If you’re looking for the ultimate party food or an easy weeknight dinner idea, this BBQ chicken cheese sliders recipe is exactly what you need. These mini sandwiches are packed with juicy BBQ chicken, gooey melted cheese, and soft buttery rolls that make them absolutely irresistible. Whether it’s game day, a picnic, or just a cozy family meal, these sliders are always a hit.
In this post, you’ll learn how to make the most delicious BBQ chicken cheese sliders recipe step by step. Using simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a tray of these flavorful little sandwiches in under 30 minutes. Let’s get cooking and impress your family and guests with these cheesy, savory delights!
What are BBQ Chicken Cheese Sliders?
BBQ chicken cheese sliders are small sandwiches made with shredded chicken tossed in barbecue sauce, topped with cheese, and baked on soft slider buns or dinner rolls. They are usually finished with a buttery, seasoned glaze on top for extra flavor and a golden crust.
These sliders are a favorite for parties, potlucks, and casual dinners because they’re easy to assemble, fun to eat, and can feed a crowd. You can customize them with your favorite BBQ sauce, cheese, and even add extras like pickles or onions for more texture and taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Ready in under 30 minutes
✅ Uses simple, everyday ingredients
✅ Perfect for parties, snacks, or quick dinners
✅ Cheesy, flavorful, and satisfying
✅ Easy to make ahead or freeze
Ingredients You Need
Here’s everything you need to make these mouthwatering sliders:
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns or dinner rolls
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (choose your favorite)
- 6–8 slices of cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone cheese
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
For the Topping:
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step BBQ Chicken Cheese Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce until well coated.
- Taste and adjust with more sauce if you like it saucier.
Step 2: Assemble the Sliders
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the slider buns horizontally to separate the tops from the bottoms.
- Place the bottom halves in a greased baking dish or on a lined baking sheet.
- Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the bottom buns.
- Layer with slices of cheese, covering all the chicken.
- Add sliced onions if using, then place the top halves of the buns over everything.
Step 3: Make the Topping
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, and a pinch of salt.
- Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the buns.
Step 4: Bake the Sliders
- Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 8–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Let the sliders cool for a few minutes, then use a sharp knife to cut them apart.
- Serve warm and watch them disappear fast!
Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Cheese Sliders
Use Rotisserie Chicken
It saves time and adds great flavor.
Choose a Good BBQ Sauce
Sweet, smoky, spicy — pick the one you love most.
Cheese Matters
Cheddar gives sharpness, mozzarella makes it gooey, and provolone adds a mild, creamy taste.
Don’t Skip the Butter Topping
It gives the buns a delicious flavor and makes them beautifully golden.
Fun Variations to Try
Spicy BBQ Sliders
Add sliced jalapeños or use a spicy BBQ sauce for heat.
Hawaiian BBQ Sliders
Use Hawaiian sweet rolls for a touch of sweetness.
Bacon BBQ Sliders
Add crumbled crispy bacon for extra flavor and crunch.
Veggie BBQ Sliders
Replace chicken with pulled jackfruit for a vegetarian option.
What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Cheese Sliders?
These sliders are versatile and go well with many sides, such as:
- Coleslaw
- Potato salad
- French fries or sweet potato fries
- Pickles
- A fresh green salad
- Corn on the cob
How to Store & Reheat
Storing:
- Let the sliders cool completely before covering with foil or transferring to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through.
- You can also microwave them for 30–60 seconds, but the buns may become softer.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make BBQ chicken sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the sliders, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. Bake just before serving.
Q2: Can I freeze BBQ chicken sliders?
Definitely! Wrap the sliders well in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.
Q3: What’s the best type of chicken to use?
Cooked shredded chicken breast, thigh meat, or even rotisserie chicken works well for this recipe.
Q4: Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Absolutely! Cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, pepper jack, or even Swiss are all delicious options.
Q5: Are these sliders good for kids?
Yes! Kids love the sweet, smoky flavors and gooey cheese. You can make them less spicy by choosing a mild BBQ sauce.
Related Recipes
- Bacon Cream Cheese Doritos Recipe
- Korean Corn Cheese Melt Recipe
- Creamy Spinach and Roasted Red Pepper Salmon Recipe
Final Thoughts
This BBQ chicken cheese sliders recipe is the perfect combination of sweet, smoky, cheesy, and satisfying — all in a cute, hand-held size. Perfect for parties, picnics, or just an easy family dinner, these sliders are quick to make and even quicker to disappear!
They’re endlessly customizable, crowd-pleasing, and can be made ahead of time, which makes them a favorite in any kitchen. So grab your ingredients, fire up the oven, and treat yourself and your loved ones to these cheesy BBQ delights today!
BBQ Chicken Cheese Sliders Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce your favorite brand
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried parsley optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce.
- Slice slider buns horizontally (keep them attached if possible).
- Place bottom half of buns in a greased baking dish.
- Spread BBQ chicken evenly over buns.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top.
- Cover with the top half of buns.
- Brush melted butter over the tops and sprinkle with garlic powder and parsley.
- Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and tops are golden.
- Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Add sliced red onion or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Great for leftovers—reheat in the oven or air fryer.
- Try with smoked gouda or pepper jack for variety.