These easy BBQ chicken sliders are one of my go-to recipes when I need something quick, cheesy, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Made with soft Hawaiian rolls, juicy shredded chicken, melty cheese, and a buttery garlic topping, they come together in just 20 minutes.
We make these for busy weeknights, game days, and casual get-togethers because they’re simple, affordable, and always a hit.
If you love easy party food, try my chicken barbecue pizza or make a batch of roast beef sliders next.
In this post
- How To Make This Recipe Step By Step
- Ingredient Swaps That Work
- Storage Tips
- Expert Cooking Tips
- How To Level It Up
Why This Recipe Works
This BBQ chicken sliders recipe works because of three simple things:
- Flavor balance. The sweet Hawaiian rolls pair perfectly with the smoky BBQ sauce and savory chicken. The cheese adds richness, while the garlic butter topping brings everything together with extra flavor.
- Texture contrast. Soft, fluffy rolls stay tender on the inside, while the tops turn slightly golden and crisp in the oven. The melted cheese helps hold everything together so the sliders don’t fall apart.
- Proper layering. Placing cheese on both the bottom and top helps lock in moisture and keeps the chicken from making the buns soggy. Baking just until heated through ensures the sliders stay juicy instead of drying out.
🛒Ingredients
- Chicken - I like using rotisserie chicken because it’s fast and flavorful. If you shred your own, meat shredder claws makes it incredibly quick (especially if you meal prep).
- Cheese - You’ll need about 12 slices. I like mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack. Using two cheeses gives the best melt.
- Barbecue sauce - Use your favorite store-bought (we like Sweet Baby Rays or Stubb’s), or homemade if you have time.
- Hawaiian rolls - Soft, sweet rolls work best here. They hold everything together and bake beautifully.
- Dried minced onion - Optional, but adds a nice savory crunch on top. You can also use sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning.
For the full list of ingredients, please scroll down to where you'll find the recipe card.
🥣How to Make BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Toss shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until fully coated.
- Mix butter, parmesan, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (I always use this parchment paper for easy cleanup).
- Slice rolls in half and place the bottoms on the pan. Add cheese, chicken, onion, then another layer of cheese. Place the tops on.
- Brush generously with garlic butter using a basting brush and sprinkle with onion.
- Bake 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and tops are golden.
- Let cool slightly, slice, and serve. Use a sharp serrated knife like this to avoid squishing the rolls.
Ever Wondered Why Sliders Are So Popular?
They’re easy to serve, quick to make, and perfect for feeding a crowd without stress. Plus, Hawaiian buns stay soft and buttery even after baking.
For extra indulgent sliders, combine two different cheese: shredded mozzarella or provolone + smoked gouda, so good!
Equipment I Used
Elitra Home Complete Measuring Set
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Buy Now → 📋Tips
- Different cheeses. Some cheeses might need 20 mins to melt fully. If tops brown too much, cover with foil to prevent burning and ensure complete melting.
- Extra hearty - Add a layer of coleslaw after baking for crunch.
- More flavor - Mix BBQ sauce into the chicken fully, not just on top.
- Cheese matters - Some cheeses melt slower. Cover with foil if tops brown too fast.
- Try different filling with my slow cooker pulled beef.
- Avoid soggy sliders - Make the bottom layer slightly thicker than the top.
Ingredient Swaps That Work
- Use chicken thighs for more flavor
- Swap rolls for brioche buns
- Try spicy BBQ sauce for heat
- Add jalapeños for extra kick
- Use cheddar for a sharper taste
How To Level It Up
- Add crispy bacon
- Use smoked gouda + mozzarella combo
- Add caramelized onions
- Brush extra butter halfway through baking
- Serve with ranch or creamy dip
❌ Common Mistakes
These small mistakes can ruin the texture and flavor:
- Using too much BBQ sauce. It may seem like more is better, but it can make the sliders soggy and messy.
- Skipping the cheese layer on the bottom. This acts as a barrier and keeps the buns from getting wet.
- Overbaking. The chicken can dry out quickly, so bake just until the cheese melts and everything is heated through.
- Cutting the rolls unevenly. This makes the sliders fall apart and cook unevenly.
- Not covering if needed. If the tops brown too fast, loosely cover with foil so the cheese can fully melt inside.
- Skipping the butter topping. This adds flavor and gives the tops that golden, slightly crisp finish.
Storage Instructions
- 🍱To Store. The sliders can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days. These sliders are great for meal prepping and are perfect for lunch.
- 🥶Freezing. You can freeze the sandwiches baked or unbaked for up to 3 months.
- 🔥To Reheat. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5-10 minutes.
What To Serve With Sliders
More Party Recipes
For all appetizers, explore our Appetizers archives.
These sliders are one of those recipes we keep making again and again. Easy, budget-friendly, and always a crowd favorite.
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📖Recipe
Easy Chicken Sliders Recipe
The barbecue chicken sliders is a simple recipe with so much flavor from the barbecue sauce, cheese, tangy red onions, and a garlic butter topping. If you are searching for an easy dinner or an appetizer for your next gathering you are going to love this recipe.
Video
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pound chicken, shredded and seasoned with salt and pepper
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ¼ cup salted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 12 Hawaiian rolls, sliced
- 12 slices provolone cheese
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 1 tablespoon parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Coat chicken with barbecue sauce and set aside.1 ½ pound chicken, 1 cup barbecue sauce
- Combine butter, parmesan, and garlic powder; set aside.¼ cup salted butter, 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Place bottom Hawaiian rolls on sheet, layer with cheese, chicken, onion, and more cheese, then top with rolls.1 ½ pound chicken, 12 Hawaiian rolls, 12 slices provolone cheese, ½ cup red onion
- Brush tops with garlic butter and sprinkle dried minced onion.1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- Bake 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese melts. Garnish with parsley before serving.1 tablespoon parsley
Notes
- 🍱To Store. The sliders can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days. These sliders are great for meal prepping and are perfect for lunch.
- 🥶Freezing. You can freeze the sandwiches baked or unbaked for up to 3 months.
- 🔥To Reheat. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5-10 minutes.
Nutrition
Calories: 750kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 9gFat: 68gSaturated Fat: 24gPolyunsaturated Fat: 12gMonounsaturated Fat: 28gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 82mgSodium: 512mgPotassium: 104mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 373IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 167mgIron: 0.3mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Try other version of this appetizer: chicken barbecue pizza or make these sliders with roast beef instead.
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Rita
enjoy these hearty and delicious chicken sliders for party or dinner!