BBQ Chicken Sliders

Short Description

BBQ chicken sliders are flavorful mini sandwiches made with shredded chicken tossed in smoky barbecue sauce, layered with cheese and other toppings, then baked on soft slider buns. They’re ideal for parties, game days, or an easy family meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: With just a few simple steps, this recipe comes together in about 30 minutes.

• Great for entertaining: These sliders are perfect finger food for parties, potlucks, or casual gatherings.

• Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste—add different cheeses, spices, or toppings.

• Kid-friendly: The sweet and smoky BBQ flavor is appealing to both kids and adults.

• Perfect for meal prep: Make ahead and reheat when ready to serve.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls

• 4 cups cooked shredded chicken

• 1 cup BBQ sauce

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup shredded smoked Gouda cheese

• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Slice the slider buns horizontally and place the bottom halves in the baking dish.

3. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until fully coated.

4. Spread the BBQ chicken evenly over the bottom buns.

5. Top with mozzarella, smoked Gouda, sliced red onion, and chopped cilantro.

6. Place the top halves of the buns over the filling.

7. Brush the tops with melted butter and season with black pepper.

8. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes.

9. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and cheese is melted.

10. Serve warm.

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Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 sliders

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

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Variations

• Add bacon: Layer cooked, crumbled bacon with the chicken for added crunch and flavor.

• Spicy version: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ chicken mix.

• Cheese swap: Use cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack instead of mozzarella and Gouda.

• Coleslaw topping: Add a spoonful of creamy coleslaw inside each slider for extra texture.

• Vegetarian version: Substitute pulled jackfruit or mushrooms for the chicken.

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Storage / Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until warmed through. Individual sliders can also be microwaved for 30–60 seconds.

• Freezing: The BBQ chicken mixture can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and assemble sliders when ready to bake.

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FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time on prep.

2. Can these be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders ahead, refrigerate, and bake them just before serving.

3. What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?

Use your favorite—whether it’s sweet, smoky, or spicy. Homemade or store-bought both work well.

4. Can I use a different type of bun?

Yes, dinner rolls or mini brioche buns can be used as an alternative to slider buns.

5. How can I make these gluten-free?

Use gluten-free slider buns and ensure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free.

6. What cheeses work best in this recipe?

Mozzarella, Gouda, cheddar, or Monterey Jack are all great options.

7. Can I add vegetables?

Yes, sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even pineapple slices can be added for extra flavor.

8. How do I prevent the sliders from getting soggy?

Lightly toasting the buns before assembling or baking uncovered for the last few minutes helps avoid sogginess.

9. Can I cook the chicken from scratch for this recipe?

Absolutely—boil, bake, or grill chicken breasts or thighs and shred before mixing with BBQ sauce.

10. Are these good for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze the BBQ chicken mixture separately and assemble fresh sliders later.

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Conclusion

BBQ chicken sliders are an excellent choice for a fast, tasty meal or a fun appetizer. Their bold flavor, cheesy layers, and soft buns make them universally loved. With endless customization options and easy prep, they’re sure to become a staple in your recipe collection

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