Zalsa
Jalapeño Slaw:
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup creamy mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Assemble:
- 12 soft slider buns (brioche, potato, Hawaiian, or pretzel rolls)
- Optional toppings: sliced pickles, avocado, queso fresco, or an extra drizzle of sauce
How to Make Cranberry Chipotle Chicken Sliders Step-by-Step
Step 1: Place chicken, broth, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until fork-tender. In a pinch, gently poach on the stovetop or use a pressure cooker for speedy results.
Step 2: Using two forks, shred the succulent cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Stir in the Cranberry Chipotle Sauce (Zalsa), coating evenly, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the vibrant flavors.
Step 3: In a large bowl, toss together cabbage, carrots, jalapeño, onion, and cilantro. In a separate bowl, whisk mayo, vinegar or lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour over the veggies and toss to combine. For optimal flavor, chill the slaw for 20 minutes if time allows.
Step 4: Lightly toast the buns until golden. Pile on a generous scoop of saucy Cranberry Chipotle Chicken, top with a mound of zesty slaw, and finish with your favorite extras like pickles or avocado. Each slider delivers a sweet-spicy-crunchy combo that’s hard to beat.
Additional Tips
Make it vegetarian:
Swap the chicken for meaty jackfruit or pulled mushrooms. Both absorb the complex sauce beautifully and deliver satisfying texture.
Choose your buns wisely:
Hawaiian rolls add a hint of sweetness, rich brioche brings buttery flavor, and pretzel buns offer a savory edge. Always lightly toast to prevent sogginess.
Serve it year-round:
While it shines during the holidays, this dish is just as at home at summer cookouts, tailgates, or casual weeknight dinners.
How Can You Use Leftover Cranberry Chipotle Chicken?
Leftover Cranberry Chipotle Chicken is incredibly versatile. Here are a few tasty ideas:
- Zesty tacos or lettuce wraps for a lighter option
- Quesadillas or loaded nachos for game day
- Hearty grain bowls with rice, quinoa, or farro
- Stuffed baked sweet potatoes for a balanced meal
What Makes This Cranberry Chipotle Zalsa Recipe Special?
Cranberry + Chipotle Zalsa from Ezra Cohen Montreal blends the tartness of cranberries with the smoky heat of chipotle peppers, creating a sauce that’s bold yet balanced. It’s a great example of flavor layering.
Ezra Cohen, a McGill University graduate, launched Ezra Cohen Montreal to make healthy, flavorful food more accessible. With experience in the snack food industry and a dedication to clean-label ingredients, his products are crafted for modern cooks who want both convenience and quality. This sauce is gluten-free, low in sugar, and made with real, recognizable ingredients.
Tell Us How You Like Them!
If your dinner routine feels a little stale, these Cranberry Chipotle Chicken Sliders are a flavorful way to shake things up. They’re simple to make, easy to customize, and packed with bold, satisfying flavor.
If you try it, let us know how you like them in the comments!
