Quick BBQ Chicken Sliders

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When I need something quick, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing, these Quick BBQ Chicken Sliders never fail me. They’re the kind of dish that makes everyone lean in for seconds—tender shredded chicken coated in tangy BBQ sauce, layered with melty cheese and crisp onions, all tucked into buttery slider rolls. It’s the perfect fusion of comfort food and casual finger food, making it ideal for game days, potlucks, or an easy family dinner.

I love how effortlessly this recipe comes together. Most of the time, I use leftover rotisserie chicken or meal-prepped shredded chicken, which makes the whole process even faster. The sliders bake together in a sheet pan until the tops are golden and the cheese is gooey and irresistible. And when that herbed butter gets brushed over the buns? That’s when they go from good to unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love These Quick BBQ Chicken Sliders

These sliders pack all the punch of a BBQ feast into handheld form. They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and baked all at once—no flipping, grilling, or watching over a stove. The sweet-and-savory BBQ sauce mingles with creamy melted cheese and just the right kick from red onion slices. Whether you’re feeding kids or adults, they hit the spot.

What Kind of Slider Buns Should I Use?

Soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls are my go-to. Their pillowy texture soaks up flavor without falling apart, and they toast up beautifully in the oven. You can also use any dinner rolls you love—just make sure they’re attached together in a sheet, so you can slice them as one piece and keep the layers neat.

Options for Substitutions

• Chicken: Use rotisserie, leftover grilled chicken, or even canned shredded chicken in a pinch.
• BBQ Sauce: Swap with spicy, smoky, or mustard-based BBQ depending on your flavor preference.
• Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully, but cheddar or pepper jack add boldness.
• Onions: Red onions add a nice bite, but caramelized onions offer sweetness if you want a milder option.
• Buns: Gluten-free or low-carb rolls can work great too, just adjust baking time slightly.

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Ingredients for These Quick BBQ Chicken Sliders

Shredded Chicken – The star of the show. Use freshly cooked, leftover, or rotisserie chicken. It soaks up the BBQ sauce and gives the sliders a juicy, tender bite.

BBQ Sauce – Adds bold, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor. Choose your favorite brand or make it homemade for extra depth.

Slider Buns (Hawaiian Rolls Preferred) – Soft and slightly sweet, they bake into a golden crust while keeping the inside fluffy. Perfect vessel for all that filling.

Mozzarella Cheese – Melts into gooey perfection, binding the chicken and onions together. You can sub in cheddar or pepper jack for more kick.

Red Onion – Thinly sliced for a fresh, crunchy bite that contrasts with the richness of the chicken and cheese.

Butter – Melted and brushed on top of the buns before baking for that rich, golden finish.

Garlic Powder, Dried Parsley & Cracked Black Pepper – A quick herb seasoning for the butter to enhance flavor and make the tops irresistible.

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

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Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

In a bowl, combine shredded chicken with BBQ sauce. Mix until all the meat is coated and juicy. You can warm this slightly in the microwave for 30 seconds to blend the flavors.

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Step 3: Slice the Rolls

Without separating the buns, slice the entire sheet of slider rolls horizontally to create a top and bottom half. Place the bottom half on your prepared baking sheet.

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Step 4: Assemble the Sliders

Evenly layer the BBQ chicken mixture over the bottom buns. Add a generous layer of mozzarella cheese, followed by a sprinkle of thinly sliced red onions. Place the top half of the rolls over everything to sandwich the filling.

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Step 5: Make the Butter Topping

In a small bowl, melt butter and stir in garlic powder, parsley, and black pepper. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the buns.

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Step 6: Bake

Bake uncovered for 15–18 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

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Step 7: Serve

Let the sliders rest for a couple of minutes before slicing along the bun lines. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, tangy, BBQ-packed bites.

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How Long to Prepare the Quick BBQ Chicken Sliders

Prep Time: If you’re using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, the prep work is quick—just 10 to 15 minutes. That includes mixing the chicken with BBQ sauce, slicing the rolls, and assembling everything.

Bake Time: The sliders bake for about 15 to 18 minutes, just long enough for the tops to turn golden brown and the cheese to melt into that dreamy, stretchy texture. Altogether, you’re looking at under 30 minutes from start to finish.

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Tips for Perfect Quick BBQ Chicken Sliders

• Warm the chicken and sauce slightly before assembling. It helps everything meld better and makes for a more flavorful bite.
• Use a serrated knife to slice the buns horizontally. It keeps them neat and intact.
• Brush the butter topping generously. This adds golden color and flavor to the rolls.
• Don’t overstuff the sliders or they’ll spill out too much during baking.
• Tent with foil if the tops brown too quickly before the cheese melts.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using cold chicken: This can affect the baking time and cause uneven melting.
• Not lining the pan: The cheese might stick to the pan and make cleanup a chore.
• Skipping the butter topping: You’ll miss that crisp, flavorful golden crust.
• Overbaking: This can dry out the chicken and make the buns too crispy.
• Crowding the sliders in a too-small pan: They need a bit of space to crisp up properly.

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What to Serve With Quick BBQ Chicken Sliders?

1. Classic Coleslaw

Its cool, creamy crunch balances the warmth and richness of the sliders perfectly.

2. Sweet Potato Fries

The natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the tangy BBQ flavor.

3. Corn on the Cob

Grilled or boiled with butter, corn is a sunny, sweet side that fits right in.

4. Pickles or Pickled Veggies

They cut through the richness and add a tangy pop.

5. Macaroni Salad

Creamy and chilled, it rounds out a party platter or casual dinner.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or until warmed through. The microwave works too, but the buns may become soft.

Freezer: If you want to make these ahead, assemble the sliders without baking and freeze them wrapped tightly in foil. When ready to serve, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes.

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Estimated Nutrition (per slider, approximate)

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 450mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make these sliders spicier?

Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the BBQ chicken mixture or sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them up to a day ahead. Store covered in the fridge and bake when ready.

What cheese works best besides mozzarella?

Cheddar, pepper jack, provolone, or a mix of your favorites all melt well and add unique flavors.

Are these good for meal prep?

Absolutely. Make a batch, store in the fridge, and reheat throughout the week.

Can I make them vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the chicken with pulled jackfruit or chopped mushrooms cooked in BBQ sauce.

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Conclusion

Quick BBQ Chicken Sliders are one of those easy wins in the kitchen—simple to make, endlessly adaptable, and always satisfying. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just looking for an easy dinner idea, these sliders bring big flavor without the hassle. Once you try them, they’ll become a go-to in your weekly rotation!

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