Barbecue Chicken Sliders
This post may contain affiliate links.
These barbecue chicken sliders are a game-changer. Whether you use homemade chicken or grab a convenient store-bought rotisserie, this recipe comes together in just 15 minutes! These sliders are not only incredibly delicious but also a breeze to make, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the fun. Get ready to wow your guests with this effortless, crowd-pleasing dish!
If you’re loving these BBQ Chicken Sliders, you’ll definitely want to check out some of my other super easy appetizers! My Barbecue Honey Chicken is a sweet and savory win, while the Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken offers a hands-off approach to a delicious dinner.
Why You’ll Love These Hawaiian Rolls Chicken Sliders
- Quick and Easy: BBQ sliders are perfect for busy weeknights when you need a fast, delicious dinner.
- Game Day Favorite: Ideal for feeding a hungry crowd with minimal effort.
- Party Perfect: A crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to impress your guests.
- Delicious: A flavorful, hassle-free option that everyone will love.
Listen, chicken sliders are nothing new. We see them everywhere, especially on game day, and yet they are always a hit. Super simple to make and one of our go-to party snacks for so many reasons. It takes less than five minutes to prep and get into the oven and the end result is magical.
I opted for sweet Hawaiian rolls, which pair perfectly with the barbecue sauce (shout out to Hey Grill Hey for this insanely delicious peach sauce) and creates a balance of sweet and savory. Toss in some red onions for a little crunchy tang and finish things off with a melty cheese and brush of garlic butter. Each bite will send your taste buds on a journey of garlicky goodness. Want even more cheesy goodness? Try serving this with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes!
Ingredients You Need
Here are some great tips for each ingredient to make your chicken sliders recipe even better:
- Chicken: Use leftover chicken or store-bought rotisserie for convenience. Shred it finely for even distribution in your sliders.
- BBQ Sauce: Choose a high-quality BBQ sauce that you love, or make your own for a personalized touch. For extra depth, mix in a bit of honey or hot sauce.
- Red Onion: Slice the red onion thinly to add a crunchy texture without overpowering the other flavors. You can also soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the sharpness.
- Cheese: Opt for a melty cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack.
- Rolls: Hawaiian rolls are perfect for their sweetness and soft texture. Warm them slightly before assembling for a cozy touch. You can also use their butter rolls for a more savory finish.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of your sliders. Melt it and brush generously on the rolls for a golden, flavorful finish.
- Garlic Powder: Mix the garlic powder with the melted butter for even distribution. For extra flavor, add a pinch of dried parsley or Italian seasoning.
Filling Variations
Here are some tasty filling variations for your pulled chicken sliders:
- Buffalo Chicken: Swap the BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce and add a bit of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Pulled Pork: Use pulled pork instead of chicken and top with coleslaw for a classic combo.
- BBQ Beef: Use shredded beef brisket with BBQ sauce for a richer, heartier slider.
- Spicy Sriracha Chicken: Mix your chicken with a blend of BBQ sauce and Sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Teriyaki Chicken: Substitute BBQ sauce with teriyaki sauce and add a slice of pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist.
- BBQ Bacon Chicken: Add crispy bacon to your BBQ chicken filling for an extra layer of flavor.
How to Make Barbecue Chicken Sliders
- Mix the Chicken and BBQ Sauce: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the shredded chicken in a large bowl and add the bbq sauce. Stir until all of the chicken is well-coated.
- Prepare the Rolls: Take the Hawaiian rolls out of the package and use a knife to slice all the rolls in half horizontally, so you have a top half and a bottom half. Place the bottom half of the rolls in a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Add the Chicken: Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the bottom half of the rolls in the pan. Sprinkle the oven evenly over the chicken and top with slices of cheese.
- Top with the Other Half of Rolls: Place the top half of the rolls on top of the cheese layer. Mix the melted butter and garlic powder and brush or spoon over the top of the rolls.
- Bake: Place the baking pan in the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops of the rolls are golden brown. Let the sliders cool for a few minutes, then cut them apart and enjoy!
What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Sliders
These BBQ Chicken Sliders are a hit on their own, but pairing them with a few more appetizers will take your spread to the next level.
- Try serving them with our Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls or Jalapeno Popper Cheeseball that’s perfect for spreading on crackers or veggies.
- For a creamy dip go with the Chicken Bacon Ranch Dip.
- Don’t forget the Mozzarella Sticks for a classic cheesy appetizer, and round it all out with some loaded Sheet Pan Nachos. These dishes together create the ultimate party platter that’s sure to impress!
Recipe Tips for Success:
- Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken. Just shred it before mixing with the BBQ sauce.
- Evenly Distribute Ingredients: Make sure to spread the chicken, onion, and cheese evenly over the rolls to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
- Toast the Rolls: For an extra crispy texture, lightly toast the bottom half of the rolls in the oven before adding the chicken mixture.
- Serve Warm: These sliders taste best when served warm. If you’re making them for a party, keep them covered with foil to retain heat until you’re ready to serve.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the sliders a few hours ahead of time and keep them covered in the fridge. Just bake them right before serving.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
Storage: If you have any leftovers (though they’re so tasty, it’s hard to believe you will!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the sliders on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Make-Ahead: To make these BBQ Chicken Sliders ahead of time, assemble the sliders as directed but don’t bake them yet. Cover the baking pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply remove the cover and bake as instructed. This way, you can enjoy fresh, warm sliders with minimal effort on the day of your event!
Recipe FAQs
The best type of chicken for sliders is tender, shredded chicken. You can use baked, grilled, or slow-cooked chicken breast or thighs, as long as it’s easy to shred and flavorful.
Absolutely! Rotisserie or store-bought cooked chicken is a convenient option that saves time and effort. Just shred the chicken and mix it with your favorite BBQ sauce.
Yes, you can assemble the sliders in advance. Prepare the sliders as directed but don’t bake them yet. Cover the baking pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, remove the cover and bake as instructed.
The best way to cook chicken for sliders is to bake, grill, or slow-cook it until tender and easy to shred. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices for extra flavor before cooking. Slow-cooked chicken is especially moist and flavorful.
Hawaiian rolls are an excellent choice for sliders due to their soft texture and slightly sweet flavor, which complements the savory BBQ chicken. However, you can also use slider buns, dinner rolls, or any small, soft rolls that you prefer.
More Easy Sandwich Recipes
Still Hungry? Follow One Sweet Appetite on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!
BBQ Chicken Sliders
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup bbq sauce
- 3 cups chicken breast (cooked and shredded)
- 12 Hawaiian Rolls
- 1 cup red onion (sliced)
- 4-6 slices cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the shredded chicken in a large bowl and add the bbq sauce. Stir until all of the chicken is well-coated.
- Take the Hawaiian rolls out of the package and use a knife to slice all the rolls in half horizontally, so you have a top half and a bottom half. Place the bottom half of the rolls in a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the bottom half of the rolls in the pan. Sprinkle the oven evenly over the chicken and top with slices of cheese.
- Place the top half of the rolls on top of the cheese layer. Mix the melted butter and garlic powder and brush or spoon over the top of the rolls.
- Place the baking pan in the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops of the rolls are golden brown. Let the sliders cool for a few minutes, then cut them apart and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken. Just shred it before mixing with the BBQ sauce.
- Evenly Distribute Ingredients: Make sure to spread the chicken, onion, and cheese evenly over the rolls to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
- Toast the Rolls: For an extra crispy texture, lightly toast the bottom half of the rolls in the oven before adding the chicken mixture.
- Serve Warm: These sliders taste best when served warm. If you’re making them for a party, keep them covered with foil to retain heat until you’re ready to serve.
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
