BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe

Introduction

These BBQ Chicken Sliders are a crowd-pleasing snack or meal, combining tender shredded chicken with tangy barbecue sauce and melted cheese on soft Hawaiian rolls. They’re perfect for gatherings or a fun dinner that everyone will love.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Generously grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom slabs intact. Place the bottom slab of rolls in the prepared pan.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded or chopped chicken with the BBQ sauce. Stir until all the chicken is well coated.
3. Step 3: Layer half of the cheese slices evenly over the bottom slab of rolls. Spread the BBQ chicken mixture over the cheese. If using, sprinkle the finely diced red onion and chopped cilantro on top. Then, add the remaining cheese slices, followed by placing the top slab of rolls over everything.
4. Step 4: Melt the garlic-herb butter in the microwave. Slowly pour it over the top slab of rolls. Use a pastry brush or spatula to evenly spread the melted butter across the tops and sides of the rolls, allowing some to pool at the bottom for a crispy base. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
5. Step 5: Cover the pan with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 3 to 6 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the tops of the rolls turn golden brown.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and serve immediately. These sliders taste best fresh and warm as they may become soggy if left out too long.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute BBQ sauce with your favorite homemade or store-bought variety to adjust sweetness and tanginess to your liking.
• Use sharp Cheddar cheese instead of Gouda for a more pronounced flavor.
• Add pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Try replacing rotisserie chicken with leftover grilled chicken or even pulled pork for a different twist.

Storage

Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to help maintain moisture without making the rolls soggy. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread chewy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

You can assemble the sliders a few hours before baking and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving for best results.

What if I don’t have garlic-herb butter?

You can use regular melted butter mixed with garlic powder and dried herbs as a substitute to achieve similar flavor and richness.

BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 61 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 36 minutes
• Yield: 12 sliders 1x

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Description

These BBQ Chicken Sliders are a delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal featuring tender shredded rotisserie chicken tossed in tangy BBQ sauce, layered with melty Gouda cheese, and nestled inside soft Hawaiian sweet rolls. Finished with garlic-herb butter and a touch of Parmesan, then baked to golden perfection, they are perfect for parties, game days, or easy family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 12 Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls
• 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (or chopped rotisserie chicken)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 (8-ounce) package thinly sliced Gouda cheese (or 12 slices sharp Cheddar cheese)
• 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)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Rolls: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan. Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, making sure to keep the top and bottom halves intact as one slab each. Place the bottom slab of rolls into the prepared sheet pan.
2. Toss Chicken with BBQ Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded or chopped rotisserie chicken with the BBQ sauce. Stir thoroughly until the chicken is fully coated and saucy.
3. Assemble Layers: On the bottom slab of rolls, layer half of the cheese slices evenly. Spread the BBQ chicken mixture over the cheese. If using, sprinkle the finely diced red onion and chopped cilantro on top of the chicken layer. Then add the remaining cheese slices and place the top slab of rolls over everything.
4. Butter the Sliders: Melt the garlic-herb butter in the microwave until liquid. Slowly pour the melted butter over the top of the rolls, then use a pastry brush or spatula to evenly distribute it across the tops and sides of the rolls, allowing some butter to pool at the bottom edges to create a crispy crust. If desired, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake Covered: Cover the assembled sliders loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
6. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking the sliders for an additional 3 to 6 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the tops of the rolls are golden brown.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the sliders from the oven and serve immediately. They are best enjoyed hot fresh from the oven, as they can become soggy if left to sit for too long.

Notes

• Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and maximum flavor; you can chop or shred the meat according to your preference.
• Feel free to choose your favorite BBQ sauce style—sweet, smoky, or spicy—to tailor the sliders to your taste.
• Optional toppings like red onion and cilantro add fresh flavor and texture but can be omitted if desired.
• Garlic-herb butter not only adds richness but also crisps up the roll edges for a delightful bite.
• These sliders are best served right after baking; leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated but may lose their crispiness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 26 minutes
• Category: Appetizers
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: BBQ chicken sliders, easy appetizers, rotisserie chicken recipe, Hawaiian rolls sliders, BBQ chicken sandwiches, game day food