Why You’ll Love BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe Recipe
These sliders come together quickly and deliver delicious BBQ flavor in every bite. They’re perfect for parties, game days, or simple weeknight dinners, and they’re customizable with extra toppings or sauces to suit your tastes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
12 hawaiian slider rolls
3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
⅓–1 cup barbecue sauce
1½ cups purple cabbage, chopped
¼ cup spicy pickles, chopped
1 Tbsp melted butter
1 Tbsp grated Parmesan, for garnish
1 Tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped, for garnish
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce until the chicken is well coated.
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Slice the slider rolls in half to create top and bottom layers.
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Place the bottom layer of rolls in a 9×9-inch baking dish. (Optional: drizzle a little mayonnaise or kewpie mayo on the bottoms for added creaminess.)
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Spread the chopped cabbage over the bottom rolls, then pile the BBQ chicken evenly over the cabbage.
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Sprinkle the chopped pickles and any additional toppings (like pickled onions or cilantro) over the chicken. Place the top layer of rolls on top.
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Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with grated Parmesan. Cover the dish with foil.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the tops are slightly golden and crispy. Let the sliders cool briefly, slice them apart, and serve.
Servings and timing
• Servings: 6 sliders
• Prep time: about 5 minutes
• Cook time: about 20 minutes
• Total time: about 25 minutes
Variations
• Dairy-free: Use dairy-free butter to brush the rolls and check that the slider rolls have no dairy ingredients.
• Meat alternatives: Swap shredded chicken for shredded pork or beef.
• Cabbage options: Use green cabbage instead of purple or omit it for a softer texture.
• Creamy add-ins: Spread a thin layer of mayo or kewpie mayo on the rolls before layering for extra creaminess.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual sliders for 30–60 seconds, but the texture may be softer.
FAQs
How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?
Make sure to drain excess liquid from toppings like pickles or cabbage before assembling to help the rolls stay crispier.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the sliders and refrigerate them covered; bake them when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use leftover chicken instead of freshly shredded chicken?
Absolutely. Leftover cooked chicken works great in this recipe.
What other toppings work well with these sliders?
Pickled onions, fresh cilantro, or a slaw mix can be great additions to enhance flavor and texture.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes — use gluten-free slider rolls to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.
Is there a vegetarian version of these sliders?
You can swap BBQ chicken for a plant-based shredded alternative or BBQ jackfruit for a vegetarian option.
What type of BBQ sauce should I use?
Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or a homemade version to suit your taste preference.
Can I freeze these sliders?
You can freeze fully assembled but unbaked sliders in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month; thaw overnight before baking.
What’s a good side dish to serve with these sliders?
Simple sides like potato salad, coleslaw, or chips pair nicely with BBQ sliders.
Are these sliders spicy?
The base recipe is mild, but you can add spicy pickles or hot sauce for extra heat.
Conclusion
These BBQ Chicken Sliders are quick, flavorful, and versatile — perfect for feeding a crowd or spicing up an easy weeknight meal. With juicy shredded chicken, tangy pickles, and soft rolls, they’re a delicious handheld dish everyone will love.
