If you are looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that combines gooey cheese, tangy barbecue, and tender chicken in a convenient handheld form, this Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe is exactly what you need. These sliders are a perfect blend of smoky BBQ sauce-infused shredded chicken layered between soft slider buns, topped with melty cheese and savory seasonings. Whether you are gearing up for a party, a casual family dinner, or a delicious snack, these sliders deliver big flavor in every bite and come together with surprisingly simple ingredients and steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just the right ingredients sets the stage for irresistible Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders. Each component plays an important role, from the tender chicken soaking up barbecue sauce to the buttery seasoned topping that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut with lots of flavor.
- 1 cup barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite for a sweet and smoky base that binds the chicken.
- 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls: Soft rolls hold the filling perfectly without falling apart.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to give that classic cheesy pull.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Adds richness and helps the seasoning mixture adhere to the buns.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a savory depth to the buttery topping.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall aroma and flavor complexity.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds a hint of herbal freshness and visual appeal.
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion (optional): Provides a subtle crunch and slight sweetness.
- ¼ cup sliced pickles (optional for serving): Offers a tangy contrast that brightens each bite.
How to Make Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
Start by mixing the shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce in a large bowl until every bit of chicken is coated with that perfect tangy-sweet flavor. This step ensures each slider is bursting with juicy BBQ goodness.
Step 2: Assemble the Sliders
Slice the slider buns horizontally, making sure to keep the top and bottom halves connected so they stay neatly assembled. Place the bottom half in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, creating the perfect base to hold all the delicious fillings.
Step 3: Layer the Filling
Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the bottom buns, then sprinkle generously with shredded cheese. If you love a little crunch and a touch of bite, scatter some finely diced red onion across the top for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Step 4: Add the Top Buns and Seasoning
Place the top halves of the buns over the cheesy BBQ chicken filling. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley. Brush this flavorful mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls. This step is key to achieving a golden-brown crust with fragrant seasoning.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the tops are beautifully golden and the cheese inside has melted into a gooey dream. Allow the sliders to cool slightly before slicing to individual servings.
How to Serve Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Adding just the right garnish can elevate your Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders. Pickles are a classic accompaniment, providing a tangy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese and barbecue flavors. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or a drizzle of ranch dressing can add extra freshness and creaminess.
Side Dishes
Serve these sliders alongside crispy fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. The creamy coleslaw works wonderfully by balancing the tangy BBQ sauce, while fries add that satisfying crunch that everyone loves. These sides keep things casual but delicious, perfect for any gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make your presentation stand out? Try serving the sliders on a wooden board with decorative toothpicks for easy grabbing. Layer a few sliders on a tiered serving tray to turn them into an irresistible centerpiece at your party. You can also arrange the sliders in mini cast iron skillets, letting the cheese remain warm and melty as guests dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders left, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sliders tightly wrapped to maintain their moisture and prevent the buns from drying out.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months, making them perfect to prepare in advance for busy days or unexpected guests.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated sliders by placing them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes or until warmed through. Cover loosely with foil to keep the buns from getting too crisp while allowing the cheese to melt again beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for this Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, feel free to experiment with pepper jack for a spicy kick or smoked gouda for a deeper flavor. Any meltable cheese that complements BBQ flavors will work wonderfully.
Is it necessary to use slider buns, or can I use regular buns?
Slider buns are ideal because of their size and softness, but you can substitute small sandwich rolls or Hawaiian rolls. Just keep in mind the portion size will change, and you might need to adjust cooking times slightly.
Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the shredded chicken with pulled jackfruit or shredded mushrooms cooked in BBQ sauce for a delicious vegetarian alternative that still captures the smoky, cheesy essence.
What barbecue sauce works best for this recipe?
Choose a BBQ sauce that matches your flavor preference—whether that’s sweet, spicy, smoky, or tangy. Using your favorite store-bought sauce or homemade version works perfectly to bring out the best taste in these sliders.
Can I prepare the sliders ahead of time and bake them later?
Definitely! Assemble the sliders and cover them tightly with foil or plastic wrap, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, just bake as directed for a fresh, hot appetizer that tastes like it was made from scratch.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe is one of those dishes that turns any gathering into a celebration. Its perfect blend of gooey cheese, savory BBQ chicken, and soft, buttery buns is downright irresistible. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and experience the joy of serving something so simple yet utterly delicious to your loved ones.
Print
Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make party favorite, combining tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy barbecue sauce, topped with melted cheddar or mozzarella cheese, and baked to golden perfection inside soft slider buns. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, these sliders can be prepped ahead and baked just before serving, making them ideal for gatherings or quick family meals.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion (optional)
Sliders
- 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Butter Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Optional Serving
- ¼ cup sliced pickles (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sliders.
- Mix Chicken and BBQ Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce until the chicken is evenly coated. Add the diced red onion if using, and mix well.
- Prepare Slider Buns: Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, but keep the top and bottom halves connected. Place the bottom halves in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish as the base layer.
- Assemble Sliders: Evenly spread the BBQ chicken mixture over the bottom halves of the buns. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the chicken layer, and add red onions if desired. Place the top halves of the buns over the filling, closing the sliders.
- Make Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley. Brush this mixture evenly over the tops of the slider buns to add flavor and help achieve a golden crust.
- Bake Covered: Loosely cover the baking dish with foil and bake the sliders for 10 minutes. This step warms the filling and begins melting the cheese.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve: Let the sliders cool slightly, then slice into individual portions and serve warm. Add sliced pickles on the side if desired for extra tang and crunch.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and convenient preparation.
- Swap barbecue sauce for buffalo sauce to create a spicier version of these sliders.
- These sliders are perfect for parties and can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- For a different cheese flavor, try using pepper jack or smoked gouda instead of cheddar or mozzarella.
