If you’re craving a crowd-pleaser that’s both irresistibly tasty and perfectly handheld, the Baked BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These sliders bring together tender shredded chicken coated in smoky, tangy BBQ sauce, melted cheese that blankets every bite, and soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls that complement the savory filling beautifully. Made in under half an hour, this recipe is ideal for everything from casual family dinners to game day gatherings, guaranteeing smiles and seconds all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Baked BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in bringing out rich flavors, moist textures, and an overall balanced bite that makes these sliders feel special yet effortless to prepare.
- Hawaiian sweet slider rolls: Their soft, slightly sweet texture contrasts perfectly with the smoky BBQ chicken.
- Shredded cooked chicken: The main protein, tender and easy to evenly coat with sauce.
- BBQ sauce: Adds bold tangy and smoky flavors that permeate the chicken.
- Cooper® Sharp Yellow Pasteurized Process American Cheese (or white cheese): Melts perfectly to create that gooey, irresistible layer.
- Unsalted butter: Brushed on top for golden color and a subtle richness.
- Garlic powder: Adds a punch of flavor enhancing the buttery topping.
How to Make Baked BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and prepare your oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the sliders cook evenly and the cheese melts beautifully without drying out the rolls.
Step 2: Mix chicken and BBQ sauce
In a bowl, toss 2 to 2 ½ cups of shredded cooked chicken with ⅔ cup BBQ sauce until every shred is coated in that smoky, tangy goodness. This step is crucial for flavor consistency in each slider.
Step 3: Ready your slider rolls
Carefully slice the Hawaiian sweet slider rolls horizontally with a bread knife. Remove the tops and place the bottom halves evenly on a baking pan, creating the perfect canvas for the filling.
Step 4: Layer the BBQ chicken
Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the bottom rolls, making sure each slider is filled generously so the flavors shine through in every bite.
Step 5: Add the melty cheese layer
Top the chicken with 6 slices of Cooper® Sharp Yellow Pasteurized Process American Cheese (or your choice of white cheese). The cheese melt is what ties every component together.
Step 6: Assemble and butter the tops
Replace the slider roll tops and press them gently down. Mix 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter with ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, then brush this mixture on top of the rolls for that golden, flavor-packed crust.
Step 7: Bake until perfect
Cover the pan with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes. This melts the cheese thoroughly and warms the sliders through without drying them out, leaving you with soft, savory perfection.
How to Serve Baked BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your sliders by adding fresh garnishes like crisp pickle slices, thinly sliced red onions, or even some fresh cilantro. These fresh elements add crunch and balance to the richness of the BBQ chicken and cheese.
Side Dishes
Pair your baked BBQ chicken sliders with classic sides like coleslaw for a tangy crunch, kettle-cooked potato chips for saltiness and texture, or a crisp garden salad to brighten the plate and add freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these sliders on a wooden board with decorative toothpicks or skewer them with colorful picks for parties. You can also cut them into smaller bites for appetizers or serve alongside spicy dipping sauces for extra zing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover baked BBQ chicken sliders in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or snacks later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, freeze the sliders wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap. This method preserves their texture and flavor for up to 2 months—simply thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the sliders covered with foil at 325°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This avoids drying them out and helps the cheese melt anew, keeping every bite just as delightful as freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While Cooper® Sharp Yellow American cheese melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, provolone, or pepper jack to match your flavor preferences.
What if I don’t have cooked chicken on hand?
No worries! You can quickly roast or poach chicken breasts ahead of time, or even use a rotisserie chicken for convenience. The key is to shred it finely so it blends well with the BBQ sauce.
Can I make these sliders spicy?
Definitely. Add a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture or include sliced jalapeños either inside the sliders or on top before baking to bring some heat to the party.
Are Hawaiian sweet rolls necessary?
While the sweet rolls add a lovely contrast, you can substitute with any soft slider buns you prefer. Just keep in mind that the signature sweet-savory balance is part of what makes this recipe shine.
How many sliders does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 12 sliders, perfect for sharing with family or friends, ensuring everyone gets a satisfying portion of delicious BBQ chicken goodness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a recipe that’s simple, flavorful, and guaranteed to win hearts, I cannot recommend this Baked BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe enough. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug — comforting, satisfying, and impossible to resist. So grab your slider rolls and get ready to create something deliciously memorable today!
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
These Baked BBQ Chicken Sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make family favorite featuring shredded chicken smothered in tangy BBQ sauce, topped with melted sharp American cheese, and baked to perfection on sweet Hawaiian rolls. Perfect for parties, game days, or a casual dinner, these sliders deliver irresistible flavors with minimal prep.
Ingredients
Slider Sandwiches
- 1 (12-count) package Hawaiian sweet slider rolls
- 2 to 2 ½ cups shredded cooked chicken
- ⅔ cup BBQ sauce
- 6 slices Cooper® Sharp Yellow Pasteurized Process American Cheese (or white cheese)
Topping
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sliders evenly.
- Prepare the BBQ chicken: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the shredded cooked chicken with the BBQ sauce until all chicken pieces are evenly coated.
- Cut the rolls: Using a bread knife, carefully slice the Hawaiian sweet slider rolls in half horizontally and remove the tops. Arrange the bottom halves on a baking pan.
- Assemble the sliders: Evenly spread the BBQ chicken mixture over the bottoms of the rolls ensuring each slider is covered.
- Add cheese and top buns: Place the slices of cheese atop the chicken layer, then return the top halves of the slider rolls and gently press down to secure the filling.
- Brush with seasoned butter: Mix the melted butter with garlic powder in a small bowl, then brush this mixture over the top halves of the rolls for added flavor and browning. Cover the baking dish with foil to retain moisture during baking.
- Bake the sliders: Place the covered baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes until the sliders are warmed through and the cheese has melted perfectly.
Notes
- You can substitute the shredded chicken with pulled pork or beef for a different flavor variety.
- Use any type of BBQ sauce depending on your preferred sweetness or spiciness level.
- For extra crispiness, uncover the sliders in the last 5 minutes of baking to brown the tops slightly.
- These sliders reheat well and make great leftovers for next-day meals or snacks.
