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    Home » Recipes » Main Dishes

    BBQ Chicken Sliders

    August 17, 2022 by LaKita 34 Comments

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    These BBQ Chicken Sliders are simple and easy to make, loaded with flavor, and the perfect quick dinner or game day recipe. Made with pulled chicken and your favorite barbecue sauce.

    If you're craving more savory and delicious barbecue recipes, then be sure to try making a batch of Barbecue Cornbread Muffins or a BBQ French Bread Pizza.

    overhead view of finished bbq chicken sliders on parchment lined sheet pan

    There is nothing like a quick and easy recipe. Wouldn't you agree? And bonus points if it only requires a few basic ingredients and only 30 minutes to make. That is exactly what you get with this BBQ chicken slider recipe.

    It contains shredded chicken, your favorite barbecue sauce, quickly sauteed red onions and a layer of smoked gouda cheese. It is saucy, cheesy, and amazingly packed with flavor. Plus it's also a perfect game day recipe! Be sure to save this recipe and give it a try soon, I promise you won't regret it.

    Let's get started!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients You'll Need
    • Step By Step Instructions
    • Recipe Tips & Tricks
    • Variations
    • Storage Tips
    • Make Ahead Option
    • Recipe
    • More Recipes You'll Love

    Ingredients You'll Need

    ingredients needed to make chicken sliders in separate bowls
    1. Slider Buns - Use a 12-pack of slider rolls to make this recipe. I chose to use the savory rolls, but if you prefer to use the sweet version, then they will work as well.
    2. Chicken - For this recipe, you will need a pound of cooked and shredded chicken. A rotisserie chicken or any premade shredded chicken will work as well.
    3. BBQ Sauce - Use any that you prefer, but try to select an original flavored barbecue sauce.
    4. Red Onion - Adds additional flavor and pairs well with the flavor of barbecue sauce. Try using some Quick Pickled Red Onions instead.
    5. Cheese - For this recipe, I decided to go with some thinly sliced smoked gouda, for more of that smokey flavor, but you may use any that you prefer. Try using white cheddar or Monterey jack.
    6. Butter - This will help to make the sauce that will top the sliders and will bake into the bread for a nice buttery bite.
    7. Parsley - Use the fresh parsley that can be located in the produce section of the grocery store. Adds a bit of freshness to the sauce that will be drizzled on top of the sliders.
    8. Salt & Ground Black Pepper - Brings out the flavors of the recipe and adds some seasoning. If you need more, then feel free to add more.

    See the recipe card for exact ingredient quantities.

    Step By Step Instructions

    Before beginning the recipe, cook the chicken and shred it to your desired texture. Next, thinly slice the red onion and sauté it using a small non-stick skillet until the onions are soft and translucent. The goal is to cook the onion until it no longer has the raw, hard texture. Once these steps are complete, set aside.

    In a medium-sized bowl, stir together the shredded chicken and barbecue sauce until the chicken is fully coated in the sauce.

    Top a sheet pan with the bottom half of the slider buns. You can separate the slider buns or leave them connected together, either way, is fine. Spread the BBQ chicken evenly over each slider bun.

    shredded chicken and bbq sauce spread over the bottom of slider buns on parchment lined sheet pan

    Drizzle some barbecue sauce over each bun. The sauce really gives this recipe all of the flavor, so don’t be afraid to use more if desired. The messier the better, it is BBQ after all. Evenly layer the red onion slices on top of the drizzled sauce.

    red onion spread evenly on top of bbq sliders

    Top the red onion with an even layer of smoked gouda.

    cheese and top of slider bun on top of sliders

    Add the top of the slider buns, cover the sheet pan with aluminum foil, and bake in the oven at 350 degrees F. for 15 minutes. While the chicken BBQ sliders are cooking in the oven, whisk together the butter, salt, ground black pepper, and parsley.

    Remove the sliders from the oven, remove the foil, and brush the top of each slider with the butter mixture. Place the sliders back into the oven to bake uncovered for 5 additional minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy!

    finished chicken sliders on parchment lined sheet pan topped with butter sauce

    Recipe Tips & Tricks

    • May substitute shredded rotisserie chicken instead for a quicker option.
    • An easy way to shred the chicken is to add it to a stand mixer with the paddle attachment while still warm. Turn the mixer on level 2 and allow the mixer to do all of the work.
    • May substitute a different cheese for the smoked gouda. Try Monterey or cheddar!
    • If you prefer raw onions, skip the cooking step and add uncooked thinly sliced onion to the sliders instead.
    • Serve the sliders with a side of additional barbecue sauce for dipping.

