If you’re searching for a quick, tasty, and irresistibly comforting dish to wow your family and friends, look no further than Baked BBQ Chicken Sliders: A Family Favorite Recipe. These little bites pack juicy shredded chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and melty cheese all hugged by soft Hawaiian sweet rolls. Each slider is a perfect blend of smoky, savory, and sweet flavors that come together beautifully in one easy-to-make dish. Whether for game day, a casual get-together, or a weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers crowds of delighted smiles and second-helpings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret behind the success of these sliders. Each component plays an essential role, from the tender shredded chicken and bold BBQ sauce to the rich melted cheese and buttery garlic topping that creates a golden crust. Here’s what you’ll need to make this family-pleasing meal:
- Hawaiian sweet slider rolls: Soft, slightly sweet rolls that provide the perfect base and balance for the savory filling.
- Shredded chicken (cooked): Tender chicken provides protein and soaks up the BBQ sauce beautifully for maximum flavor.
- BBQ sauce: Brings that classic tangy, smoky, and slightly sweet kick that defines these sliders.
- Cooper® Sharp Yellow Pasteurized Process American Cheese (or white cheese): Melts into creamy, gooey layers that add richness and contrast.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Adds moisture and helps create a golden, flavorful crust on the slider tops.
- Garlic powder: Gives a subtle garlicky note that enhances the buttery topping and overall depth.
How to Make Baked BBQ Chicken Sliders: A Family Favorite Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature ensures the sliders warm thoroughly without drying out, allowing the cheese to melt perfectly and the rolls to toast lightly on top.
Step 2: Mix chicken and BBQ sauce
In a small bowl, toss your shredded cooked chicken with 2 to 2 ½ cups of BBQ sauce. Make sure each piece is well coated so every bite bursts with that tangy, smoky flavor that’s signature to this recipe.
Step 3: Prepare the slider rolls
Using a serrated bread knife, slice the Hawaiian sweet rolls horizontally and gently remove the tops. Place the bottom halves evenly spaced in a baking pan. Removing the tops allows for easy layering and even heating.
Step 4: Layer the BBQ chicken
Evenly spread the BBQ-coated shredded chicken over the bottom rolls, covering all the sliders generously. This layer is the heart of the slider, so be sure to distribute the filling thoroughly for consistent flavor.
Step 5: Add cheese and replace tops
Lay slices of Cooper® Sharp Yellow cheese over the BBQ chicken for that irresistible melt. Place the roll tops back on, pressing down gently to keep everything snug and ready for baking.
Step 6: Brush with buttery garlic topping
Mix melted unsalted butter with garlic powder and brush this mixture over the tops of the slider rolls. This step is the secret to getting that beautiful golden-brown finish and a burst of garlicky richness.
Step 7: Bake until irresistible
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. This melts the cheese to creamy perfection, warms the chicken through, and crisps up the buttery tops just right. Remove the foil for the last few minutes if you want an even toastier finish.
How to Serve Baked BBQ Chicken Sliders: A Family Favorite Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes can elevate your sliders to restaurant-level presentation. Consider fresh chopped cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A drizzle of extra BBQ sauce on the side offers a saucy dip, while pickles add a welcome tang and crunch.
Side Dishes
Pair these sliders with classic sides like crispy sweet potato fries or a crunchy coleslaw to balance the richness. A fresh garden salad with a bright vinaigrette also complements the savory flavors while keeping things light and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the sliders on a wooden board with small bowls of extra BBQ sauce and pickles for a casual, family-style vibe. For parties, arrange them on a tiered platter so guests can grab easily. You can even stand each slider on toothpicks topped with miniature flags for festive fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftover sliders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully even further, making for delicious next-day snacks or meals.
Freezing
Wrap the sliders tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. They can be stored for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture, perfect for preparing ahead for busy days or unexpected guests.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F covered with foil until warmed through and cheese is melty, about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the rolls’ softness and prevent sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time because it’s already cooked and flavorful. Just shred it before mixing with the BBQ sauce.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Choose a BBQ sauce that suits your taste—sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy. Classic Kansas City-style sauces are a great choice for their balanced flavor.
Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
Yes! Replace shredded chicken with pulled jackfruit or a plant-based meat substitute and use vegetarian BBQ sauce and cheese options for a delicious meat-free twist.
How do I prevent the sliders from getting soggy?
To avoid sogginess, use a modest amount of BBQ sauce and remove the roll tops before baking to keep them from steaming to mushiness. Toasting the tops with butter also helps maintain a crisp exterior.
Can I add extra toppings inside the sliders?
Feel free to get creative! Add sliced jalapeños for heat, caramelized onions for sweetness, or even crispy bacon for an extra savory crunch. Just be careful not to overstuff so the sliders hold together well.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and fun about these Baked BBQ Chicken Sliders: A Family Favorite Recipe that makes gathering around the table even more special. They’re quick to put together, delightfully flavorful, and guaranteed to become a beloved staple whether for big family dinners or casual weekends. I hope you whip up a batch soon and enjoy every sticky, savory bite as much as we do!
Print
Baked BBQ Chicken Sliders: A Family Favorite Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Baked BBQ Chicken Sliders are a delightful family favorite, combining tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy BBQ sauce, melted sharp cheese, and buttery Hawaiian sweet rolls. Perfect for game days, parties, or a comforting weeknight meal, these sliders are baked to golden perfection, making them irresistibly delicious and easy to share.
Ingredients
Slider Assembly
- 1 (12-count) package Hawaiian sweet slider rolls
- 2 to 2 ½ cups shredded cooked chicken
- â…” cup BBQ sauce
- 6 slices Cooper® Sharp Yellow Pasteurized Process American Cheese (or white cheese)
Butter Topping
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sliders.
- Mix Chicken and BBQ Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with the BBQ sauce, mixing thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated, ensuring rich flavor in every bite.
- Prepare Slider Buns: Using a bread knife, carefully slice the Hawaiian sweet slider rolls horizontally and remove each top half. Arrange the bottom halves evenly on a baking pan to form the base for your sliders.
- Assemble Sliders: Spread the BBQ-coated chicken evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls, covering all the sliders completely for balanced flavor distribution.
- Add Cheese and Tops: Layer the slices of cheese over the chicken, then replace the tops of the slider rolls and gently press down to hold all ingredients together.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter with garlic powder. Then brush this flavorful butter mixture evenly over the tops of the slider rolls to add a rich, aromatic finish.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking pan with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the sliders are warmed through and the cheese has fully melted, resulting in gooey, delicious sliders ready to serve.
Notes
- For added spice, mix some cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the BBQ sauce before combining it with the chicken.
- Feel free to switch the cheese to your preference, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for different flavor profiles.
- Leftover sliders can be reheated in the oven wrapped in foil to maintain moisture and flavor.
- If slider rolls are unavailable, small dinner rolls or mini buns can be used as a substitute.
