BBQ Chicken Sliders are a quick and delicious way to enjoy the bold flavors of barbecue in a bite-sized package.

These sliders combine juicy shredded chicken tossed in your favorite BBQ sauce, topped with melty cheese, and nestled into soft, buttery slider buns. Whether you’re hosting a party, prepping for game day, or looking for a simple dinner idea, these sliders are always a hit. Plus, they’re easy to customize with toppings like coleslaw or pickles for extra crunch and flavor.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Baking Dish – To bake the sliders evenly.
Mixing Bowl – For tossing the chicken in BBQ sauce.
Brush – To apply the buttery glaze.
Knife – To slice the buns in half while keeping them intact.

Ingredients Overview

Slider Buns – Soft, sweet buns like Hawaiian rolls add the perfect touch.
Chicken – Use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own.
BBQ Sauce – Choose your favorite brand or make it from scratch.
Cheese – Melty options like cheddar or Monterey Jack work best.
Glaze – A buttery mixture to enhance the buns with extra flavor.

Ingredients

12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls or similar)
3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 cup BBQ sauce
6 slices cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Slice the Buns
Without separating the individual buns, slice the slider buns in half horizontally. Place the bottom half into a baking dish.
Mix the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce, ensuring it is well-coated.
Assemble the Sliders
Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the bottom buns. Place the cheese slices on top of the chicken, covering the surface. Add the top buns.
Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder. Brush this mixture over the tops of the buns. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired.
Bake the Sliders
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted.
Serve Warm
Remove from the oven, slice into individual sliders, and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

Make It Spicy: Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the BBQ chicken for a spicy kick.
Add Crunch: Include a layer of coleslaw between the chicken and cheese for added texture and tang.
Prep Ahead: Assemble the sliders up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Pair BBQ Chicken Sliders with classic sides like potato chips, baked beans, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad. For dipping, offer extra BBQ sauce or ranch dressing on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use leftover chicken?
A: Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works perfectly for this recipe.

Q: Can I freeze these sliders?
A: Yes, assemble the sliders without the glaze, wrap them tightly, and freeze. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Q: What cheese is best?
A: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even smoked Gouda are all great options for a gooey texture and complement the BBQ flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sliders as a main dish with sides or as an appetizer for a party. They’re also great for potlucks or family gatherings, and they’re easy to transport in the baking dish.

Ingredients

12 slider buns
3 cups shredded chicken
1 cup BBQ sauce
6 slices cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Slice slider buns in half and place the bottom layer in a baking dish.
Mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce and layer on the buns. Add cheese slices and top buns.
Mix melted butter with garlic powder and onion powder. Brush over the buns, and sprinkle sesame seeds if using.
Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 5 minutes until golden.
Slice into sliders and serve warm.