BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
Introduction
These BBQ Chicken Sliders are a crowd-pleasing snack or meal, combining tender rotisserie chicken with tangy barbecue sauce and melted cheese on sweet Hawaiian rolls. They’re easy to assemble and perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.

Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (or chopped)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 (8-ounce) package thinly sliced Gouda cheese (or sharp Cheddar, 12 slices)
- 1/3 cup finely diced red onion (optional)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro (optional)
- 4 tablespoons garlic-herb butter
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Generously grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms together as slabs. Place the bottom slab in the prepared pan.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until well coated.
- Step 3: Layer half of the cheese slices evenly on the bottom slab of rolls. Spread the BBQ chicken mixture over the cheese layer. If using, sprinkle the diced red onion and chopped cilantro on top.
- Step 4: Add the remaining cheese slices over the chicken layer, then place the top slab of rolls over the cheese.
- Step 5: Melt the garlic-herb butter in the microwave and drizzle it evenly over the tops and sides of the rolls. Use a brush or spatula to spread the butter, allowing some to pool at the bottom for a crispy finish. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan on top.
- Step 6: Cover the pan with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 3–6 minutes until cheese is fully melted and the tops are golden brown.
- Step 7: Remove from oven and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Substitute rotisserie chicken with leftover cooked chicken or cooked pulled chicken for convenience.
- Try different cheeses like sharp Cheddar or Monterey Jack for varied flavor.
- Add pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Brush with plain melted butter if you don’t have garlic-herb butter on hand.
Storage
Store leftover sliders covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 10–15 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess and preserve the crusty edges.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders a few hours before baking. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving to ensure the rolls stay fresh and the cheese melts perfectly.
Can I use regular sandwich rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Absolutely. While Hawaiian rolls add a sweet touch, any soft dinner rolls or slider buns will work well. Adjust baking time slightly if rolls are thicker or denser.
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BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Total Time: 36 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Description
These BBQ Chicken Sliders are a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer or meal featuring shredded rotisserie chicken mixed with tangy BBQ sauce, layered with melted Gouda cheese on sweet Hawaiian rolls, and finished with a rich garlic-herb butter. Perfect for game day, parties, or a crowd-pleasing dinner.
Ingredients
Sliders
- 12 Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (or chopped)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 (8-ounce) package thinly sliced Gouda cheese (or 12 slices sharp Cheddar)
- 1/3 cup finely diced red onion (optional)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro (optional)
Butter Topping
- 4 tablespoons garlic-herb butter
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan to prevent sticking.
- Slice Rolls: Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally so they remain as one top slab and one bottom slab. Place the bottom slab in the prepared pan.
- Mix Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded or chopped rotisserie chicken with the BBQ sauce, stirring thoroughly until the chicken is well coated.
- Assemble Sliders: Spread half of the sliced cheese evenly over the bottom slab of rolls. Layer the BBQ chicken mixture evenly on top, then add the optional diced red onion and chopped cilantro if using. Top with the remaining cheese slices and place the top slab of rolls over everything.
- Butter the Rolls: Melt the garlic-herb butter, preferably in the microwave, then slowly pour it over the tops and sides of the rolls. Use a pastry brush or spatula to spread the butter evenly, allowing some to pool at the bottom of the pan to crisp the rolls. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
- Bake Covered: Cover the assembled sliders with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 3–6 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the tops of the rolls become golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the sliders from the oven and serve immediately while warm to avoid sogginess.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time, but freshly cooked shredded chicken can be used as well.
- Choose your favorite BBQ sauce based on desired sweetness or smokiness; adjust quantity to taste.
- Optional toppings like red onion and cilantro add freshness and extra flavor but can be omitted.
- Garlic-herb butter and Parmesan add richness and a crispy texture to the slider tops and bottoms.
- Sliders are best served fresh and warm; leftovers may become soggy if stored.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 26 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: BBQ chicken sliders, Hawaiian rolls, party snacks, easy appetizers, game day food, shredded chicken, baked sliders, cheese sliders

