These BBQ Chicken Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Made with shredded chicken, sweet Hawaiian rolls, melty cheese, and your favorite BBQ sauce, they’re perfect for game day, parties, or an easy weeknight dinner.
BBQ Chicken Sliders
When it comes to crowd-pleasing meals that everyone loves, BBQ Chicken Sliders easily top the list. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue, game night, or an easy weeknight dinner, these little sandwiches deliver big on flavor and convenience. The best part? You can whip them up using simple ingredients from your local grocery store. From gooey, melty cheese to sweet Hawaiian rolls, this recipe is packed with everything slider fans dream of—and yes, kids included!
Let me tell you, these sliders have become a staple in my home, especially when my kids have friends over. No matter how many I make, they’re gone in minutes! I remember one particular time when I made two trays of these for a backyard barbecue, thinking I’d have some leftover sliders for the next day. Nope. The kids inhaled them so quickly that I had to make a whole new batch before the party even started. They were sneaking bites straight off the baking sheet before I could even finish brushing the tops of the rolls with garlic butter. Lesson learned: always double the recipe when kids are around!
BBQ Chicken Sliders are a perfect game day recipe or easy weeknight dinner option. The key lies in the combination of sweet rolls, tangy barbecue sauce, and lots of cheese. Using rotisserie chicken or even leftover chicken saves time and ensures every bite is flavorful. You can also customize these sliders in different ways by swapping out ingredients like using dark meat for extra texture or adding fresh cilantro for a hint of freshness. Whether you’re a fan of cheddar cheese, gouda cheese, or a fiesta blend, the sliders are adaptable to your taste.
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Slider Recipe
- Quick Prep: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy days.
- Versatile: Use the slow cooker, instant pot, or even pre-cooked canned chicken to suit your schedule.
- A Crowd-Pleaser: These delicious sliders are always a hit at parties, potlucks, and even on game night.
- Kid-Approved: As I mentioned earlier, kids absolutely love these sliders—and the fact that I can’t keep enough on the table proves it!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Sliders
To start, gather your ingredients:
- 1 12-count package Hawaiian rolls
- 3 cups shredded chicken (use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chicken thighs, Rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken)
- 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce (your favorite BBQ sauce works best—mine is Sweet Baby Ray’s)
- 8 slices cooked bacon, cut in half
- 1 cup shredded fiesta blend cheese (or try cheddar cheese for a classic touch)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 teaspoons BBQ seasoning
How to make BBQ Chicken sliders
Prepare the Rolls: Start by preheating the oven to 350°F. Remove the sweet rolls from the package and slice them in half horizontally to create the top buns and bottom buns.
Mix the Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce until evenly coated. This is where the magic begins—don’t skimp on the sauce! 
Layer the Sliders: Place the bottom of the rolls on a baking sheet in an even layer. Spread the chicken mixture over the top, ensuring it covers every inch.
Next, add the bacon slices
and sprinkle lots of cheese over the top.
Assemble the Sliders: Carefully place the top of the rolls over the cheese layer. Brush the tops of the buns with melted butter and sprinkle them with BBQ seasoning for extra flavor.
Bake to Perfection: Pop the sliders in the oven for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the buns are golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm. Be prepared for your guests to grab seconds (and thirds).
Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Freezer-Friendly: Store leftover sliders in a freezer-safe container or a plastic freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for the best results.
- Use Your Favorite BBQ Sauce: Whether it’s homemade BBQ sauce or store-bought, choose a flavor profile you love—smoky, sweet, or spicy.
- Add a Kick: Mix in a splash of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the chicken mixture for extra depth.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses like gouda cheese or a blend for unique flavor combos.
Why Sweet Hawaiian Rolls Are the Star
The sweet rolls used in this recipe are what take these sliders from good to amazing. Their slightly sweet flavor pairs perfectly with the savory barbecue chicken and bacon, while their soft texture makes each bite irresistible. You can also use slider buns or even pizza sliders for a fun twist, but trust me, sweet Hawaiian rolls are the best way to go.
Serving Ideas
These easy chicken sliders aren’t just for dinner—they’re also great as an appetizer or snack. Serve them at your next backyard barbecue, alongside a baked potato, or even with breakfast sliders for a unique spread. Pair them with a crisp side salad or fries for a complete meal.
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have leftovers (unlikely in my house), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re just as delicious the next day and make for a quick, satisfying lunch.
Make It Your Own
One of my favorite ways to customize this recipe is by swapping the chicken for pork sliders or adding extra texture with crispy fried onions. You can also create your own sliders using different ways to layer flavors and toppings.
A Recipe Worth Repeating
Whether it’s for a big party, a casual get-together, or just a cozy family dinner, these easy BBQ chicken sliders are a guaranteed hit. The combination of simple ingredients, bold flavors, and gooey cheese makes them irresistible. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked for the recipe card after serving these sliders—they’re truly a crowd pleaser.
So, the next time you’re hosting or just craving something delicious, give this BBQ chicken slider recipe a try. Just don’t forget to make extra—you’ll thank me later!
BBQ Chicken Sliders
Quick, delicious BBQ Chicken Sliders made with delicious ingredients. Perfect for game day, parties, or an easy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 12-count package Hawaiian rolls
- 3 cups shredded chicken
- 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce
- 8 slices cooked bacon, cut in half
- 1 cup shredded fiesta blend cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons BBQ seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.Remove the Hawaiian rolls from the package and cut them in half lengthwise to create top and bottom buns. Set the rolls aside.In a large bowl, stir together the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce until well mixed.
- Place the bottom half of the buns on a baking sheet and spread the shredded chicken evenly over the buns.
- Top the chicken with the bacon pieces, then the shredded cheese.
- Place the top buns over the cheese. Brush the buns with melted butter and sprinkle the BBQ seasoning over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden brown.
Leave A Reply!