If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone, you’ve come to the right place! Chicken sliders are the perfect combination of convenience and bold flavor, making them a must-have for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or game-day spreads.
These bite-sized sandwiches are packed with juicy barbecue chicken, melty cheese, and the soft, slightly sweet goodness of Hawaiian rolls. They’re easy to assemble and bake to golden perfection in just minutes, making them a go-to recipe when you need something tasty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
What’s even better? These sliders are endlessly customizable! Whether you love a smoky barbecue twist, crave a little spice, or want to add a crunchy topping, there’s no limit to how you can make them your own.
So, let’s dive into this flavorful and foolproof chicken slider recipe that’s guaranteed to impress!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Still need convincing? Here are some reasons why you’ll want to add these sliders to your regular meal rotation:
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute get-togethers.
- Incredible Flavor – A combination of smoky BBQ, melty cheese, and soft Hawaiian rolls makes every bite irresistible.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a game night, family gathering, holiday party, or casual dinner, these sliders fit the bill effortlessly.
- Endlessly Customizable – Swap ingredients, add toppings, or adjust the heat level to suit your taste. Whether you like it spicy, cheesy, or with an extra crunch, there’s room to experiment.
- Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing – Even the pickiest eaters love these sliders. They’re the ultimate finger food that’s both fun and satisfying.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep the ingredients in advance and simply bake when you’re ready, making hosting stress-free.
- Great for Leftovers – These sliders store well and can be easily reheated, meaning you can enjoy them even the next day without losing any flavor or texture.
Ingredients


Let’s break down what you’ll need for these barbecue chicken sliders:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Shredded chicken | 2 cups |
Barbecue sauce | 1/2 cup |
Hawaiian rolls | 12 rolls |
Butter, melted | 3 tbsp |
Garlic powder | 1/2 tsp |
Onion powder | 1/2 tsp |
Worcestershire sauce | 1 tsp |
Cheddar cheese, sliced | 6 slices |
Pickles (optional) | As needed |
Sliced red onion (optional) | As needed |
Fresh parsley (for garnish) | 1 tbsp |
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create these irresistible sliders:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, toss the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce, ensuring every piece is coated evenly. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 2: Assemble the Sliders
- Using a serrated knife, cut the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them attached as a single sheet.
- Place the bottom half of the rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Evenly spread the barbecue chicken mixture over the rolls.
- Layer cheddar cheese slices on top of the chicken.
- Gently place the top half of the rolls back on.
Step 3: Prepare the Butter Topping
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Using a brush, generously spread the butter mixture over the tops of the sliders.
Step 4: Bake the Sliders
- Cover the tray loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes until the tops turn golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the sliders cool slightly before slicing them apart.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve warm with extra pickles or red onions if desired.
- Enjoy these barbecue chicken sliders on Hawaiian rolls with your favorite side dishes!
Tips & Variations
What’s the Best Bread for Sliders?
- Hawaiian Rolls – Soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for sliders.
- Mini Brioche Buns – Rich and buttery, giving a gourmet touch.
- Regular Slider Buns – A classic choice if you prefer something neutral.
How to Keep the Chicken Juicy?
- Mix 1 tbsp of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt into the shredded chicken.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness.
- Add a splash of chicken broth if the meat seems dry.
Want to Add Some Heat?
- Drizzle buffalo sauce over the chicken before baking.
- Add sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Mix hot sauce into the butter topping for spicy sliders.
Other Flavor Ideas
- Honey Mustard Chicken Sliders – Swap BBQ sauce for honey mustard and add Swiss cheese.
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Sliders – Toss the chicken in garlic butter sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Ranch Chicken Sliders – Mix shredded chicken with ranch dressing and top with crispy bacon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the sliders up to a day in advance, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure they’re heated through.
What sides go well with chicken sliders?
Great pairings include sweet potato fries, coleslaw, a fresh green salad, or classic potato chips.
Can I freeze leftover sliders?
Absolutely! Wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.
Can I use a different type of bread?
Of course! While Hawaiian rolls add a touch of sweetness, you can use brioche buns, mini ciabatta rolls, or classic dinner rolls for a different texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warm.
Conclusion
And there you have it—the perfect barbecue chicken sliders that will have everyone asking for seconds! The combination of tender shredded chicken, smoky barbecue sauce, melted cheese, and buttery Hawaiian rolls creates a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor. These chicken sliders are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, making them great for casual dinners, party platters, or even meal prep for the week ahead.
What makes these barbecue chicken sliders truly special is the endless variety of toppings and ingredients you can experiment with. Whether you prefer tangy coleslaw, crispy onions, or a drizzle of ranch dressing, you can customize each slider to suit your taste. This flexibility ensures that you’ll never get bored, as there’s always a new combination to try!
Now it’s your turn—give this recipe a try, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your own favorite ingredients. We’d love to hear how your chicken sliders on Hawaiian rolls turned out! Share your experiences and any unique twists you added in the comments below. Enjoy every flavorful bite, and make these sliders a staple at your gatherings!