I just whipped up some finger-licking BBQ chicken sliders, and I can’t get over how delicious they are!
I piled shredded chicken high on slider buns, then covered it in barbecue sauce and melty cheese. The combo of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors had my mouth watering.
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a fun twist on a classic sandwich, these sliders are the way to go.
They’re easy to make, and your guests will be so impressed.
Why You’ll Love These BBQ Chicken Sliders
These sliders are so tantalizing, you’ll make them again and again!
- Easy to Make: In just 25 minutes, these bites are ready to devour. There are no fancy ingredients or complicated steps. Just minimal prep and cleanup.
- Bursting with Flavor: These sliders are dripping with flavor! The sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and garlicky buttered bun make them flavor-bombs.
- Perfect for Parties: Hello finger food heaven! The mini size means easy grabbing and snacking. They’re a huge hit at parties.
Ingredients
With this easy slider recipe, you get big flavors from simple ingredients.
Here’s what you need:
- Chicken – Use pre-cooked, shredded chicken breast. I recommend using leftover rotisserie chicken for less prep.
- BBQ Sauce – For slathering that chicken in deliciousness! Use your favorite brand or DIY it with homemade barbecue sauce.
- Slider Buns – Any type of slider bun will do. I’m a big fan of Hawaiian rolls. The sweetness perfectly complements the savory fillings.
- Red Onion – Slice it thin for a little extra flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Skip the grating and slice the cheese in half. It will melt perfectly, making the sliders even more enticing.
- Dill Pickles (Optional) – They’re optional, but I love the briny, tangy crunch of dill pickles.
- Butter – Brush the buns with melted butter for more flavor.
- Garlic Powder – For making garlic butter. It’s a simple twist and takes these sliders up a notch.
- Fresh Parsley – Add it to the butter for freshness and color.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Sliders
You can have these sliders ready in under 30 minutes.
Here’s how to make them:
1. Mix. Place the shredded cooked chicken in a microwave-safe bowl. Add 1 cup of BBQ sauce and stir.
2. Warm the chicken. Heat the chicken in the microwave for about 5 minutes. Stir in 1-minute intervals.
3. Slice. Cut the buns in half. Place the bottom half on a greased baking dish.
4. Assemble. Spoon the BBQ chicken on the bottom buns. Layer the red onion, mozzarella cheese, and pickles. Drizzle extra BBQ sauce on top, if desired. Cover with the top half of the bun.
5. Brush the buns. Mix the melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley in a bowl. Brush it over the top of the sliders.
6. Bake. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips and Variations
If you want the most devour-worthy sliders, follow these tips and variations:
- Switch up the cheese. You don’t have to stick to mozzarella. You can use another melty cheese like Pepper Jack, provolone, or white cheddar.
- Give the onions a soak. For milder onions, soak them in cold water for 15-30 minutes. Then, pat them dry. This step will help tone down the pungency.
- Prefer your onions cooked? Caramelize them instead. The sweet flavor adds more depth to complement the filling.
- Serving a big crowd? You can easily double or triple the recipe. Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need.
- Get creative with the toppings! Add jalapenos, coleslaw, pineapple chunks, or your favorite BBQ sauce for a twist. I’m a big fan of pineapple coleslaw.
How to Store
These sliders are so addicting, you won’t want a bite to go to waste! So wrap them up tight and store the leftovers for later.
To Make Ahead: If you’re planning a party, I recommend making these in advance to save time later. Cook according to the directions, then assemble just before serving.
To Store: Place the leftover sliders in an air-tight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To Freeze: Wrap each slider in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-friendly bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes or until warm. Brush the tops with melted butter, if desired.
What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Sliders
These sliders are so good, you don’t even need to bother with a side!
Still, I love adding them to a spread for a party. A few sides also easily turn them into a family dinner.
So here are some pairings for a little inspiration:
- Air Fryer Waffle Fries
- Potato Wedges
- Crispy Potato Skins
- Crockpot Mac and Cheese
- Fruit Salad
- KFC Coleslaw
More Slider Recipes You’ll Love
Turkey and Cheese Sliders
Big Mac Sliders
Pulled Pork Sliders
Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
Beef and Cheddar Sliders
BBQ Chicken Sliders
12
servings10
minutes10
minutes20
minutesThese easy BBQ chicken sliders are perfect for any gathering! The sweet and smoky sauce is the perfect pairing with juicy, tender chicken!
Ingredients
2 pounds pre-cooked chicken breasts, shredded
1 cup BBQ sauce, plus extra for serving
12 slider buns
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
6 slices mozzarella cheese, cut in half
12 dill pickle slices, optional
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Place the pre-cooked, shredded chicken in a large microwave-safe bowl. Add 1 cup of BBQ sauce to the chicken, stirring well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
- Warm in the microwave for about 5 minutes, stirring at every 1 minute interval until the mixture is warm. Set aside.
- Cut the slider buns in half and place them in the prepared baking dish (or on the baking sheet).
- Spoon a generous amount of the warm BBQ chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each slider bun.
- Add the red onion slices, mozzarella cheese, and dill pickles (if using) on top of the chicken.
- Optionally, drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce over the chicken for added flavor.
- Place the top half of the sliders over the chicken.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley. Brush it over the top of the sliders.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden brown. Serve warm, and enjoy!
