These Easy Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders are the perfect combination of sweet, smoky, spicy, and cheesy. With tender shredded chicken mixed in a rich BBQ sauce, layered between fluffy sweet rolls, and brushed with aromatic garlic butter, every bite delivers satisfying flavor. This recipe requires minimal effort and is ideal for busy days, gatherings, and weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These sliders are incredibly simple to make, requiring only about 15 minutes of hands-on time. The BBQ chicken filling is flexible, allowing you to adjust spice and sauciness to your preference. They’re also a crowd-pleaser—great for parties, family dinners, potlucks, and game nights. Plus, they bake quickly and come out irresistibly cheesy and delicious.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
12 Hawaiian sweet rolls
¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
¾ cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
Directions
Prepare the chicken:
If not using pre-cooked chicken, season the chicken tenders with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne. Heat olive oil in a skillet and pan-fry the chicken until fully cooked and slightly charred. Let rest for 5 minutes, then chop into small pieces.
Make the BBQ chicken filling:
Place the chopped chicken back into the skillet over low heat. Add BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, and chili garlic sauce. Toss to coat evenly, then remove from heat. Adjust seasoning and sauce levels to taste.
Prepare the garlic butter:
Combine softened butter with parsley and garlic powder. Mix until smooth.
Assemble the sliders:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Slice the entire pack of sweet rolls horizontally without separating them. On the bottom half, spread half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Add the BBQ chicken mixture, then top with the remaining cheese. Place the top half of the rolls back on and press gently. Brush generously with garlic butter.
Bake:
Transfer the assembled sliders to the oven and bake for 7–10 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted.
Serve:
Serve warm and enjoy immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12 sliders.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
Use grilled chicken for a smokier flavor.
Swap cheddar for pepper jack for extra heat.
Add thinly sliced onions or jalapeños for crunch and spice.
Use brioche slider buns for a richer flavor.
Add a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5–6 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 8–10 minutes or microwave in 20-second intervals until warm. Avoid overheating to keep the bread soft and the chicken juicy.
FAQs
How spicy are these sliders?
The heat level depends on the chili garlic sauce and cayenne. Reduce or omit these ingredients for a mild version.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works very well and saves time.
Can I prepare the sliders ahead of time?
You can assemble them a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Brush the garlic butter right before baking.
Can I freeze these sliders?
They freeze well before baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
A well-balanced sweet and smoky BBQ sauce enhances the flavor. Choose your favorite store-bought brand.
Can I use different cheeses?
Yes, any melting cheese works—try Monterey jack, gouda, or provolone.
How do I prevent soggy sliders?
Ensure the chicken mixture isn’t overly saucy and bake soon after assembling.
Can I make these halal?
Yes, simply use halal-certified chicken and sauces.
Can I grill the sliders instead of baking?
Yes, place them on indirect heat, covered, until the cheese melts.
Are Hawaiian rolls necessary?
Any soft, slightly sweet slider buns will work.
Conclusion
These Easy Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders are flavorful, simple, and perfect for any occasion. With tender BBQ-coated chicken, melted cheese, and buttery rolls, they offer maximum satisfaction with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or preparing a quick family meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
These Easy Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders feature juicy shredded chicken coated in a smoky-spicy BBQ sauce, layered with melty cheese on sweet Hawaiian rolls and brushed with garlic butter—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken tenders
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp cayenne
2 tbsp olive oil
½ cup BBQ sauce
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp mayonnaise
2 tbsp chili garlic sauce
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp chopped fresh parsley
¼ tsp garlic powder
12 Hawaiian sweet rolls
¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
¾ cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Season chicken tenders with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne. Heat olive oil in a skillet and pan-fry until fully cooked and slightly charred. Let rest for 5 minutes, then chop.
Return chopped chicken to skillet over low heat. Stir in BBQ sauce, Worcestershire, mayonnaise, and chili garlic sauce. Mix to coat and remove from heat.
In a small bowl, mix softened butter with parsley and garlic powder.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Slice sweet rolls horizontally. On the bottom half, layer half the cheddar and mozzarella. Add BBQ chicken mixture and top with remaining cheese. Place top rolls back on and press gently. Brush tops with garlic butter.
Bake for 7–10 minutes, until cheese is melted and sliders are heated through.
Serve warm and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Use rotisserie or grilled chicken to save time or add smokiness.
Control spice by adjusting cayenne and chili garlic sauce.
Use any melty cheese like Monterey jack or provolone.
For best texture, avoid over-saucing the chicken mixture.
Freeze unbaked sliders for future meals—bake straight from frozen.
