Julie Clark
Updated:
BBQ Chicken Sliders
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Need a simple, yet incredibly tasty party appetizer to feed a crowd? If so, this BBQ chicken sliders recipe is the recipe with shredded chicken and cheese to make for a tailgate party, picnic or potluck.
The beauty of sliders is that you can stuff those sweet Hawaiian rolls with anything.
Ham and cheese sliders and pizza sliders are easy for eating on the go when your kid has practice and you need to run out. Reuben sliders are great to use up leftover roast beef (seriously, this recipe is amazing). Think pulled pork sliders, chicken Parmesan sliders, Cuban sandwich sliders, breakfast sliders and even French Dip Sliders…you get the idea.
The variations are endless. Little sandwiches with melty cheese and big flavor. These BBQ chicken sliders are your new favorite version of those appetizer sandwiches!
About this BBQ Chicken Sliders recipe:
- Flavor: Think bbq sauce, cheddar cheese and a savory buttery sauce all on a slightly sweet Hawaiian bun.
- Texture: The butter that you brush over the tops sinks down around the bottom of the slider buns and makes them golden brown & crispy while the inside of the barbecue chicken sliders are tender.
What chicken is best for bbq chicken sliders?
Freshly shredded chicken from either cooked chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken is best for making BBQ chicken sliders.
Use boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs, throw them in the slow cooker and allow them to be come tender so that you can shred them with forks. This is our favorite way to make chicken for sliders.
If you are short on time, you can make sliders with either canned chicken or rotisserie chicken. If you decide to use canned chicken, drain the water and use about 3 cans, but try to use this method as a last resort.
What kind of BBQ sauce should I use for sliders?
The kind of BBQ sauce you use is up to you. It’s important to use a bbq sauce with a flavor that you like. For this recipe, I used Sweet Baby Ray’s honey barbecue sauce.
Other options are our homemade Asian BBQ sauce recipe that is so sweet and savory! You can also make a homemade BBQ sauce.
How To Make BBQ Chicken Sliders
Slider recipes are known for being made with Hawaiian rolls, this BBQ chicken sliders recipe is no different.
- First, start with slicing the Hawaiian rolls in half lengthwise, keeping the top buns and bottom buns each in a single layer. Place the buns on a baking pan lined with aluminum foil.
- Next, in a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce. Stir to coat. You want just enough BBQ sauce to coat the chicken, not dripping everywhere.
- Layer the chicken over the bottom layer of the Hawaiian rolls. Top the chicken with sharp cheddar cheese. We used sliced cheese, but you can use freshly shredded for an amazing melt.
- Close the sliders with the top half of the Hawaiian bread and the final step is to brush the top of the buns with a savory herbed melted butter. For an amazing “oh my goodness, that’s so good” buttery topping, I highly suggest adding a quarter teaspoon of Better Than Bullion Beef Broth base to the butter as well as fresh thyme and Parmesan cheese. Seriously, try it.
- Finally, you’re going to bake the sliders until the cheese has melted and the top has a beautiful golden brown color. Top with sesame seeds or Parmesan cheese if desired.
pro tip
If you don’t have the beef broth base, use a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce in the melted butter.
Can I add coleslaw to my sliders?
You can add a creamy coleslaw salad to your sliders after the sliders are made. The lovely crunch of coleslaw adds great texture to the chicken sliders.
I recommend serving the coleslaw as as side dish, and let your guests stuff their BBQ chicken sliders with coleslaw if they choose to once served. Pineapple coleslaw with jalapeño pepper is amazing with this.
Other Recipe Variations
- Add thin slices of red onion over the chicken and before the cheese.
- Try different seasonings in the melted butter such as garlic powder or paprika.
- Add bacon. Because bacon makes everything better.
- Swap out the cheese. Gouda cheese or pepper jack cheese are two great options.
BBQ Chicken Sliders Sides
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your family, having sides with your BBQ sliders is a must. Sliders are known more for being an appetizer, which makes them a perfect game day recipe or easy recipes to make for parties.
