If you’re looking for the perfect party food, game day snack, or an easy weeknight dinner, look no further than BBQ Chicken Sliders. These little sandwiches are packed with bold barbecue flavor, juicy shredded chicken, and melty cheese, all layered inside buttery slider buns. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, tailgate party, or just craving something delicious, these sliders are guaranteed to impress.
Why BBQ Chicken Sliders Are a Must-Make
1. Quick and Easy Dinner Idea
BBQ chicken sliders are incredibly easy to prepare. Using rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken saves time while delivering great flavor. Mix it with your favorite BBQ sauce, top with cheese, and bake — dinner is served in under 30 minutes.
2. Family-Friendly Meal
Kids and adults alike love the sweet and smoky flavor of BBQ chicken. You can easily adjust the heat level by using a mild or spicy barbecue sauce.
3. Great for Meal Prep
You can make a large batch of BBQ chicken ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it. Assemble the sliders just before baking for a meal prep-friendly option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make 12 delicious BBQ chicken sliders, you’ll need:
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Optional: sliced pickles, red onions, or coleslaw for topping
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Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make BBQ Chicken Sliders
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until fully coated. You can warm this mixture in a skillet for 5 minutes to intensify the flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
Slice the slider buns in half horizontally (keeping the tops and bottoms intact as a single sheet). Place the bottom half in the baking dish.
Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the buns, then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Add optional toppings like pickles or red onions. Place the top half of the buns over the filling.
Step 4: Butter Topping
Melt the butter and mix it with garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley. Brush it generously over the tops of the buns.
Step 5: Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
Step 6: Serve
Let cool for a few minutes, then slice into individual sliders. Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side!
Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Use Hawaiian rolls for a slightly sweet contrast to the smoky BBQ chicken.
- Don’t overstuff the sliders, or they’ll fall apart when baking.
- Make them spicy by adding sliced jalapeños or using a hot BBQ sauce.
- Try different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for a flavor twist.
Variations to Try
Here are some delicious variations you can explore:
🔸 BBQ Chicken Bacon Sliders
Add crispy bacon bits between the chicken and cheese layers.
🔸 BBQ Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw
Top the sliders with creamy coleslaw for a satisfying crunch and balance.
🔸 Buffalo BBQ Chicken Sliders
Mix a bit of buffalo sauce with the BBQ sauce for a spicy kick.
🔸 Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sliders
Make the chicken filling in the slow cooker for even deeper flavor — just toss chicken breasts and BBQ sauce in, and cook on low for 6 hours.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
❄️ Make Ahead:
You can prepare the shredded BBQ chicken up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the sliders just before serving.
🧊 Freezer Friendly:
You can freeze the assembled sliders (before baking) for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly with foil and store in a zip-top bag.
♨️ Reheating:
Reheat leftovers in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes or in the microwave for a quick meal.
Final Thoughts
BBQ Chicken Sliders are a surefire hit — they’re flavorful, versatile, and easy to make. Whether you’re serving a crowd or prepping for a busy week, these sliders deliver on taste and convenience.
So fire up the oven, grab your favorite barbecue sauce, and get ready to enjoy the best BBQ chicken sliders you’ve ever had!
