Name: Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 3/4 cup barbecue sauce; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped (optional); 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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If you’re craving something irresistibly savory, melty, and perfect for any gathering, look no further than these Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders. Tender shredded chicken slathered in tangy barbecue sauce, smothered with gooey cheese, all tucked inside soft slider buns and baked to golden perfection—this dish is a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re entertaining friends or feeding a hungry family on a weeknight, these sliders turn simple ingredients into a mouthwatering main course that’s impossible to resist. Whip them up in just 30 minutes and watch them disappear!

Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pulling together Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders is refreshingly simple, yet each ingredient shines and brings something special to the table. This is a recipe all about big flavor, melty textures, and pops of color. If you want your sliders to stand out, don’t skip these essentials!

Slider buns or Hawaiian rolls (12): Soft, pillowy buns hold everything together and soak up all the delicious barbecue sauce.
Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): Using rotisserie chicken makes this step super quick and adds tender flavor.
Barbecue sauce (3/4 cup): Choose your favorite variety for a sweet, smoky, or spicy kick—it defines the whole flavor profile.
Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): Cheese gives these sliders their gooey, melty magic. Try mixing cheeses for extra flavor!
Red onion, finely chopped (2 tablespoons, optional): For a bit of crunch and a pop of color, the red onion is a flavor-booster—totally optional but highly recommended.
Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Helps achieve irresistibly golden and flavorful tops on your buns.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings savory, aromatic depth to the butter topping.
Dried parsley (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a touch of herby freshness and makes the sliders extra pretty.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick to balance the sweet and smoky barbecue sauce.

How to Make Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for action. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Line up all your ingredients; assembly goes quickly once you get going!

Step 2: Mix the BBQ Chicken

In a bowl, combine your cooked shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce. Give it a really good mix so every strand of chicken gets saucy and flavorful. This is the heart of your Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders—don’t skimp on mixing!

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

Slice the slider buns horizontally (keep the tops and bottoms connected if you can for easier assembly) and lay the bottom halves snugly in your prepared baking dish. Evenly spread the saucy chicken over the buns, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese, and scatter on those optional red onions for extra zing. Cap it all with the top halves of your buns.

Step 4: Add the Savory Butter Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, garlic powder, dried parsley, and black pepper. Brush this flavorful blend over the tops of the slider buns to ensure a buttery, golden finish packed with flavor. This simple step transforms your sliders from good to absolutely unforgettable.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Cover your baking dish with foil and bake the sliders for 15 minutes so the cheese becomes nice and melty. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the tops turn glistening and golden brown. Serve these Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders warm for maximum gooey deliciousness!

How to Serve Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders

Garnishes

A little extra garnish can elevate your Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders from fun to festive. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color, and consider adding a few sliced green onions or a pinch of extra cheese right as they come out of the oven.

Side Dishes

These sliders are endlessly versatile. Serve them up with classic sides like crispy coleslaw, baked sweet potato fries, or a tangy dill pickle spear. For a lighter touch, a simple salad with a zesty vinaigrette is a fantastic contrast to the richness of the sliders.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your sliders into show-stopping party food by skewering each one with a toothpick and a tiny pickle, or even slicing them in half for bite-sized treats. They’re perfect for game-day platters or lunchboxes—just wrap individually for a delicious grab-and-go option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sliders together to preserve their moisture and flavor, and they’ll taste just as delicious when you reheat them.

Freezing

Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders freeze surprisingly well. Wrap cooled sliders tightly in foil, then place them in a freezer-friendly bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place the sliders (foil-wrapped for the first 10 minutes to prevent over-browning) in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave individual sliders in 30-second bursts until warm and gooey again.

FAQs

Can I use another type Main Course

Absolutely! While mozzarella and cheddar are classic for Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders, smoked gouda, pepper jack, or even Monterey Jack add fun twists and extra flavor. Use your favorites or mix a few for an extra-melty experience!

How can I make these sliders spicier?

If you want to turn up the heat, try adding sliced jalapeños on top of the chicken layer or mix a bit of hot sauce into your barbecue sauce before assembling. A pinch of cayenne in the butter topping also amps up the spice factor.

What’s the best way to shred chicken?

The quickest shortcut is to buy a rotisserie chicken and shred it by hand or with two forks. Otherwise, poach chicken breasts until fully cooked, let them cool slightly, and pull them apart with forks or even with a hand mixer for super-fast shredding.

Can I make Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders ahead of time?

You sure can. Assemble the sliders (but don’t bake) up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Bake them just before serving for that bubbly cheese and golden finish everyone loves.

Do I have to use Hawaiian rolls?

Nope! While Hawaiian rolls are delightfully sweet and pillowy, any slider-style bun works—try potato rolls, classic dinner rolls, or even mini brioche buns for a gourmet touch.

Final Thoughts

These Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders are the kind of recipe you keep coming back to—they’re easy, ultra-flavorful, and sure to make everyone at the table happy. Give them a try for your next casual dinner, party, or potluck and watch them vanish in a flash!

Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders are perfect for a quick and tasty meal or party snack. Tender shredded chicken tossed in barbecue sauce, topped with gooey cheese, and baked to perfection on soft slider buns.

Ingredients

Scale

Slider Buns:

12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls

BBQ Chicken:

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
3/4 cup barbecue sauce

Cheesy Topping:

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped (optional)

Seasoning:

2 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare Chicken: Mix shredded chicken with barbecue sauce until coated.
Assemble Sliders: Place bottom bun halves in a baking dish. Top with BBQ chicken, cheese, and onions. Cover with top bun halves.
Add Seasoning: Mix melted butter with garlic, parsley, and pepper. Brush over buns.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for 5–7 minutes until golden and cheese is melted.
Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!