Wings are the first thing that comes to mind to serve with BBQ chicken sliders. Some of our favorite wing recipes are:
Potatoes are another side staple. Think potato wedges, loaded potatoes, french fries, or mashed potatoes. Here are some of our favorite potato dishes that goes with this easy sliders recipe:
- Easy Roasted Potatoes are always a safe side choice for BBQ chicken sliders.
- Pizza Twice Baked Potatoes … pizza… on potatoes… come on now.
- Spicy Baked Sweet Potato Fries is a definite favorite on game days.
Corn on the cob is also a welcome side.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat the sliders, pop them into the air fryer for about 5 minutes. This will help the bread rolls to crisp up.
Other Recipes to Love
If you like this BBQ chicken sliders recipe, you’re going to love some of these.
- Our one pot sausage pasta recipe keeps dinner made easy for busy weeknights!
- Have a lot of apples? If so, this sheet pan apples and chicken dinner is for you.
- Triple chocolate cake mix brownies…. need I say more?
BBQ Chicken Sliders
Need a simple, yet incredibly tasty slider recipe to feed a crowd? If so, this BBQ chicken sliders recipe is the perfect sliders recipe to make for a get together at home or to bring to a picnic or potluck!
Servings 12
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded chicken
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 6 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 12 Hawaiian bread rolls (1 package)
- 1/3 cup melted salted butter
- ¼ teaspoon beef broth base (Better Than Bouillon)
- 3 sprigs of thyme (stems removed)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line a baking sheet or a 9×13" baking dish with aluminum foil. Spray very lightly with cooking spray.
- In a microwave safe large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken and barbecue sauce. (Use as much barbecue sauce as you'd like…more or less! Heat the chicken and bbq sauce mixture in the microwave if it is not warm. This will help the sandwiches heat through properly. 3 cups shredded chicken, 1 cup barbecue sauce
- Use a large serrated knife to slice the rolls in half, separating the tops from the bottoms. Place the bottom of the rolls onto the prepared baking pan. 12 Hawaiian bread rolls
- Evenly distribute BBQ chicken mixture over the rolls. Top with the slices of cheese. Place the tops of the rolls onto the sandwiches. 6 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- In a small bowl, mix together the butter, beef broth, thyme, and Parmesan cheese. Brush butter mixture over the rolls. ⅓ cup melted salted butter, ¼ teaspoon beef broth base, 3 sprigs of thyme, 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- Cover the rolls loosely with foil. Bake in the preheated oven until the rolls are lightly browned and the cheese has melted, about 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 3-5 minutes.
- Slice into individual rolls to serve. Serve warm.
Notes
Refer to the article above for more tips and tricks.
The calories shown are based on the recipe making 12 sandwiches, with 1 serving being 1 sandwich. Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the calories shown are just an estimate. **We are not dietitians and recommend you seek a nutritionist for exact nutritional information. The information in the nutrition box are calculated through a program and there is room for error. If you need an accurate count, I recommend running the ingredients through your favorite nutrition calculator.**
Nutrition
Calories: 270kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 469mg | Potassium: 144mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 314IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 77mg | Iron: 1mg
This has become a family favorite!! Thank you!
Do the bottom of the Hawaiian rolls end up soggy?
Can you make these then freeze them for later?
Can you make these ahead of time?
I think the crockpot is the best way to cook the chicken, but I was pressed for time, So I simmered it in water. Chicken broth would be good too. I just kept checking to see if it was tender and then I drained it and shredded it. Added Sweet Baby Ray’s and caramelized onions. I used smoked provolone cheese. They were fantastic. I want to try the Asian sauce next time, It sounds yummy. Thanks for the recipe, we loved it.
Question:
How do YOU bake or boil the chicken? I haven’t found a tried and true recipe yet.
Mine always gets tough so easily if I even SLIGHTLY over cook it.
Many thanks!
Very easy dinner! Love