    Variations

    • Spicy: Make these sliders spicy by adding some pickled jalapenos or banana peppers to the layers on top of the red onion.
    • Bacon: Add some bacon for some additional salty and smokey flavor.
    • Cheese: Swap the gouda cheese for cheddar or Monterey, use shredded or sliced.
    • Coleslaw: For some additional flavor and crunch, add some already made coleslaw to the layers after baking.

    Storage Tips

    If you have any leftovers, then be sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you are ready to serve them again, reheat in the microwave or oven by wrapping them in aluminum foil and baking at 350 degrees F. for 5 to 10 minutes, until heated thoroughly.

    Freezer - The cooked and completely cooled rolls may also be stored in the freezer in a freezer-safe container or plastic freezer bag for up to 30 days. Before serving, brush the top with melted butter and place into the oven at 350 degrees F. for 15 to 20 minutes.

    Make Ahead Option

    These chicken sliders can be made a day in advance all the way up until spreading the sauce on top before baking. Assemble the sliders, cover, and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Then prepare the butter sauce, top, and bake per the recipe instructions.

    Recipe

    close up side view of finished sliders on sheet pan

    BBQ Chicken Sliders

    LaKita Anderson
    These BBQ Chicken Sliders are simple and easy to make, loaded with flavor, and the perfect quick dinner or game day recipe. Made with pulled chicken and your favorite barbecue sauce.
    4.86 from 21 votes
    Prevent your screen from going dark
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    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12
    Calories 282 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 sheetpan

    Ingredients
      

    • 12 slider buns
    • 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded
    • 1 ½ cup barbecue sauce, divided
    • ½ cup cooked red onion, thinly sliced
    • 7 ounces thinly sliced smoked gouda
    • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

    Instructions
     

    • Before beginning the recipe, cook the 1 pound of chicken and shred it to your desired texture. Next, thinly slice the ½ cup red onion and sauté it using a small non-stick skillet until the onions are soft and translucent. The goal is to cook the onion until it no longer has the raw, hard texture. Once these steps are complete, set aside.
    • In a medium-sized bowl, stir together the prepared shredded chicken and 1 cup barbecue sauce until the chicken is fully coated in the sauce.
    • Top a sheet pan with the bottom half of the 12 slider buns. You can separate the slider buns or leave them connected together, either is fine. Spread the BBQ chicken evenly over each slider bun.
    • Drizzle ½ cup barbecue sauce over each bun. The sauce really gives this recipe all of the flavor, so don’t be afraid to use more if desired. The messier the better, it is BBQ after all.
    • Evenly layer the prepared red onion slices on top of the drizzled sauce.
    • Top the red onion with an even layer of the 7 ounces of thinly sliced smoked gouda cheese.
    • Add the top of the slider buns, cover the sheet pan with aluminum foil, and bake in the oven at 350 degrees F. for 15 minutes. While the chicken BBQ sliders are cooking in the oven, whisk together the 1 tablespoon butter, ¼ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1 tablesoon parsley.
    • Remove the sliders from the oven, remove the foil, and brush the top of each slider with the butter mixture. Place the sliders back into the oven to bake uncovered for 5 additional minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy!

    Notes

    • May substitute shredded rotisserie chicken instead for a quicker option.
    • An easy way to shred the chicken is to add it to a stand mixer with the paddle attachment while still warm. Turn the mixer on level 2 and allow the mixer to do all of the work.
    • May substitute a different cheese for the smoked gouda. Try Monterey or cheddar!
    • If you prefer raw onions, skip the cooking step and add uncooked thinly sliced onion to the sliders instead.
    • Serve the sliders with a side of additional barbecue sauce for dipping.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 282kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 16gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 588mgPotassium: 202mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 247IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 159mgIron: 2mg

    *All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods and portion sizes per household.

    Keyword bbq chicken sliders
    Tried this recipe?Mention @SimplyLaKita or tag #SimplyLakita

    Original post date 08/28/2019. Updated 08/17/2022.

    close up side view of single chicken slider on white plate

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    Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ways to use this BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe? Please share them in the comments below!


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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Marta

      August 28, 2019 at 6:34 pm

      5 stars
      I can smell these now! They look so tasty and perfect for this coming weekend, Lakita!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        August 28, 2019 at 8:57 pm

        Thank you Marta! They are perfect for this weekend!

        Reply
    2. Saidah

      August 28, 2019 at 7:16 pm

      These look so yum Lakita.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        August 28, 2019 at 8:55 pm

        Thank you Saidah!!

        Reply
      • Amy

        August 19, 2022 at 3:22 pm

        5 stars
        These are my husbands favorite football snack! So great for having company over too!

