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If you’re searching for a crowd-pleaser that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any gathering, the Baked BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe is exactly what you need. These little sandwiches pack tender, saucy shredded chicken topped with melty cheese inside soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls that get brushed with buttery garlic goodness before baking. The result is irresistibly juicy sliders that combine smoky barbecue richness with comforting, warm bread—making them an absolute favorite for casual dinners, game days, or family get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it uses a handful of simple yet essential ingredients—each one carefully chosen to deliver the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the sweet slider rolls to the sharp cheese and tangy BBQ sauce, every component plays a vital role in creating these unforgettable sliders.
- Hawaiian sweet slider rolls: Their soft, slightly sweet texture contrasts beautifully with the smoky chicken and melted cheese.
- Shredded cooked chicken: A tender, protein-packed base that soaks up plenty of BBQ flavor.
- BBQ sauce: Adds smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor that defines this dish.
- Cooper® Sharp Yellow Pasteurized Process American Cheese (or white cheese): Melts perfectly and adds a creamy, sharp bite to each slider.
- Unsalted butter: Gives a rich, golden finish when brushed on top of the buns.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a subtle savory depth, enhancing the buttered tops of the sliders.
How to Make Baked BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing the heat in advance makes sure everything cooks evenly and the cheese melts just right without drying the chicken.
Step 2: Combine Chicken and BBQ Sauce
In a small bowl, toss together the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce until every tender shred is well coated. This mixes that smoky, tangy flavor throughout, making sure every bite is a little saucy and a lot delicious.
Step 3: Prepare the Slider Rolls
Using a serrated bread knife, carefully slice the 12-count Hawaiian sweet slider rolls horizontally. Remove the top halves and place the bottom halves onto a baking pan. This creates a sturdy base to hold all the juicy goodness.
Step 4: Layer the BBQ Chicken
Evenly spread the BBQ-coated shredded chicken over the bottom halves of the rolls. This ensures each slider gets a generous, flavorful filling without any dry spots.
Step 5: Add the Cheese and Reassemble
Place slices of your chosen cheese evenly over the chicken. Then, gently put the roll tops back on and press down to keep everything together while baking.
Step 6: Brush with Garlic Butter
Mix the melted butter with garlic powder in a small bowl. Brush this flavorful combo generously over the tops of the slider rolls. This step adds a buttery, slightly garlicky crust that makes the sliders irresistible.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sliders are warmed through. This final step melds all the flavors and softens the rolls just right.
How to Serve Baked BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
While these sliders are fantastic on their own, adding fresh garnishes can elevate them even further. Try topping with some crisp coleslaw for crunch and tang, sliced pickles for a vinegary kick, or a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro to brighten up each bite. These touches add vibrancy and contrast that your taste buds will thank you for.
Side Dishes
Pair your Baked BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe with classic comfort sides like crispy sweet potato fries, creamy potato salad, or a crunchy garden salad. These sides balance out the richness of the sliders and make your meal feel complete and satisfying. Plus, they’re all easy to prepare alongside the sliders for a stress-free feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests further? Serve these sliders on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper for a laid-back, inviting presentation. You can also thread them on skewers to make handheld party bites or arrange them in muffin tins to keep each slider perfectly contained. Getting creative with presentation makes the dish even more fun and shareable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover sliders are a blessing! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting overnight, making them just as delicious, if not more so, the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save these sliders for longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. They can keep nicely in the freezer for up to 2 months. This makes them a great option for meal prep or to have ready for busy days.
Reheating
For warm, melty sliders later on, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. Keep them covered with foil to avoid drying out. You’ll enjoy that freshly baked goodness all over again without any hassle.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly because it’s already cooked and tender, saving you time while providing great flavor. Just shred it up and follow the recipe as usual.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Go with your favorite BBQ sauce—whether sweet, smoky, or tangy. Each will bring a slightly different flavor dimension, but all will pair beautifully with the chicken and cheese in these sliders.
Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with pulled jackfruit or a plant-based meat alternative for a delicious vegetarian version. Just toss it in BBQ sauce and proceed exactly as the recipe instructs.
How do I prevent the sliders from getting soggy?
Because the rolls are soft, avoid over-saucing and make sure to place the BBQ chicken in an even layer. Baking them covered with foil keeps things moist but prevents the tops from becoming soggy.
Can I add other toppings inside the sliders?
Definitely! Feel free to add sliced onions, jalapeños, or even a few crispy bacon bits before topping with cheese to customize the sliders to your taste buds’ delight.
Final Thoughts
These Baked BBQ Chicken Sliders are hands down one of the easiest and most satisfying crowd-pleasers you can whip up. Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding your family, or just craving an indulgent snack, this recipe delivers that perfect combo of savory, melty, and sweet comfort in every bite. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again.
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Print
Baked BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders (12 servings)
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Baked BBQ Chicken Sliders are a delicious and crowd-pleasing family favorite perfect for gatherings and casual meals. Soft Hawaiian sweet rolls are layered with tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy BBQ sauce, topped with melty cheese, and baked to warm perfection with a buttery garlic glaze.
Ingredients
Slider Rolls
- 1 (12-count) package Hawaiian sweet slider rolls
Chicken Filling
- 2 to 2 ½ cups shredded cooked chicken
- ⅔ cup BBQ sauce
Cheese
- 6 slices Cooper® Sharp Yellow Pasteurized Process American Cheese (or white cheese)
Topping
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sliders.
- Mix Chicken and BBQ Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with the BBQ sauce, stirring until the chicken is fully coated in sauce.
- Prepare Rolls: Cut the Hawaiian sweet slider rolls in half horizontally using a bread knife and remove the tops. Arrange the bottom halves in a baking pan.
- Assemble Sliders: Evenly layer the BBQ-coated chicken on the bottom halves of the rolls, making sure all sliders have a good amount of filling.
- Add Cheese and Toppings: Place the slices of cheese evenly over the chicken. Put the roll tops back on and gently press down to compress the sliders slightly.
- Apply Butter and Garlic: Mix the melted butter and garlic powder in a small bowl, then brush this mixture over the tops of the slider rolls. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil.
- Bake Sliders: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the sliders are warmed through and the cheese has melted perfectly.
Notes
- You can use either yellow or white American cheese depending on your preference.
- Shredded chicken can be leftover rotisserie chicken or freshly cooked chicken breast.
- Brush the tops generously with butter mixture to get a golden, flavorful crust.
- Covering with foil prevents the rolls from drying out during baking.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
