If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing, mouthwatering treat that brings together melty cheese, tangy barbecue, and tender chicken, look no further than this Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe. These little handheld delights are bursting with flavor and perfect for everything from casual family dinners to lively game day gatherings. They combine soft, fluffy slider buns with a saucy chicken filling and that irresistible golden cheese top, creating an unforgettable bite every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting great results with this Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe starts with simple, quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal that make these sliders truly special.
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken: The hearty base of the sliders, tender and ready to soak up all the BBQ goodness.
- 1 cup barbecue sauce: Adds tangy, smoky sweetness that ties the whole dish together beautifully.
- 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls: Soft, slightly sweet buns that cradle the filling perfectly.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese: Melts to gooey perfection, giving that irresistible cheesy pull.
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted): Brushed on top for a golden, buttery crust that’s full of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a subtle savory depth to the buttery topping.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the aroma and adds a gentle sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Offers a fresh, herbal note that brightens the flavors.
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion (optional): For a little extra crunch and sharpness inside the filling.
- ¼ cup sliced pickles (optional for serving): Adds a tangy contrast that cuts through the richness.
How to Make Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Chicken with BBQ Sauce
Start by combining your shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce in a large bowl. This ensures every bite is juicy, flavorful, and perfectly coated.
Step 2: Prepare the Slider Buns
Carefully slice the slider buns in half horizontally, being sure to keep the top and bottom halves attached. This helps keep your sliders neat and cohesive during baking.
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
Place the bottom half of the buns in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish as your base layer. Evenly spread the BBQ chicken mixture over the buns, then sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. If you’re using red onion, scatter it over the cheese for added texture and flavor. Finally, place the bun tops right over everything to form your sliders.
Step 4: Brush with Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley. Use a brush to coat the tops of the buns with this fragrant mixture — this step guarantees a golden, savory topping that looks as good as it tastes.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld and the cheese melt. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes until the tops turn a beautiful golden brown and are irresistible to look at. Allow the sliders to cool slightly before slicing into individual portions.
How to Serve Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
The Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe truly shines with simple garnishes. Sliced pickles bring a crisp, tangy bite that contrasts wonderfully against the rich cheese and saucy chicken. You can also consider fresh herbs like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an added pop of color and flavor.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair beautifully with classic sides. Think crispy fries, crunchy coleslaw, or a fresh green salad to balance the meaty, cheesy richness. For a bit more fun, try serving alongside baked beans or a colorful corn salad to give your meal a little Southern flair.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the sliders on a rustic wooden board or in a large serving tray lined with parchment paper for a casual yet stylish presentation. You can also provide small dipping bowls filled with extra barbecue sauce and pickles to encourage guests to customize their bites. Wrapping each slider with a cute skewer or toothpick adds charm and helps guests handle them easily.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra sliders, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. They maintain their flavor well, so you can enjoy a quick snack or meal without losing any of the deliciousness.
Freezing
Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe leftovers freeze wonderfully. Wrap individual sliders in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep up to two months, making them perfect for enjoying later with minimal effort.
Reheating
To bring your sliders back to life, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve the delightful bread texture and avoid sogginess.
FAQs
Can I make these sliders spicier?
Absolutely! Swap the barbecue sauce for your favorite buffalo sauce, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter mixture for an extra kick. It’s a simple tweak to the Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe that packs a punch.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar and mozzarella are fantastic options for their meltability and flavor. You can mix them or choose one based on your preference. Pepper Jack also makes an exciting spicy alternative.
Can these sliders be made ahead of time?
Yes, they’re perfect for making ahead. Assemble and refrigerate the sliders covered with foil, then bake just before serving. This makes your hosting experience super smooth and stress-free.
Is rotisserie chicken a good shortcut?
Definitely! Using rotisserie chicken saves time without sacrificing taste, making your preparation quicker and easier. Just shred it up and mix with your BBQ sauce for a delicious filling.
Are these sliders kid-friendly?
Yes! The combination of familiar flavors and soft textures makes the Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe ideal for kids. You can adjust toppings and sauces to suit young taste buds.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that’s simple to make yet incredibly satisfying, and this Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe fits the bill perfectly. Whether you’re entertaining a crowd or craving comfort food, these sliders promise smiles all around. Give them a try and watch how fast they disappear — I guarantee they’ll become one of your favorite go-to recipes!
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 party favorite, combining tender shredded chicken coated in tangy barbecue sauce, melted cheddar cheese, and soft slider buns. Perfect for gatherings or a quick weeknight meal, they bake to golden perfection with a buttery garlic topping that adds an irresistible flavor and aroma.
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 for Serving
- ¼ cup sliced pickles
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sliders.
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce until all the chicken is well coated. If using, stir in the finely diced red onion for added flavor.
- Prepare Slider Buns: Carefully slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves connected to form a hinge. Place the bottom half of the buns in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading them out evenly.
- Assemble Sliders: Evenly spread the BBQ chicken mixture over the bottom buns. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the chicken layer. If desired, add the optional red onion on top. Then place the top halves of the buns over the filling.
- Apply Butter Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley. Brush this mixture evenly over the tops of the slider rolls to add flavor and help them brown nicely.
- Bake Covered: Loosely cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to warm through and melt the cheese.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the tops of the buns are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let the sliders cool slightly for easier handling. Slice into individual sliders and serve warm, optionally with sliced pickles on the side.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut for this recipe.
- You can substitute BBQ sauce with buffalo sauce for a spicier flavor twist.
- These sliders are perfect for parties and can be prepped ahead, then baked just before serving to save time.
