Short Description

BBQ chicken sliders are savory mini sandwiches filled with shredded chicken coated in smoky barbecue sauce, layered with cheese, and baked inside soft slider buns. These warm, cheesy bites are ideal for parties, family dinners, or casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to make, especially with rotisserie chicken.
Perfect finger food for game days and potlucks.
Customizable with different cheeses, toppings, and sauces.
Great for feeding a crowd without much effort.

Ingredients

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

Slider buns (Hawaiian rolls or similar)
Shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
Barbecue sauce
Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, or provolone)
Butter, melted (for brushing on buns)
Optional toppings: crispy bacon, red onion, jalapeños, or parsley

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with barbecue sauce until evenly coated.
Slice slider buns in half horizontally and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the buns.
Sprinkle cheese on top and add any optional toppings.
Place the top halves of the buns over the filling.
Brush the tops with melted butter.
Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
Uncover and bake an additional 5–7 minutes until the tops are golden and cheese is melted.
Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then serve warm.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 sliders
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use pulled pork or turkey instead of chicken.
Try spicy BBQ sauce or add jalapeños for heat.
Add coleslaw inside the sliders for extra crunch.
Swap cheese types for different flavors (smoked gouda, Havarti, or pepper jack).
Brush buns with garlic butter for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat, wrap sliders in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
Freeze unbaked sliders for up to 1 month; thaw overnight before baking.

FAQs

1. Can I make BBQ chicken sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them a few hours in advance, keep them covered in the fridge, and bake just before serving.

2. What type of chicken works best?

Rotisserie chicken is the quickest option, but shredded cooked chicken breasts or thighs work just as well.

3. Can I use different sauces?

Absolutely, swap BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce, teriyaki, or honey mustard for variety.

4. How do I prevent soggy sliders?

Toast the buns lightly before assembling, or bake immediately after adding the filling.

5. What cheese melts best?

Cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, or provolone all melt beautifully and complement BBQ chicken.

6. Can I add vegetables?

Yes, red onions, bell peppers, or jalapeños add flavor and texture.

7. Are these sliders freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze either before baking or after cooking. Wrap tightly in foil to prevent freezer burn.

8. How do I reheat without drying them out?

Cover with foil when reheating in the oven to lock in moisture.

9. What sides pair well with BBQ chicken sliders?

Coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, fries, or a simple green salad make great pairings.

10. Can I make them smaller for appetizers?

Yes, use mini rolls to create bite-sized sliders, perfect for parties.

Conclusion

BBQ chicken sliders are a simple yet satisfying recipe that combines tender chicken, smoky sauce, and melted cheese inside fluffy buns. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a weeknight dinner, they’re versatile, customizable, and always a hit