BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
Introduction
These BBQ Chicken Sliders are a perfect crowd-pleaser, combining tender shredded chicken with tangy barbecue sauce and melty cheese on soft Hawaiian rolls. Easy to assemble and baked until golden, they make a delicious appetizer or meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (or chopped)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 (8-ounce) package thinly sliced Gouda cheese (or sharp Cheddar, 12 slices)
- 1/3 cup finely diced red onion (optional)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro (optional)
- 4 tablespoons garlic-herb butter
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Generously grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice Hawaiian rolls in half, keeping each top and bottom slab intact. Place the bottom slab of rolls in the prepared pan.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine shredded or chopped chicken with BBQ sauce. Stir until the chicken is well coated.
- Step 3: Layer half of the cheese evenly over the bottom slab of rolls. Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly on top. If using, sprinkle diced red onion and chopped cilantro over the chicken. Add the remaining cheese on top, then cover with the top slab of rolls.
- Step 4: Melt garlic-herb butter in the microwave. Pour it slowly over the rolls and use a pastry brush or spatula to spread the butter evenly over the tops and sides, letting some pool at the bottom to crisp the rolls. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan on top.
- Step 5: Cover the sliders with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 3 to 6 minutes, until the cheese has melted fully and the tops are golden brown.
- Step 6: Remove from oven and serve immediately. These sliders are best enjoyed fresh to keep the rolls from becoming soggy.
Tips & Variations
- Use sharp Cheddar cheese instead of Gouda for a stronger, tangier flavor.
- For extra flavor, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the BBQ chicken mixture before assembling.
- Prepare sliders a few hours ahead and refrigerate assembled but unbaked; bake just before serving.
Storage
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rolls?
Yes, soft dinner rolls or small sandwich buns work well, but Hawaiian rolls add a sweet contrast that complements the BBQ chicken nicely.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with grilled or roasted vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini, and use BBQ sauce as usual.
Print
BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Total Time: 36 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Description
These BBQ Chicken Sliders are the perfect savory snack or meal, featuring tender shredded rotisserie chicken mixed with tangy BBQ sauce, layered with gooey melted Gouda cheese on sweet Hawaiian rolls. Topped with garlic-herb butter and baked to golden perfection, these sliders are savory, flavorful, and irresistibly delicious, ideal for gatherings or quick dinners.
Ingredients
Rolls and Cheese
- 12 Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls
- 1 (8-ounce) package thinly sliced Gouda cheese (or sharp Cheddar, 12 slices)
Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (or chopped, see note 1)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (see note 2)
Optional Toppings
- 1/3 cup finely diced red onion (optional)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro (optional)
Butter Topping
- 4 tablespoons garlic-herb butter
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Generously grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Slice the rolls: Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves intact as one large slab each. Place the bottom slab in the prepared pan, forming the base layer for your sliders.
- Mix the chicken and BBQ sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded or chopped rotisserie chicken with the BBQ sauce. Stir well until the chicken is evenly coated and saucy.
- Assemble the sliders: On the bottom slab of rolls, evenly layer half of the cheese slices. Then spread the BBQ chicken mixture over the cheese. If desired, sprinkle the finely diced red onion and chopped cilantro on top for added flavor. Next, layer the remaining cheese slices over the chicken. Finally, place the top slab of rolls on to complete the sandwich.
- Apply the garlic-herb butter: Melt the garlic-herb butter in the microwave, then slowly pour it over the top of the assembled sliders. Use a pastry brush or spatula to spread the butter evenly across the tops and sides of the rolls, allowing some butter to pool at the bottom to crisp the rolls’ edges. If using, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Bake the sliders: Cover the tray with foil to retain moisture and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 3 to 6 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the tops of the rolls are golden brown.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove sliders from the oven and serve immediately. These sliders are best enjoyed hot fresh from the oven, as they can become soggy if left to sit.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, but freshly cooked chicken can work as well.
- Choose your favorite BBQ sauce—smoky, sweet, or spicy variations can alter the flavor profile.
- Both Gouda and sharp Cheddar cheese melt well; feel free to substitute according to preference.
- Optional red onion and cilantro add freshness and texture but can be omitted if desired.
- Garlic-herb butter enhances flavor and helps create a crispy crust on the rolls.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 26 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: BBQ chicken sliders, Hawaiian rolls, party sandwiches, rotisserie chicken, baked sliders, crowd-pleaser snack, easy dinner
