Quick BBQ Chicken Sliders

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Soft, buttery rolls loaded with juicy BBQ shredded chicken, melted cheese, and crisp red onions—these Quick BBQ Chicken Sliders are a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re planning a game night, a potluck, or a quick weeknight dinner, these sliders bring bold flavor with minimal effort. They come together in under 30 minutes and disappear even faster.

Each bite delivers a smoky, savory mix of tender chicken and gooey cheese, balanced with the sharp crunch of onions and topped with a garlicky herb butter glaze. These sliders are the definition of comfort food in bite-sized form, and once you try them, you’ll be reaching for seconds (and thirds).

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Why You’ll Love This Quick BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe

• Perfect for parties, potlucks, or family dinners
• Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients
• Can be made ahead and reheated without losing flavor
• Versatile: swap in your favorite cheese or add pickles, jalapeños, or slaw
• Great use for leftover rotisserie or shredded chicken

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving in, it’s helpful to gather your tools to streamline the process. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Baking Dish or Sheet Pan: Essential for evenly baking the sliders and crisping the buns.
• Mixing Bowl: To toss the chicken with BBQ sauce and seasonings.
• Sharp Knife: For slicing the slider buns horizontally and for prepping onions.
• Pastry Brush: To apply the garlic butter over the buns for that golden, flavorful finish.
• Aluminum Foil: Keeps the sliders moist during baking before uncovering to crisp up.

Each of these tools ensures your prep is smooth and the final result is melty, juicy, and golden brown on top.

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Preparation Tips

For best results, use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time. Shred it finely to ensure every bite is well-coated with BBQ sauce. Don’t overdo the sauce—too much can make the buns soggy. Slice the rolls as a whole slab to make layering easy and uniform. Lightly toasting the bottom halves before assembling can also help prevent sogginess. And finally, don’t skip brushing the tops with garlic herb butter—it adds an irresistible finish.

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Ingredients for This Quick BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe

• 12 slider rolls (Hawaiian rolls or any soft dinner rolls)
• 2 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (or a blend)
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line a sheet pan with parchment paper. This ensures the sliders don’t stick and makes cleanup easier.

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Step 2: Mix Chicken and Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce. Mix thoroughly until all the chicken is coated. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper if needed, especially if your BBQ sauce is sweet.

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Step 3: Slice the Slider Buns

Without separating the individual rolls, slice the entire slab of rolls horizontally using a serrated knife. Place the bottom half in the prepared baking dish. This method keeps the sliders uniform and easy to assemble.

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Step 4: Layer the Fillings

Evenly spread the BBQ chicken mixture over the bottom half of the rolls. Top with shredded cheese and then the thinly sliced red onions. Place the top half of the rolls back on.

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Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter Topping

In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, and oregano. Use a pastry brush to generously brush the tops of the rolls with the mixture. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for added flavor and color.

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Step 6: Bake the Sliders

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy.

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Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the sliders cool for 3-5 minutes before slicing between each roll. Serve warm with optional lime wedges, coleslaw, or extra BBQ sauce on the side.

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Notes

Quick BBQ Chicken Sliders are not only a go-to for entertaining but also make a great leftover meal. If you’re using freshly cooked chicken, let it cool slightly before mixing it with BBQ sauce to avoid the cheese melting prematurely. For an extra smoky kick, try a chipotle BBQ sauce or add a touch of liquid smoke. These sliders are extremely customizable—you can add jalapeños for heat, coleslaw for crunch, or even pineapple for a sweet twist.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using too much BBQ sauce: While tempting, excess sauce can make the buns soggy and the sliders fall apart.
• Skipping the foil step: Baking covered allows the cheese to melt evenly before the tops brown. Uncovered baking from the start can burn the tops while the inside remains cold.
• Overstuffing the rolls: Too much filling can cause the sliders to burst open while baking.
• Not letting them rest: Letting the sliders sit for a few minutes after baking helps everything settle and makes cutting easier.

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Storage Instructions

Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) covered with foil for about 10 minutes to maintain their texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the buns rubbery. For longer storage, wrap individual sliders tightly and freeze for up to one month. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Slider)

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 480mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken is ideal because it’s tender, flavorful, and already cooked—saving time.

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything except the garlic butter topping, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Can I freeze BBQ Chicken Sliders?

Absolutely. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze. Reheat in the oven without thawing.

What cheese is best to use?

Mozzarella melts beautifully, but cheddar or a pepper jack blend adds extra flavor.

Are these sliders spicy?

Not inherently, but you can make them spicy by using a hot BBQ sauce or adding jalapeños.

How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?

Toast the bottom halves for a few minutes before adding the filling, and avoid over-saucing.

Can I use a different meat?

Definitely. Pulled pork or shredded beef also work great in this recipe.

What sides go well with BBQ chicken sliders?

Try coleslaw, potato wedges, pickles, or a crisp green salad.

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Conclusion

Quick BBQ Chicken Sliders are your new best friend for effortless, delicious entertaining. They’re fast, flexible, and incredibly flavorful—perfect for feeding a crowd or just spicing up a regular weeknight dinner. With simple prep, a melty cheese center, and sweet-savory BBQ chicken packed into fluffy buns, this is a recipe you’ll find yourself making on repeat. Serve them fresh out of the oven and watch them vanish in minutes!

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