I absolutely love making BBQ chicken sliders at my house. They’re one of those recipes that never fail to make everyone happy, if I’m throwing a party, hosting game day, or making a quick weeknight dinner.

What I love most is how easy they are to put together. You don’t need to be a chef or spend hours in the kitchen.

Just a few basic ingredients and about 30 minutes get you a tray of warm, cheesy, saucy sliders. Now, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making delicious BBQ chicken sliders.

I’ll cover the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and fun variations so you can make this BBQ chicken sliders recipe your own.

Why You’ll Love These BBQ Chicken Sliders

These sliders are ideal for anyone who wants great food without a lot of fuss. If you’re feeding a crowd at a party or making a family dinner, BBQ chicken sliders are a winning choice.

They’re small, easy to eat, and packed with flavor. The ingredients are straightforward, too. You don’t need fancy items from specialty stores.

Most of what you’ll use is probably already in your kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, melted cheese, and buttery toasted buns creates something truly delicious.

These sliders are easy to customize. Make them spicy, sweet, cheesy, or mild. Add pickles, jalapeños, or coleslaw. Use a different BBQ sauce or cheese. The recipe works well no matter how you change it.

Pro Tip: Use rotisserie chicken to save 30 minutes of prep time while keeping maximum flavor and juiciness.

Recipe Note

Step-by-Step BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe

Follow these easy steps to make delicious BBQ chicken sliders from start to finish. Each step is straightforward and doesn’t require any special cooking skills.

Step 1: Shred the Chicken

Start with 3 cups of cooked chicken. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or bake fresh chicken breasts at 375°F for 25 minutes. Pull the meat apart using two forks or your hands until you have bite-sized shredded pieces.

Pro Tip: Rotisserie chicken is already seasoned and saves you at least 30 minutes of cooking time.

Step 2: Mix with BBQ Sauce

Place the shredded chicken in a large bowl and pour in 1 cup of BBQ sauce.

Stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. Taste it and add more sauce if you prefer it saucier.

Pro Tip: Don’t overdo the sauce or your buns will get soggy. The chicken should be coated but not swimming in sauce.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or brush it with butter to prevent sticking.

Proper prep ensures your sliders bake evenly and won’t stick to the dish.

Pro Tip: Line the dish with parchment paper for even easier cleanup after baking.

Step 4: Slice and Layer the Buns

Take your pack of 12 slider rolls and slice the entire block in half horizontally. Place the bottom half in the baking dish. Keeping the rolls close together makes assembly easier and helps them bake evenly without shifting or falling apart.

Pro Tip: Use a serrated bread knife to cut through all the rolls at once without squishing them.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Cheese

Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the bottom buns, making sure each slider gets some chicken.

Layer cheese slices over the chicken, covering as much as possible for maximum melty goodness.

Pro Tip: Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack for a more complex flavor.

Step 6: Top and Butter

Place the top half of the buns over the cheese and press down gently. In a small bowl, melt 3 tablespoons of butter with ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and a pinch of parsley. Brush this mixture over the tops.

Pro Tip: The butter topping is what makes these sliders golden and irresistible, so don’t skip this step.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 to 8 minutes until the tops turn golden brown and crispy. Let them rest for 2 to 3 minutes.

Pro Tip: If the tops need more color, turn on the broiler for 1 minute, but watch closely to avoid burning.

Step 8: Serve

Transfer the sliders to a serving platter and serve while warm. They pair well with chips, coleslaw, pickles, or any of your favorite BBQ sides.

Pro Tip: Keep sliders warm for parties by covering loosely with foil or placing them in a warming drawer.

Nutrition Fact

This is the nutritional breakdown for one slider, so you can track what you’re eating and make informed choices.

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Recipe Variations

If you want to switch things up, try these four flavor variations to customize your BBQ chicken sliders to match any taste preference or occasion.

1. Spicy Version

If you like things hot, swap your regular BBQ sauce for a spicy version, or mix in some hot sauce or sriracha.

Add sliced jalapeños between the chicken and cheese layers. Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra kick. These spicy sliders are great for anyone who loves bold, fiery flavors.

2. Hawaiian Version

For a tropical twist, use Hawaiian sweet rolls and add a few pineapple chunks to the BBQ chicken mixture. The sweetness of the pineapple pairs really well with the tangy BBQ sauce.

You can also add a slice of ham or Canadian bacon on each slider for a Hawaiian pizza vibe. Top with mozzarella or provolone cheese for a milder, creamier taste.

3. Buffalo BBQ Version

Mix half BBQ sauce and half buffalo sauce for a tangy, spicy combo. Add crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing to the chicken before adding the cheese slices.

This version tastes like a mix between BBQ sliders and buffalo wings, and it’s wonderful for game day.

4. Slow Cooker BBQ Sliders

If you want to use a slow cooker, place 2 pounds of chicken breasts in the slow cooker with 1 cup of BBQ sauce.

Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until the chicken shreds easily. Shred the chicken right in the slow cooker and mix it with the sauce.

Then follow the assembly and baking steps as usual. This method is great when you want to prep the chicken earlier in the day.

Expert Tips for Excellent BBQ Chicken Sliders

Want to take your BBQ chicken sliders from good to outstanding? These expert tips will help you avoid common mistakes and create sliders that taste like they came from a restaurant.

• Avoid Soggy Buns: Don’t over-sauce the chicken. Keep it coated but not dripping to prevent soggy bread.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble sliders completely, cover with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
• Scale for Crowds: Double the recipe and use two baking dishes when feeding larger groups.
• Extra Flavor Boost: Add crispy bacon bits or caramelized onions to the chicken mixture for deeper flavor.
• Ideal Cheese Melt: Let sliders rest 2-3 minutes after baking so the cheese sets slightly and doesn’t slide off.
• Crispier Tops: Brush butter generously and use the broiler for the last minute of baking for extra golden color.

These helpful tricks make a big difference in how your sliders turn out. Try one or try them all to create an excellent batch every time.

Conclusion

I really hope you give these BBQ chicken sliders a try. They’ve become one of my go-to recipes because they’re so easy to make, taste incredible, and always leave everyone asking for seconds.

These sliders have saved me on busy weeknights and impressed guests at countless parties. The beauty of this recipe is how it adapts to whatever you have on hand or whatever flavors you’re craving.

If you stick with the classic version or try one of the fun variations, I think you’ll find these sliders are as easy as they are delicious.

So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy some seriously tasty BBQ chicken sliders. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll be on your regular dinner rotation too!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?

Yes. You can assemble them completely, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I Use Leftover Chicken?

Absolutely. Leftover rotisserie, baked, or grilled chicken works well in this recipe.

Can I Freeze BBQ Chicken Sliders?

Yes. Freeze them assembled but unbaked, or freeze leftovers after baking. Wrap them well, and they’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer.