BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe

Satisfy your next craving with a tray of BBQ Chicken Sliders: irresistibly soft Hawaiian rolls packed with tender rotisserie chicken, smoky barbecue sauce, gooey melted cheese, and a punch of fresh flavor from optional onions and cilantro. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a weeknight favorite, these sliders always hit the spot with their perfect mix of sweet, savory, and cheesy goodness. They’re easy to assemble and bake, making them just right for game day, potlucks, or any occasion where comfort food reigns supreme.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make these BBQ Chicken Sliders shine. Each one brings something special—whether it’s juicy texture, smoky flavor, creamy cheese, or that beautiful glossy finish on the rolls.

• Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls (12): Their tender, slightly sweet bite is the perfect base for our sliders and pairs so well with the barbecue flavors.
• Shredded rotisserie chicken (3 cups): Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds instant flavor and moisture to every bite.
• BBQ sauce (1 cup): Go with your favorite variety—smoky, spicy, or sweet—since it’s the backbone of all that mouthwatering flavor.
• Thinly sliced Gouda or sharp Cheddar cheese (8 oz, 12 slices): Gouda adds a creamy melt and a touch of richness; sharp Cheddar brings bold flavor if you prefer.
• Finely diced red onion (1/3 cup, optional): Adds crunch and bite that brightens the sliders, but totally optional if you’re not a fan.
• Finely chopped cilantro (2 tablespoons, optional): For a fresh, herby kick that pairs delightfully with barbecue sauce.
• Garlic-herb butter (4 tablespoons): Melting this over the rolls gives them a savory, golden finish—plus it helps crisp the bottoms.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (1 tablespoon, optional): Brings an extra layer of cheesy goodness and a lightly salty punch if you want to sprinkle it on top.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Prepare Your Rolls

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and giving your 9×13-inch sheet pan a good coat of nonstick spray or butter. With a sharp serrated knife, gently slice the entire batch of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally—try to keep them in one big piece each for easier assembly. Set the bottom slab in your prepared pan.

Step 2: Mix the BBQ Chicken

Add your shredded rotisserie chicken and BBQ sauce to a mixing bowl. Give it a thorough stir so the sauce coats every strand of chicken. You really want the chicken to soak up all that barbecue flavor!

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

Lay half the cheese slices evenly over the bottom slab of rolls. Next, pile on your saucy BBQ chicken. If you love a little zing, sprinkle on diced red onion and chopped cilantro right now. Top with the rest of the cheese and crown the sandwich with the top slab of rolls.

Step 4: Add the Buttery Finish

Melt the garlic-herb butter in the microwave, then slowly pour it all over the top of the rolls. Use a pastry brush or spatula to evenly spread it across the tops and sides, letting some butter run down to the bottom—that’s the secret to crispy, flavorful edges. If you want to take things up another notch, sprinkle grated Parmesan all over the tops.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover your BBQ Chicken Sliders tightly with foil and bake for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 3 to 6 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the tops are golden and shiny. Your kitchen will smell incredible!

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Let the sliders cool for a minute or so before slicing into individual sandwiches. They’re best served nice and hot, right out of the oven, when the cheese is at its gooey best and the rolls have just the right touch of crunch on the bottom.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Sliders

Garnishes

Add a scatter of extra chopped cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, or a few pickled jalapeño rings on top for color and zip. A drizzle of extra barbecue sauce or even a swirl of ranch dressing is fantastic if you want another layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

These BBQ Chicken Sliders are crowd-pleasers with simple sides. Serve them with classic potato salad, a crisp slaw, baked beans, or even a pile of kettle chips. For a lighter plate, a green salad with citrus vinaigrette is always refreshing alongside the rich, saucy sliders.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve sliders on a big wooden board so guests can help themselves—perfect for parties! For family night, slice them into individual rolls and wrap each one in parchment for a fun, picnic-style touch. Or, turn them into mini sandwiches on toothpicks for appetizer-sized bites at your next get-together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftover BBQ Chicken Sliders (trust me, it doesn’t happen often!), let them cool completely. Wrap tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to three days.

Freezing

For longer storage, assemble the sliders but hold off on baking and topping with butter. Wrap the whole pan tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight, then brush on the butter and bake as directed.

Reheating

To reheat, cover sliders loosely with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 10–15 minutes. For just one or two, you can microwave them for about a minute, though they’re at their best when revived in the oven to recapture that crispy, buttery top.

FAQs

Can I use any kind of BBQ sauce for these sliders?

Absolutely! Use any style you love—smoky, spicy, sweet, or tangy. Each variety will give your BBQ Chicken Sliders a slightly different personality, so don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorites.

What if I don’t have Hawaiian rolls?

Soft dinner rolls make a great substitute, though you’ll miss a bit of that signature sweetness. In a pinch, you can even use slider buns or small brioche rolls—anything soft and fluffy will work.

Can I make BBQ Chicken Sliders ahead of time?

You sure can! Assemble everything but hold off on the butter and baking step. Cover and refrigerate for a few hours or up to overnight. Before serving, add the garlic herb butter and bake fresh for the very best texture.

Are there other cheese options besides Gouda or Cheddar?

Of course! Monterey Jack, provolone, or mozzarella are all excellent choices if you prefer milder flavors or want extra melty goodness. Mix and match cheeses for a personal twist.

How do I keep the sliders from becoming soggy?

The key is to bake and serve them right away. If left sitting too long, the sauce and steam will start to soften the rolls. For potlucks or parties, keep them covered with foil until ready to serve, and don’t skimp on that baked butter crust to help keep things crisp!

Final Thoughts

These BBQ Chicken Sliders are pure comfort food magic—easy to make, impossible to resist, and always a hit at gatherings or busy weeknights alike. I can’t wait for you to try them and share the smile they bring to your table!

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