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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
Bake Covered: Cover the assembled sliders loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
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.
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