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

Scale

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