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Sticky BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe for Crowd-Pleasing Parties

BBQ Chicken Sliders deliver bold BBQ flavor with tender chicken, melted Gouda, and sweet Hawaiian rolls brushed with garlic‑herb butter for a crisp, golden finish.

Close-up view of BBQ Chicken Sliders

BBQ Chicken Sliders

Barbecue chicken is a favorite for good reason: it’s flavorful, adaptable, and makes quick work of dinner. These sliders highlight saucy, shredded chicken layered with cheese and baked on soft Hawaiian rolls. The tops are brushed with garlic‑herb butter so they crisp and brown beautifully while the insides stay juicy and melty.

Ingredient shot: ingredients needed for this recipe

BBQ Chicken Sliders Ingredients

  • Sweet Hawaiian rolls: Fresh rolls give the best texture and flavor.
  • Rotisserie chicken: Leftover cooked or grilled chicken works well.
  • BBQ sauce: Use a brand you enjoy or a homemade sauce for best results.
  • Gouda cheese: Sharp Cheddar is a good substitute if preferred.
  • Garlic‑herb butter: Store bought or a simple mix of butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning works fine.
Process shots: Add slices of cheese to the buns. Shred the chicken, add BBQ sauce and mix to coat.

How To Make BBQ Chicken Sliders (Tips)

  • Choose quality ingredients: A BBQ sauce you love, fresh rolls, and good cheese make a big difference.
  • Dice finely: If using onion or cilantro, chop them small so they blend with the chicken without overpowering it.
  • Brush the butter well: Spread garlic‑herb butter across tops and let some drip underneath for crisp bottoms.
  • Watch the oven: Baking times vary—check the sliders in the last few minutes so they don’t overbrown.
  • Serve hot: These are best straight from the oven while the cheese is melty and the rolls are crisp.
Process shots: Add chicken to the cheese and buns; add cilantro, onions, and more cheese.

Variations

Make it Your Own!

These sliders are easy to adapt. Swap cheeses, add heat, or change the protein to suit your taste. Ideas:

  • Pulled pork sliders: Substitute slow‑cooked pulled pork and use the same assembly and sauce.
  • Buffalo chicken sliders: Use buffalo sauce instead of BBQ and consider blue cheese or ranch for topping.
  • Vegetarian BBQ sliders: Shredded jackfruit or seasoned mushrooms work well as a meaty, saucy substitute.
Process shots: Add the top slab of rolls, brush butter evenly over all and sprinkle on Parmesan cheese; bake till browned.

What To Serve With BBQ Chicken Sliders

  • Coleslaw: Creamy or vinegar‑based slaw pairs perfectly with BBQ flavors.
  • Potato salad: A classic, either creamy or lighter vinegar versions work well.
  • Grilled corn: Simple butter, salt, and pepper or elote‑style for extra flavor.
  • Pasta salad: Cold pasta salads add a bright, refreshing contrast.
  • Baked beans: A hearty, savory side that complements BBQ.
  • Pickle spears: Their tang cuts through richness and refreshes the palate.
  • Garden salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette balances the meal.

More Slider Recipes:

Sandwiches

Grinder Sliders

Dinner

French Dip Sliders

Dinner

Monte Cristo Sliders Recipe

Dinner

Cuban Sliders

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BBQ Chicken Sliders

By Chelsea Lords
Juicy BBQ chicken, melty Gouda, and sweet Hawaiian rolls topped with onion and cilantro. Brushed with garlic‑herb butter, these sliders bake up golden and crisp.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12 sliders

Equipment

  • Sheet pan (9 x 13-inch)
  • Aluminum foil

Ingredients

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

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a 9×13‑inch sheet pan. Using a serrated knife, slice the Hawaiian rolls in half so you have one top slab and one bottom slab. Place the bottom slab in the prepared pan.
  • In a medium bowl, combine shredded or chopped chicken with the BBQ sauce until the chicken is evenly coated.
  • Layer half the cheese over the bottom slab, spread the BBQ chicken on top, then sprinkle with diced red onion and chopped cilantro if using. Add the remaining cheese and gently place the top slab of rolls over everything.
  • Melt the garlic‑herb butter and pour it over the top slab. Use a brush or spatula to spread the butter across the tops and sides, letting a little drip underneath to crisp the bottoms. Sprinkle Parmesan on top if desired.
  • Cover the pan with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 3–6 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the tops are golden brown.
  • Remove from oven and serve immediately. Sliders are best hot; they can become soggy if left sitting too long.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Many stores sell hot‑and‑ready rotisserie chicken, or you can use leftover baked or grilled chicken.
Note 2: Choose a BBQ sauce you enjoy—use your favorite brand or a homemade recipe.
Note 3: Store garlic‑herb butter is convenient, or mix 4 tablespoons butter with 1/4–1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2–1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.

Nutrition

Calories: 293kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 17g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

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