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

Scale

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)

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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.