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BBQ Chicken Sliders

Featured in Family Dinner Ideas.

These crowd-pleasing sliders combine BBQ-tossed shredded chicken with crispy bacon and melted cheese on soft rolls. Perfect for feeding a crowd and ready in just 30 minutes.

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Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 11 May 2025 20:58:16 GMT
A close-up of pulled chicken sliders topped with bacon and garnished with parsley on a white plate. Pin it
A close-up of pulled chicken sliders topped with bacon and garnished with parsley on a white plate. | zestplate.com

Want a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering? These BBQ chicken sliders will knock everyone's socks off! Imagine tender shredded chicken drenched in tangy BBQ sauce, topped with crunchy bacon and gooey cheese, all stuffed between fluffy Hawaiian rolls. I whipped these up for a Super Bowl party, and now my kids beg me to make them every single week!

What Makes These Special

They only take 30 minutes from start to finish, which is perfect when you're rushed! Even the fussy eaters in my house gobble them up completely. You can customize the add-ons any way you want, and they'll feed tons of people without any hassle. Total success!

Grab These Items

  • Thick Cut Bacon: Go for quality here.
  • Fresh Onion: Red gives that perfect zing.
  • Real Butter: For that irresistible golden crust.
  • The Chicken: Snag a store-bought rotisserie to cut your prep time!
  • BBQ Sauce: Pick whatever style you love most.
  • Soft Rolls: Those Hawaiian sweet ones can't be beat.
  • Melty Cheese: Sharp cheddar takes these to the next level.

How To Make BBQ Chicken Sliders

Prep Your Space
Heat your oven to 350°F and give a baking dish a quick spritz of cooking spray.
Mix Your Filling
Pull that chicken apart and stir in BBQ sauce until every bit gets nice and coated.
Stack Everything Up
Slice those rolls horizontally but keep them attached! Add your BBQ chicken, bacon pieces, sliced onions and loads of cheese.
Finish The Tops
Place the roll tops back into position and brush them with melted butter for that gorgeous finish.
Into The Oven
Wrap with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then pull the foil off for another 5 minutes until everything looks golden and tempting!

Pro Tips

Get your bacon done ahead of time so you won't rush later. Don't separate those rolls while assembling—it'll make your life so much easier. Want more kick? Toss some garlic powder into your butter mixture. Craving heat? Throw in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce—go wild!

A close-up of delicious pulled chicken sliders garnished with bacon and placed on a white plate. Pin it
A close-up of delicious pulled chicken sliders garnished with bacon and placed on a white plate. | zestplate.com

Try These Twists

Swap chicken for pulled pork or drop some coleslaw on top for crunch. Feeling tropical? Add pineapple chunks for a Hawaiian twist. Going veggie? Plant-based chicken substitutes work great in this recipe. Need more texture? Toss on some crispy fried onions or chopped bell peppers.

Storing Extras

Leftover sliders will stay good in your fridge for about 3 days. Wrap them in aluminum foil before warming them up so they don't dry out. Want to get ahead? You can build these a day early—just wait to brush on that butter until right before they go in the oven!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What chicken works best?

Use shredded chicken breast, thighs or rotisserie chicken.

→ Can I use different cheese?

Any shredded cheese works well in this recipe.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Keep in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days.

→ What's the best way to reheat?

Wrap in foil and heat at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.

→ Can I make these ahead?

Assemble up to a day ahead, then bake just before serving.

BBQ Chicken Sliders

Mini sandwiches filled with BBQ shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheese on soft slider rolls.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 2 pounds cooked shredded chicken.
02 1 1/4 cup barbecue sauce.
03 12 slider rolls.
04 6 slices thick cut bacon, cooked.
05 1/2 cup sliced red onion.
06 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
07 4 tablespoons melted butter.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to exactly 350°F and thoroughly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 02

Combine shredded chicken thoroughly with barbecue sauce in medium bowl, ensuring even coating and distribution of sauce.

Step 03

Carefully slice entire package of slider rolls horizontally as one unit, keeping rolls connected for easier assembly.

Step 04

Place bottom half of connected rolls in prepared baking dish, ensuring they fit snugly without gaps.

Step 05

Spread BBQ chicken mixture evenly across bottom rolls, making sure each future portion will have equal amounts.

Step 06

Layer crispy bacon pieces over chicken mixture, breaking pieces as needed for complete coverage.

Step 07

Distribute thinly sliced red onions evenly across bacon layer for consistent flavor in every bite.

Step 08

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over entire surface, covering all previous layers completely.

Step 09

Place top half of rolls carefully over cheese layer, aligning edges perfectly with bottom layer.

Step 10

Brush melted butter thoroughly over top surface of rolls, ensuring complete coverage including edges.

Step 11

Cover baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning during initial baking period.

Step 12

Bake covered for exactly 15 minutes until cheese begins melting and filling heats through.

Step 13

Remove foil carefully and continue baking uncovered for 5 minutes until tops become golden brown.

Step 14

Allow sliders to rest 5 minutes before cutting to maintain structure and prevent filling spillage.

Step 15

Cut along roll divisions using a sharp knife to create individual sliders for serving.

Notes

  1. Quick preparation.
  2. Great for crowds.
  3. Make ahead friendly.
  4. Easy weeknight meal.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 baking dish.
  • Medium bowl.
  • Basting brush.
  • Aluminum foil.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cheese, butter).
  • Wheat (rolls).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 444
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 33 g
  • Protein: 27 g