Get ready to fall in love with Easy BBQ Chicken Sliders: fluffy, golden buns stuffed with juicy shredded chicken coated in a sweet-tangy barbecue sauce. This dish captures everything you adore about comfort food without any stress, making it absolutely perfect for a quick weeknight meal, lively game day gatherings, or casual parties with friends. In just over 20 minutes, you’ll have a tray of warm, melty sliders on the table—guaranteed to vanish in minutes, and sure to become your new go-to for effortless crowd-pleasing flavor!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Easy BBQ Chicken Sliders keep things super simple but never sacrifice flavor. Each ingredient has a purpose, helping build the right balance of texture and taste while leaving plenty of room for your own creative twists.
- Slider Buns or Hawaiian Rolls (12): Soft, slightly sweet, and absolutely perfect for holding all that saucy chicken together—grab Hawaiian rolls if you like a hint of sweetness!
- Cooked Shredded Chicken (3 cups): The heart of these sliders; rotisserie or leftover chicken keeps this recipe lightning fast and fully loaded with protein.
- Barbecue Sauce (1 1/2 cups, plus extra): Pick your favorite tangy, smoky, or spicy blend—this is where you bring the character, so don’t be shy about choosing something bold!
- Butter, melted (1 tablespoon, optional): Brushing the tops adds a glossy, golden finish and irresistible richness—totally worth the extra minute.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon, optional): A sprinkle for those who want a gentle, savory kick dancing atop their perfectly baked rolls.
How to Make Easy BBQ Chicken Sliders
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Buns
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and while it’s heating, slice your slider buns or Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Keeping the tops and bottoms connected makes assembling (and serving!) these Easy BBQ Chicken Sliders a total breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Chicken and Barbecue Sauce
In a medium mixing bowl, add your cooked, shredded chicken and pour in that glorious barbecue sauce. Give it a thorough mix until every shred is glossy and coated—this is where all the flavor magic happens!
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
Gently lay the bottom halves of your slider buns in a baking dish. Spoon the saucy chicken evenly over the buns, making sure every slider gets plenty of filling. Carefully place the top halves over the chicken, creating a tray full of perfectly aligned sandwiches.
Step 4: Brush and Season (Optional But Delicious!)
If you want extra shine and flavor, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle them lightly with garlic powder. This little step adds a bakery-quality finish and a pop of savory depth to every bite.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the sliders are warmed through and the buns are soft and steamy. Serve right away, alongside a little extra barbecue sauce for dipping or drizzling—no one will be able to resist grabbing seconds!
How to Serve Easy BBQ Chicken Sliders
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions gives your Easy BBQ Chicken Sliders a pop of color and a burst of freshness. Sometimes I love to pile on a little coleslaw for crunch, or you can add tiny dill pickle slices for a tangy, Southern-inspired vibe.
Side Dishes
Pair these sliders with crisp potato chips, a big leafy salad, baked beans, or classic macaroni and cheese for a satisfyingly hearty meal. On game day, a side of corn on the cob or tangy pickled vegetables turns this into a true finger-food feast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow a crowd, arrange your sliders on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment, or tuck a mini-flag pick into the top of each one for extra flair. For parties, set up a DIY slider bar with bowls of extra toppings—think shredded cheese, jalapeños, or crunchy slaw—so everyone can build their perfect Easy BBQ Chicken Slider.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any sliders left (which is rare!), let them cool, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days—just keep in mind the bread may soften as it soaks up the saucy filling, but that’s part of the charm.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap each cooled slider individually in foil or parchment, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. To serve, let them thaw in the fridge overnight or pop straight into the oven if you’re in a rush.
Reheating
Place stored or thawed sliders, still wrapped in foil, in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes until heated through. For a quick snack, a few seconds in the microwave does the trick—just be sure not to overheat, or the bread can dry out.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken makes these Easy BBQ Chicken Sliders even faster to prepare, plus it adds that wonderful, slow-cooked flavor with zero effort.
What’s the best barbecue sauce to use?
Go with your favorite—whether it’s smoky, spicy, sweet, or tangy. I love a classic Kansas City-style sauce for depth, but you can switch it up with regional varieties or even homemade barbecue sauce.
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the sliders up to a day in advance; just cover and refrigerate. Bake them right before serving so they’re piping hot and fresh.
How do I prevent the sliders from getting soggy?
Try not to over-saturate the chicken with sauce—coat it thoroughly, but don’t let it swim! Also, bake just before serving, and don’t let the assembled sliders sit too long before they hit the oven.
Can I make Easy BBQ Chicken Sliders for a crowd?
Yes, these sliders are made for feeding a crowd! Simply double (or triple) the recipe and use a large baking sheet or multiple dishes. They’re a guaranteed hit at potlucks, parties, or tailgates.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a fast, flavor-packed recipe that brings everyone to the table, these Easy BBQ Chicken Sliders are ready to steal the show. Give them a try for your next gathering, and don’t be surprised when they disappear in record time—you just might need to make a double batch!
Print
Easy BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-friendly
Description
Soft, fluffy slider buns filled with tender shredded chicken smothered in tangy barbecue sauce. These crowd-pleasing sliders are quick to make and perfect for game day, parties, or a simple weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Slider Buns:
- 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
Shredded Chicken:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
Barbecue Sauce:
- 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce (plus more for serving)
Optional for Topping:
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix Chicken and BBQ Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix shredded chicken with barbecue sauce until fully coated.
- Prepare Slider Buns: Slice slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom connected. Place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
- Fill Buns: Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the buns. Place the top halves on.
- Optional Topping: If desired, brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 10–12 minutes, until warmed through.
- Serve: Serve immediately with extra barbecue sauce on the side.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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