Few dishes are as effortlessly crowd-pleasing as BBQ Chicken Sliders. These bite-sized sandwiches are packed with tender shredded chicken smothered in smoky barbecue sauce, topped with melted cheese, and baked to perfection on soft, buttery slider rolls. Whether you’re hosting a party, game night, or casual family dinner, these sliders are the ultimate easy comfort food — simple to make, fun to eat, and bursting with flavor.
The first time I made these, I added caramelized onions and a touch of ranch dressing before baking — the result was absolutely irresistible. I’ve also used leftover rotisserie chicken, which makes the prep even faster. These sliders are one of those recipes that everyone asks for seconds (and the recipe) because they’re just that good.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These BBQ Chicken Sliders are the perfect mix of sweet, smoky, and cheesy. They’re easy to assemble, ideal for feeding a crowd, and ready in under 30 minutes. The buttery, toasted tops and gooey melted cheese make every bite satisfying. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile — you can tweak the sauce, cheese, or toppings to suit any occasion or craving.
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BBQ Chicken Sliders: Smoky, Saucy, and Perfect for Any Occasion
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Diet: Halal
Description
BBQ Chicken Sliders are tender, saucy mini sandwiches made with shredded barbecue chicken, melted cheese, and soft Hawaiian rolls — baked together for a crowd-pleasing meal or party appetizer.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls or slider buns
- 6 slices cheddar or provolone cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
- Without separating the rolls, slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally to create a top and bottom layer.
- Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared baking dish.
- Evenly spread the BBQ chicken mixture over the bottom rolls, then layer with cheese slices.
- Place the top half of the rolls on top to form a sandwich slab.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, parsley, onion powder, and black pepper. Brush mixture over the tops of the rolls.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 8–10 minutes, or until tops are golden and cheese is melted.
- Slice into individual sliders and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add caramelized onions or coleslaw between the layers.
- Use spicy or smoky BBQ sauce to match your taste preference.
- These can be made ahead — assemble and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Slider Buns (Hawaiian Rolls) – Soft and slightly sweet, they’re perfect for holding all the saucy chicken and melted cheese together.
Cooked Shredded Chicken – The star of the dish. Use leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
BBQ Sauce – Choose your favorite blend — smoky, tangy, or sweet. It gives the sliders that signature flavor.
Cheddar or Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully and balances the smoky-sweet barbecue sauce.
Butter – Brushed on the rolls before baking for a golden, flavorful finish.
Garlic Powder – Adds depth to the buttery topping.
Onion Powder – Enhances the savory flavor of the chicken filling.
Salt and Black Pepper – Balance out the sweetness of the sauce.
Green Onions or Parsley (for garnish) – Add color and freshness to the baked sliders.
Optional Add-Ins: Caramelized Onions, Pickles, or Coleslaw for extra flavor and crunch.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with foil.
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated.
Slice the slider buns in half horizontally without separating the individual rolls. Place the bottom halves in the prepared baking dish. Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the bottom layer, then top with shredded cheese. Add the top half of the rolls.
In a small bowl, melt butter and mix with a pinch of garlic powder. Brush the butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 10–12 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the sliders cool slightly before slicing apart. Garnish with green onions or parsley, and serve warm.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12 sliders, serving about 4–6 people. Preparation takes around 10 minutes, and baking takes 15 minutes, so they’re ready in about 25 minutes total.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also freeze cooked sliders individually wrapped in foil for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven for a quick snack or meal.
Variations and Customizations
Buffalo Chicken Sliders – Swap BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce and add blue cheese dressing.
Hawaiian BBQ Sliders – Add pineapple slices or crushed pineapple for a sweet tropical twist.
Cheesy Bacon Sliders – Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the chicken before adding the cheese.
Ranch BBQ Sliders – Mix ranch dressing into the chicken for extra creaminess.
Tex-Mex Style – Add sliced jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning.
BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders – Substitute pulled pork for chicken for a Southern-style spin.
Slaw-Topped Sliders – Add coleslaw on top of the chicken for crunch and tang.
Spicy Chipotle Sliders – Stir chipotle peppers in adobo sauce into the BBQ mixture for smoky heat.
Caramelized Onion Sliders – Layer caramelized onions under the cheese for rich, sweet flavor.
Vegan Version – Use shredded jackfruit or plant-based chicken and vegan cheese.
FAQs
What are BBQ Chicken Sliders?
They’re mini sandwiches made with shredded chicken, barbecue sauce, and cheese baked on soft rolls.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! It’s the easiest and most flavorful option.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack all melt perfectly and taste great.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate before baking. Bake when ready to serve.
Can I make these in the air fryer?
Yes, bake in batches at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes.
How do I keep sliders from getting soggy?
Use just enough sauce to coat the chicken and bake uncovered at the end to crisp the tops.
Can I use leftover BBQ chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe is a great way to repurpose leftovers.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, diced onions, bell peppers, or even corn work beautifully.
Can I use a different sauce?
Honey mustard, buffalo, or teriyaki sauce all make fun alternatives.
What should I serve with BBQ Chicken Sliders?
Pair them with fries, coleslaw, potato salad, or a simple green salad.
Conclusion
BBQ Chicken Sliders are the ultimate blend of simplicity and flavor — tender chicken, smoky sauce, melted cheese, and buttery rolls baked to perfection. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Whether for parties, picnics, or weeknight dinners, these sliders deliver comfort and flavor in every bite. Once you make them, they’ll quickly become a go-to favorite for every occasion.
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