These BBQ Chicken Sliders are the perfect 30-minute appetizer for any occasion! Tender shredded chicken tossed in BBQ sauce, then layered with melty mozzarella, smoked Gouda, pickled red onion, and fresh cilantro. They are quick and easy to make and always a crowd favorite.
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I've always loved the act of bringing people together around food, whether it's a game day gathering, a backyard cookout, or just a night with family and friends. These BBQ Chicken Sliders were created with that in mind. I wanted something quick, easy, and guaranteed to please a crowd. I have made them more times than I can remember, and they just get better and better.
If you love an appetizer, try my 4 Ingredient Guacamole and The Best Chicken Wings for the perfect spread.
Reader Review: "These BBQ sliders were so easy to make and so delicious. My family loved them." - Maria
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 30 minutes - These BBQ Chicken Sliders come together fast, making them perfect for busy nights, game days, and last-minute gatherings.
- Easy to make- With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, anyone can make these sliders with great results.
- Easy to Customize- Use the BBQ sauce and cheese that you love to make the flavors exactly how you love them.
Ingredients
- Slider Buns: I used brioche rolls for these sliders due to the soft texture, and they hold up well.
- Chicken: My Crock Pot Shredded Chicken is perfect for this recipe.
- BBQ Sauce: I used a sweet BBQ sauce, but use the flavor you prefer.
- Pickled Red Onion: These add a bright, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the BBQ Sauce.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Perfect for the melt we all love!
- Smoked Gouda: Add a rich, smoky flavor that goes well with chicken.
- Butter: Salted or Unsalted works great here.
- BBQ Seasoning:
- Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Salt and Pepper to taste - Season to taste. This will depend on how flavorful the chicken is. You might or might not need extra seasoning.
Tim's Tip: The BBQ sauce is the star of these sliders, so choose one you really enjoy. Use your favorite to make these sliders your own.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Sliders
1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly coat it with cooking spray. Arrange the bottom halves of the slider buns in an even layer.
2. Make the Chicken Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked chicken with the BBQ sauce until evenly coated. Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the bottom buns. Top with a little extra sauce if you like your sliders extra saucy.
3. Assemble the Sliders: Top the chicken with the pickled onions, mozzarella cheese, smoked Gouda, and chopped cilantro. Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired. Place the top halves of the slider buns over the filling.
4. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the sliders to heat through.
5. Make butter topping: While the sliders bake, melt butter in a small bowl. Stir in the chopped cilantro and BBQ rub. Remove after 15 minutes, and brush the tops of each bun generously with the seasoned butter. Return the sliders to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crisp.
6. Serve: Let the sliders rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing along the bun lines. Serve warm with your favorite BBQ sides and enjoy.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch.
- Switch the BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce to customize the flavor. Try sweet honey BBQ, smoky, spicy chipotle, or a tangy style sauce.
- Change the Cheese: Cheddar melts beautifully, but you can also use pepper jack for a little heat, or Monterey Jack.
- Pile on Toppings: Add creamy coleslaw, crispy fried onions, pickles (my favorite), or jalapeños for extra flavor or texture.
- Make it Spicy: Stir hot sauce or diced jalapeños into the BBQ chicken mixture for a kick!
Expert Tips
- Use both the leaves and stems of the cilantro. Finely chop the stems along with the leaves. They are packed with flavor and add a fresh taste to the sliders.
- Spread the filling evenly. Take the chicken, cheese, and onions all the way to the edges of the buns so every slider has the perfect bite.
- Drain the pickled onions well. Removing the liquid will prevent soggy sliders while baking.
- Shred your own cheese. Freshly shredded mozzarella and smoked Gouda melt much better and have a creamier texture than pre-shredded cheese.
- Start with flavorful chicken. I like using our Crock Pot Shredded Chicken as the base for this recipe because it is tender, juicy, and already packed with flavor.
What to Serve with BBQ Sliders
If I am making these BBQ Chicken Sliders for dinner, I like to serve them with these easy side dishes.
Storage
Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
For the best texture, reheat the sliders on a baking sheet covered with foil in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If you are short on time, microwave them for 1-2 minutes, until warmed through.
FAQs
Brioche rolls or Hawaiian sweet rolls are my favorite choices. The soft texture and sweet flavor provide a perfect balance to the BBQ sauce.
I love to use my tender Crock Pot Shredded Chicken for great flavor and easy shredding. However, if you are short on time, you can use a Rotisserie chicken for a great shortcut that will still offer flavorful results.
Yes! You can assemble the sliders up to 2 days in advance, but hold off on brushing the buns until ready to bake. Cover and store in the fridge until you are ready to bake.
Made this recipe? Let me know!
Recipe
BBQ Chicken Sliders
Ingredients
- 12 slider Buns
- 4 cups Chicken Chopped
- 2 cups BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup Pickled Onion
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Shredded
- ¾ cup Smoked Gouda Cheese Shredded
- 2 tablespoon Butter Melted
- 1 tablespoon BBQ Seasoning
- 2 tablespoon Fresh Cilantro Chopped
- Salt and Pepper To Taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly coat it with cooking spray. Arrange the bottom halves of the slider buns in an even layer.
- Make the Chicken Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked chicken with the BBQ sauce until evenly coated. Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the bottom buns. Top with a little extra sauce if you like your sliders extra saucy.
- Assemble the Sliders: Top the chicken with the pickled onions, mozzarella cheese, smoked Gouda, and chopped cilantro. Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired. Place the top halves of the slider buns over the filling.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the sliders to heat through.
- Make butter topping: While the sliders bake, melt butter in a small bowl. Stir in the chopped cilantro and BBQ rub. Remove after 15 minutes, and brush the tops of each bun generously with the seasoned butter. Return the sliders to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Serve: Let the sliders rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing along the bun lines. Serve warm with your favorite BBQ sides and enjoy!
Notes
- Use both the leaves and stems of the cilantro. Finely chop the stems along with the leaves. They are packed with flavor and add a fresh taste to the sliders.
- Spread the filling evenly. Take the chicken, cheese, and onions all the way to the edges of the buns so every slider has the perfect bite.
- Drain the pickled onions well. Removing the liquid will prevent soggy sliders while baking.
- Shred your own cheese. Freshly shredded mozzarella and smoked Gouda melt much better and have a creamier texture than pre-shredded cheese.
- Start with flavorful chicken. I like using our Crock Pot Shredded Chicken as the base for this recipe because it is tender, juicy, and already packed with flavor.
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