Barbecue Chicken Sliders are the perfect combination of juicy, tender chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, and melted cheese all sandwiched between soft Hawaiian rolls. These sliders are great for game day, parties, or even a quick and satisfying dinner. They offer a delightful mix of savory flavors, complemented by the rich taste of melted provolone cheese and the subtle sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just looking for a comforting meal, these sliders are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With minimal prep and cook time, these sandwiches come together easily and are perfect for serving a hungry crowd. The addition of seasoned chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, and flavorful seasonings makes these sliders irresistibly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Barbecue Chicken Sliders are everything you love about comfort food but in slider form. With seasoned, shredded chicken coated in barbecue sauce and sandwiched between soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls, they offer the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The melted provolone cheese adds a creamy richness, while the red onion and parmesan add depth and a hint of sharpness. Topped with garlic powder, dried minced onion, and parsley, these sliders are flavorful through and through. They’re easy to make, and the combination of tender chicken, gooey cheese, and soft rolls makes them the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them for lunch, dinner, or as an appetizer at a party, these sliders are sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

Ingredients

Shredded chicken (1 1/2 pounds, seasoned with salt and pepper)
Barbecue sauce (1 cup)
Salted butter (1/4 cup, melted)
Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons)
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
Hawaiian rolls (12, sliced)
Provolone cheese (12 slices)
Red onion (1/2 cup, thinly sliced)
Dried minced onion (1 tablespoon)
Parsley (1 tablespoon)

Variations

These Barbecue Chicken Sliders are versatile, and you can easily adjust the recipe to suit your preferences:

Use different cheese: While provolone gives these sliders a creamy, mild flavor, you can swap it for cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a spicier kick.
Add vegetables: For extra crunch and freshness, add pickles, sliced bell peppers, or even shredded carrots inside the sliders.
Make them spicy: If you love heat, add a little bit of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce or top the sliders with jalapeño slices for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with grilled vegetables, like zucchini and bell peppers, for a vegetarian version of these sliders.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cook the chicken and shred it using a fork. Season the shredded chicken with salt and pepper to taste. In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce until the chicken is evenly coated. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the individual rolls connected. Place the bottom halves of the rolls in a baking dish.

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

Spread the seasoned barbecue chicken evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls. Layer each chicken-filled roll with a slice of provolone cheese. Add thinly sliced red onions on top of the cheese, followed by a sprinkle of dried minced onion and parsley.

Step 4: Add the Topping

Place the top halves of the rolls over the chicken and cheese layers. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Brush this mixture over the tops of the rolls for added flavor and a golden finish.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the sliders in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the sliders are heated through. For a golden, crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Step 6: Serve

Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool slightly before cutting into individual portions. Serve warm.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use rotisserie chicken: For even less prep time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken and simply shred it. This will save you time and still provide delicious flavor.
Ensure even distribution: When spreading the barbecue chicken, make sure it’s evenly distributed for consistent flavor in each slider.
Don’t overbake: Watch the sliders closely while baking. You don’t want them to dry out or get too crispy. The goal is to melt the cheese and heat the chicken through.
Add a little extra sauce: If you like your sliders extra saucy, you can add more barbecue sauce on top of the chicken before baking.

How to Serve

These Barbecue Chicken Sliders are great on their own or served with various sides:

Serve as appetizers: They’re perfect for parties, game day, or potlucks, served as finger foods alongside chips, dip, or a fresh salad.
Pair with fries or potato wedges: Serve these sliders with crispy fries or baked potato wedges for a classic combo.
Add a side of coleslaw: For a fresh and tangy contrast to the rich flavors of the sliders, serve them with a side of coleslaw.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They can also be stored in individual portions, making them easy to grab and reheat.

Freezing

To freeze the sliders, assemble them as directed but do not bake. Wrap the assembled sliders tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To bake, remove the foil and plastic wrap and bake from frozen at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.

Reheating

Reheat leftover sliders in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, though they may not be as crispy as when baked.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, thighs, or even rotisserie chicken for convenience.

2. Can I make these sliders without the onions?

If you’re not a fan of onions, you can simply omit them or substitute with another vegetable like bell peppers or even spinach.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While provolone is a great choice, you can swap it for cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack cheese for extra flavor.

4. Can I make these sliders in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold from the fridge.

5. Can I use a different type of bread?

While Hawaiian rolls are sweet and soft, you can also use dinner rolls or slider buns for a different taste and texture.

6. How do I make these sliders spicier?

Add jalapeño slices, use a spicy barbecue sauce, or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top for a little extra heat.

7. Can I make these sliders on the grill?

Yes! If you prefer grilling, cook the chicken and then assemble the sliders on the grill with a bit of foil to heat them through.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe to serve a larger crowd by using a larger baking dish or preparing two smaller dishes.

9. Can I freeze the sliders before baking?

Yes, you can freeze assembled but unbaked sliders. Just wrap them well in plastic and aluminum foil, and bake from frozen.

10. What type of barbecue sauce should I use?

Use your favorite type of barbecue sauce, whether sweet, smoky, or spicy, to tailor the flavor to your liking.

Conclusion

These Barbecue Chicken Sliders are simple to make and packed with flavor, making them the perfect dish for any occasion. With tender chicken, melted provolone, and a buttery, garlicky topping, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, preparing a weeknight dinner, or just looking for a delicious snack, these sliders are easy to assemble, bake, and serve. Try them today and enjoy a fun, flavorful twist on a classic comfort food!