If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleaser that strikes the perfect balance between easy prep and irresistible flavor, these Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders are your new go-to! Featuring juicy shredded chicken smothered in sticky barbecue sauce, melty cheddar, and a hint of garlic butter all nestled inside pillowy slider buns, this dish is a guaranteed hit for parties, picnics, or cozy family nights. Whether you’re hosting game day or just craving comfort food, these Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders deliver big taste in perfectly portioned bites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders lies in their simplicity—each ingredient brings its own must-have magic, adding to the overall flavor, texture, or even a splash of color. Gather these to ensure your sliders are completely irresistible!
- Cooked shredded chicken: For ease, rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken works wonders and soaks up the tangy sauce perfectly.
- Barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite sweet, smoky, or spicy BBQ sauce to star as the flavor backbone.
- Slider buns or Hawaiian rolls: These mini rolls add a soft, slightly sweet foundation and hold everything together without getting soggy.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: For ooey-gooey melty goodness that takes these sliders from tasty to downright addictive.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced, it adds bright crunch and a touch of sharpness to balance the richness.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a golden, rich finish to the tops of your sliders.
- Garlic powder: Mixed with butter, it infuses every bite with warm, savory undertones.
- Chopped parsley (optional for garnish): A little sprinkle at the end gives a gorgeous wash of color and freshness.
How to Make Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders
Step 1: Prep the Chicken Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, mix your cooked shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce, ensuring every strand gets beautifully coated. This step guarantees that every slider will be juicy and full of flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Prep the Slider Buns
Take your slider buns or Hawaiian rolls and slice them in half horizontally, keeping them connected as a single “slab”—it’s so much easier for assembly. Place the bottom half in a lightly greased baking dish, which will help catch all those delicious drips.
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the bottom buns. Next, sprinkle the thinly sliced red onions on top of the chicken, then cover everything with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Place the top half of the buns over all the cheesy, saucy goodness.
Step 4: Top with Buttery Garlic Goodness
Mix melted unsalted butter with garlic powder, then brush the mixture onto the tops of the buns. This extra step ensures your Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders come out shimmery and golden, adding a delicious garlicky aroma as they bake.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover your baking dish loosely with foil and place in the oven for 15 minutes to let everything warm through and the cheese get all gooey. Uncover the sliders and bake for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the tops to turn a beautiful golden brown. When they’re done, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish if you like, and serve them up warm for maximum meltiness and flavor.
How to Serve Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders
Garnishes
While Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders are delicious straight from the oven, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley right before serving adds both a burst of alive-green color and a hint of herbal freshness. For extra flair, offer thinly sliced pickles, jalapeño rounds, or a light dusting of extra cheddar on the side—guests can customize their own slider experience!
Side Dishes
The sweet, smoky richness of Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders pairs perfectly with zippy side dishes. Serve them with classic coleslaw, crisp oven fries, or a tangle of tangy pickled veggies. Even a simple mixed green salad or buttery corn on the cob makes for an easy win alongside these sliders.
Creative Ways to Present
For game days or parties, pile the sliders up on a rustic wooden board surrounded by bowls of sides or extra barbecue sauce for dipping. For a family meal, serve them straight from the baking dish for that warm, “fresh from the oven” look. Individually wrap warm sliders in parchment for picnics or tailgates—so easy for guests to grab and go!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got a few Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders left? Simply place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making them a fantastic option for lunches or quick snacks the next day.
Freezing
These sliders freeze surprisingly well. Assemble and bake them as directed, then let them cool completely. Wrap individual sliders (or the whole batch) tightly in foil and freeze for up to two months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the freshest taste and texture.
Reheating
To recapture that melty, just-baked magic, reheat Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders in the oven at 325°F, covered loosely with foil, for about 10–15 minutes. If you’re only reheating one or two, a quick blast in the microwave works in a pinch—though the oven yields the best texture for the buns and cheese.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar?
Absolutely! While cheddar brings a classic gooeyness, feel free to use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a spicier twist. Customize your Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders to match your cheesiness craving!
What’s the best kind of barbecue sauce to use?
That’s entirely up to your taste! Sweet and smoky sauces offer a crowd-pleasing profile, while spicy or chipotle-infused sauces can add an exciting kick. Homemade or store-bought both work great—just use what you love.
Can I make Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders in advance?
Definitely! Assemble the sliders a few hours ahead, cover tightly, and store in the fridge. When it’s time to serve, simply bake as instructed. This makes them a lifesaver for parties and busy nights.
What’s the easiest way to shred chicken?
Rotisserie chicken makes shredding a breeze using two forks. If you’re starting with raw chicken, just cook it until tender (bake, poach, or slow-cook), then shred with forks or a hand mixer for quick results.
Are these sliders spicy?
Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders, as written, are mild and kid-friendly, but you can add heat with spicy BBQ sauce, jalapeños, or pepper jack cheese if you like a little kick!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your crowd or just jazz up a family dinner, Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders are the way to go. They’re easy, full of big barbecue flavor, and always a hit wherever they appear. Give them a try—you might just discover your new favorite slider!
Print
Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders are a crowd-pleasing favorite, perfect for parties, game days, or a quick weeknight meal. Juicy shredded chicken coated in barbecue sauce, topped with cheddar cheese and red onions, all baked in soft slider buns until golden and gooey.
Ingredients
Shredded Chicken Mixture:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Slider Assembly:
- 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Prepare the chicken: In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce until fully coated.
- Assemble the sliders: Slice the slider buns in half horizontally and place the bottom halves in a baking dish. Spread BBQ chicken over the bottom buns, top with sliced red onion and cheddar cheese. Cover with the top buns.
- Bake: Brush the tops with garlic butter, cover with foil, and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden and cheese is melted.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation.
- Add pickles or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Great for parties, game days, or quick dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
