Barbecue chicken sliders are juicy, smoky, and packed with flavor, making them the perfect party appetizer, game-day snack, or quick dinner. These mini sandwiches are filled with tender shredded BBQ chicken, topped with melted cheese, crunchy slaw, and soft, buttery slider buns.

Whether you use rotisserie chicken, slow-cooked, or grilled chicken, these BBQ sliders come together quickly and are always a crowd favorite!

Let’s dive into this easy, delicious, and satisfying slider recipe.

1. Why You’ll Love These Barbecue Chicken Sliders

Sweet, Smoky, and Savory

Tender shredded chicken coated in tangy BBQ sauce.
Melted cheese and crunchy coleslaw add the perfect texture contrast.

Quick and Easy to Make

Uses store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Ready in just 30 minutes, great for busy nights.

Perfect for Any Gathering

Ideal for parties, game days, potlucks, or family dinners.
Easy to customize with different toppings and sauces.

2. Best Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Sliders

For the BBQ Chicken:

3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie, grilled, or slow-cooked)
1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon honey (optional, for sweetness)

For the Sliders:

12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls or brioche buns work best!)
6 slices cheddar or provolone cheese, halved
½ cup coleslaw (for crunch, optional)
2 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing)
½ teaspoon sesame seeds (optional for topping)

Optional Toppings:

Pickles or jalapeños (for extra crunch or spice)
Caramelized onions
Bacon crumbles

3. Step-by-Step Barbecue Chicken Sliders Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Chicken

In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and honey.
Stir well and heat in a skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes until warm.

Step 2: Assemble the Sliders

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Slice slider buns in half horizontally and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
Layer with half the cheese slices, followed by BBQ chicken, then the remaining cheese.
Place the top halves of the buns on top.

Step 3: Brush with Butter and Bake

Brush melted butter over the tops of the buns.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds (optional).
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for 5 more minutes until golden brown.

Step 4: Add Toppings and Serve

Remove sliders from the oven and let cool for 2 minutes.
Top with coleslaw, pickles, or jalapeños for extra crunch.
Serve warm and enjoy!

4. Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Sliders

How to Keep Sliders from Getting Soggy

Toast the buns lightly before assembling.
Drain excess BBQ sauce if it’s too watery.

How to Make the Chicken Extra Juicy

Mix in a little chicken broth with the BBQ sauce before heating.
Use dark meat chicken (thighs) for a richer taste.

How to Make Sliders for a Large Crowd

Double the recipe and use a large sheet pan to bake multiple batches.

5. Delicious Variations to Try

Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Swap BBQ sauce for Buffalo sauce and top with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sliders

Add pineapple slices for a sweet tropical twist.

Spicy Jalapeño BBQ Sliders

Use spicy BBQ sauce and top with sliced jalapeños.

BBQ Ranch Chicken Sliders

Mix ranch dressing into the BBQ chicken for a creamy, tangy flavor.

6. Serving Suggestions

Pair your BBQ Chicken Sliders with:

Crispy French fries or sweet potato fries.
Corn on the cob or grilled veggies.
Mac and cheese or potato salad.
A fresh green salad for balance.

7. Storing and Reheating Leftovers

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

How to Reheat Without Drying Out

Oven: Bake at 325°F for 10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, covered with a damp paper towel.

Can You Freeze BBQ Chicken Sliders?

Yes! Freeze assembled but unbaked sliders for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes.

8. Fun Facts About BBQ Chicken and Sliders

The term “sliders” comes from the U.S. Navy, where small sandwiches were said to “slide down easily.”
BBQ chicken became popular in the Southern U.S. and is now a nationwide favorite.
Hawaiian rolls are the most popular buns for sliders due to their slightly sweet flavor.

9. Conclusion

These Barbecue Chicken Sliders are sweet, smoky, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you serve them for a party, game night, or an easy weeknight meal, they’re sure to be a hit.

Try this simple and delicious recipe today and enjoy the perfect balance of BBQ flavors in every bite!

FAQs

1. Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Yes! It makes this recipe even faster and just as delicious.

2. Can I make BBQ chicken in the slow cooker?

Yes! Cook chicken breasts with BBQ sauce on LOW for 6 hours, then shred.

3. What’s the best cheese for BBQ sliders?

Cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for a spicy kick.

4. Can I use pulled pork instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Pulled pork sliders are another great alternative.

5. Can I add coleslaw inside the sliders before baking?

No, it’s best to add coleslaw after baking to keep it crunchy.

6. Can I use a different type of bun?

Yes! Try brioche, pretzel rolls, or mini burger buns.

7. How do I make them spicier?

Use spicy BBQ sauce, add hot sauce, or top with jalapeños.

8. What’s the best way to serve sliders at a party?

Keep them warm in a slow cooker set to “warm”.

9. Can I grill these sliders instead of baking?

Yes! Grill the buns and melt cheese over the chicken for extra smokiness.

10. Can I make these sliders vegetarian?

Yes! Use jackfruit or mushrooms instead of chicken with BBQ sauce.

Enjoy your sweet, smoky, and delicious Barbecue Chicken Sliders—a crowd-pleasing favorite for any occasion! 🍔🔥🍗

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1. Why You’ll Love These Barbecue Chicken Sliders

Sweet, Smoky, and Savory

Quick and Easy to Make

Perfect for Any Gathering