BBQ Chicken Sliders
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Quick to make with a tangy, flavorful kick, these BBQ Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian rolls are perfect for tailgating, potlucks, or even a simple family dinner. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a hearty crowd-pleasing appetizer to bring to a gathering, sliders always hit the spot.
Made with pulled or shredded BBQ chicken and melted pepper jack cheese, all stuffed into soft Hawaiian rolls, these sliders have a touch of sweetness from the buns, a bit of heat from the pepper jack, and that perfect tangy barbecue sauce flavor. They come together quickly, and trust me, they’ll disappear even faster!
Ingredients
This recipe makes delicious game day 12 sliders.
- 1 package (12 oz) Hawaiian slider rolls
- 6 slices pepper jack cheese
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 3/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Thinly sliced red onion
Important Note: This recipe presumes chicken is already made and ready. You can do this with fresh chicken breast in a pressure cooker pretty quickly, leave on the slow cooker all day (I link how we do it) or purchase pre-cooked Rotisserie chicken for ease.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Sliders
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease an 11×7 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half if they aren’t already pre-sliced. Place the bottom halves into the prepared baking pan and layer with pepper jack cheese slices.
In a bowl, mix together the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce until the chicken is fully coated. Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the cheese. Add the tops of the slider buns.
Using a pastry brush, coat the tops of the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Bake the sliders in the oven for 16-18 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the chicken is heated through.
Once baked, remove from the oven and carefully lift off the tops of the sliders. Add thinly sliced red onion on top of the chicken for a bit of crunch and tang. Replace the tops, slice the sliders, and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Add Cheese: If pepper jack is too spicy, try using mozzarella or gouda for a milder, melty option.
- Try Different Buns: While Hawaiian rolls add a touch of sweetness, you can use brioche buns or even whole wheat slider buns.
- Spice It Up: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot sauce if you like a bit of extra heat.
- Slow Cooker Option: If you’re short on time, make the BBQ chicken in a crockpot. Simply cook chicken breasts with BBQ sauce on low for 4-6 hours, then shred. This is the same method I use in the reader-favorite Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken Recipe.
FAQs
Go with your favorite BBQ sauce! Whether you prefer a smoky, sweet, or spicy sauce, they all work great. I personally like using a smoky-sweet sauce that pairs well with the pepper jack cheese. I recommend Sweet Baby Ray’s for its sweet and tangy flavor, Stubbs for a smoky, rich taste, Bull’s-Eye for a bold, thick sauce, and KC Masterpiece for a classic, smooth barbecue finish.
Absolutely! Prepare the BBQ chicken mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble the sliders just before baking to keep the rolls from getting soggy.
Once assembled, its hard to maintain the same fresh slider experience. The BBQ chicken will make the bread soggy. If you believe you are going to have excess food, just keep the chicken and the bread separately and assemble when ready to eat.
Side Dish Serving Suggestions
These BBQ Chicken Sliders are perfect as a main dish, but they’re also familiar as game day appetizers or parties. Pair them with some classic sides:
- Crispy French fries or sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw for a refreshing crunch
- Potato salad or macaroni salad for something creamy
- A side of ranch pickles or extra BBQ sauce for dipping
For more slider inspiration, check out my best slider recipes for parties.
Related Slider Recipe Research
If you loved these BBQ Chicken Sliders, you’ll enjoy some of my other favorite slider recipes:
- Ham and Cheese Sliders – A classic, melty favorite with savory ham and Swiss cheese.
- Buffalo Chicken Sliders – A spicy twist with buffalo sauce and melted cheese.
- Pizza Sliders – Perfect for pizza lovers, loaded with cheese, pepperoni, and pizza sauce.
- Sloppy Joe Sliders – A messy, saucy favorite that’s perfect for casual gatherings.
- Side Dishes for Sliders – Find the best sides to serve with sliders, from crispy fries to refreshing salads.
BBQ Chicken Sliders
Equipment
- 11"x7" baking pan
- nonstick cooking spray
- mixing bowl
- Pastry Brush
Ingredients
- 12 oz. Kings Hawaiian slider rolls
- 6 slices pepper jack cheese
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 3/4 cup barbecue sauce
- Thinly sliced red onion
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 11″x7″ baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.12 oz. Kings Hawaiian slider rolls
- Slice the Hawaiian slider rolls in half horizontally if they aren’t already pre-sliced. Place the bottom halves into the prepared baking pan.
- Lay the slices of pepper jack cheese evenly over the bottom layer of rolls.6 slices pepper jack cheese
- In a bowl, mix together the shredded chicken and barbecue sauce until the chicken is well-coated. Spread the BBQ chicken mixture over the cheese layer, then place the top halves of the rolls on top.3 cups cooked and shredded chicken, 3/4 cup barbecue sauce
- Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the chicken is heated through.2 tablespoons butter, Sesame seeds
- Remove from the oven and carefully lift off the top halves of the buns. Add thin slices of red onion over the chicken, then replace the tops. Use a sharp knife to cut the sliders into individual portions. Serve warm and enjoy!Thinly sliced red onion
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer: The nutritional data provided here is auto-calculated and intended for your convenience only. As it’s generated via automation, its accuracy may be compromised. For precise nutritional insight, please compute the values utilizing the actual ingredients in your recipe through your chosen nutrition calculator or application.
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