        Reply
        • LaKita

          August 22, 2022 at 12:03 pm

          Thank you Amy, such a great football snack to share with friends!

          Reply
    3. Tamara J.

      August 29, 2019 at 1:46 pm

      5 stars
      I love a good slider! That chicken looks like it pairs perfectly with the BBQ sauce. Awesome recipe to take to the upcoming Labor Day cookouts!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        August 29, 2019 at 3:37 pm

        Thank you! I agree!!

        Reply
    4. Jazz

      August 30, 2019 at 4:43 pm

      5 stars
      Sliders are perfect for most any gathering--love these!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        August 30, 2019 at 9:31 pm

        Thank you! I agree!

        Reply
    5. Katrina Adams

      August 30, 2019 at 8:30 pm

      5 stars
      Yes, I love sliders and KC Masterpiece sauce!!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        August 30, 2019 at 9:32 pm

        Thank you! They definitely go well together.

        Reply
    6. Kenya Rae

      September 01, 2019 at 6:26 pm

      These look so good! The only thing that could make them better is if you came to my house and cooked them!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        September 01, 2019 at 10:54 pm

        Thank you! If I was in your area I certainly would.

        Reply
    7. Aline

      September 01, 2019 at 9:13 pm

      Is a party even a party without sliders??? These look bomb!!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        September 01, 2019 at 10:54 pm

        Thank you! I don't think it is.

        Reply
    8. Linda

      August 19, 2022 at 9:39 am

      5 stars
      This is the perfect recipe come football season! I always have hungry people over for our favorite team's games and this will be the perfect finger food. I tried them last night for dinner to get the OK from the man and he gave it a big thumbs up. 🙂

      Reply
      • LaKita

        August 22, 2022 at 12:07 pm

        Thank you Linda, I agree it's a great way to feed a football crowd!

        Reply
    9. Kate

      August 19, 2022 at 9:58 am

      5 stars
      These are incredible, super easy to make and really delicious. The red onions added a nice touch.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        August 22, 2022 at 12:07 pm

        Thank you Kate, the red onion really does add a nice touch!

        Reply
    10. veenaazmanov

      August 19, 2022 at 3:06 pm

      5 stars
      Perfect for my kids Birthday Party. Definitely a Happy Meal option. yummy

      Reply
      • LaKita

        August 22, 2022 at 12:08 pm

        Thank you so much, happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe 🙂

        Reply
    11. Anna

      August 20, 2022 at 10:51 am

      5 stars
      We made these for our BBQ with friends yesterday and they were an instant hit!!! Quick and easy to prepare, but most of all they were finger licking good!!!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        August 22, 2022 at 12:08 pm

        Thank you Anna, they're so easy to prepare!

        Reply
    12. Chandice

      August 21, 2022 at 5:29 pm

      5 stars
      These barbecue chicken sliders are so great for a party or just a fantastic Sunday dinner. Love health flavorful and easy they are!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        August 22, 2022 at 12:09 pm

        Thank you so much Chandice, I agree 🙂

        Reply
    13. Dennis

      August 21, 2022 at 5:41 pm

      5 stars
      I made your sliders yesterday and they were gone in minutes! Everyone wanted me to make more. Thanks for a delicious and easy recipe!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        August 22, 2022 at 12:04 pm

        Thank you Chef Dennis, so happy to hear that you enjoyed the recipe 🙂

        Reply
    14. Colleen

      August 21, 2022 at 6:54 pm

      5 stars
      I had leftover chicken, and these sliders were perfect for that. So easy and so yummy for a quick dinner with a salad.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        August 22, 2022 at 12:09 pm

        Thank you Colleen, these are a great way to use leftover chicken!!

        Reply
    15. Amy

      August 21, 2022 at 7:27 pm

      5 stars
      I gave these sliders a test run this weekend as I'll be making them for one of my personal chef clients. They were delicious! I especially loved the smokiness of the gouda cheese. I know my clients will love them!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        August 22, 2022 at 12:05 pm

        Thank you Amy, they pair really well with the smoked gouda cheese!

        Reply
    16. Moop Brown

      August 22, 2022 at 4:33 am

      These sliders look incredibly tasty and flavorful. Gouda is one of my favorite cheeses so I love that it is used here as well.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        August 22, 2022 at 12:05 pm

        Thank you Moop, it pairs so well with gouda 🙂

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm LaKita, a food blogger living in Northwest/Panhandle Florida. I love creating and sharing recipes that are simple to make and comforting to eat. Follow me for more delicious recipes.

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