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Home » Recipes » Main Dishes

Modified: Apr 30, 2025 · Published: Aug 15, 2024 by LaKita · This post may contain affiliate links.

BBQ Chicken Sliders

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Overhead view of bbq chicken sliders on sheet pan with some pulled apart from the rest.
Overhead view of baked sliders on sheet pan.
Close up front view of sliders on sheet pan with hand pulling on of them.
Close up view of sliders on sheet pan with one of them cut in half.
Two photos of finished sliders on sheet pan on pin with text overlay.
Overhead view of finished sliders on sheet pan on pin with text overlay.
Overhead view of sliders on sheet pan on pin with text overlay.
Four photos of process to make sliders on pin with text overlay.
Overhead view of bbq chicken sliders on sheet pan with some pulled apart from the rest.

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 Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs and BBQ French Bread Pizza.

Overhead view of finished sliders pulled apart on baking sheet.

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 30 minutes to make. That's exactly what you get with this BBQ chicken sliders 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!

Pulled BBQ Chicken Ingredients

Overhead view of ingredients needed to make sliders in separate bowls and containers on marble surface.
  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 or pulled 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 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. Add a bit of freshness to the sauce that will be drizzled on top of the BBQ pulled chicken 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 below for exact ingredient quantities and instructions.

Recipe 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 sharp cheddar cheesy or Monterey, use shredded or sliced cheese.
  • Coleslaw: For some additional flavor and crunch, add some already made coleslaw to the layers after baking.

How to Make Pulled Chicken

There are a few different ways to make pulled chicken which is also known as shredded chicken. Here are a few easy options and any can be used to make this slider recipe.

  • Rotisserie - This is my favorite shortcut way to make pulled chicken. Simply purchase a prepared rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store and pull the meat off the bone with gloved or clean hands. At certain deli sections in stores you may be able to find this already done and in a container to grab and go.
  • Restaurant - Head to your local BBQ restaurant and ask for a pound of pulled BBQ chicken. This option is ready to add to your favorite savory buns or Hawaiian buns.
  • Oven or Stovetop - You can boil, saute, or bake boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs. After it's fully cooked, allow it to cool slightly before shredding it by hand using two forks or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on low for 15 to 20 seconds.
  • Slow Cooker - Add boneless chicken breast or chicken thighs and enough barbecue sauce to cover the chicken. Cover it and allow it to cook on low for about 4 hours. Once done, shred it in the slow cooker using two forks. If you go with this step, simply add it directly to the buns and continue with the rest of the instructions.
  • Pressure Cooker - Place boneless chicken breasts or thighs into the pressure cooker. Add 1 cup of water or chicken broth. Cover and cook on manual setting for about 5 minutes. Drain off the liquid and shred using two forks or a stand mixer.

How to Make Pulled Chicken Sliders

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.

Overhead view of pulled barbecue chicken in a white bowl with a spoon in it on marble surface.

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 pulled BBQ chicken evenly over each slider bun.

Bottom half of slider buns topped with sauce and barbecue chicken.

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

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Slices of cheese added on top of bbq chicken, sauce, red onion, and buns on baking sheet.

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.

Overhead view of assembled sliders on baking sheet.

Remove the BBQ sliders from the oven, remove the foil, and brush the top of each slider with the butter mixture.

Overhead view of butter mixture added to the top of the slider buns.

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 sliders on baking sheet.

Best Recipe Tips & Tricks

  • May substitute with 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.
  • You may substitute a different cheese for the smoked gouda. Try Monterey or cheddar cheese!
  • 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.
Close up view of hand pulling single slider on top of baking sheet.

Storage Tips

Storage. If you have any leftovers, then be sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating. When you are ready to serve them again, reheat them 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 them, and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. Then prepare the butter sauce, top, and bake per the recipe instructions.

Close up front view of finished sliders on baking sheet with one cut in half.

Want More Recipes You'll Love? Try These:

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  • Roast Beef & Swiss Cheese Sandwiches
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  • Toasted Steak Sandwich
  • Dutch Oven Pulled Chicken
  • Easy Pepperoni Bread (Cheesy, Flavor-Packed & Game Day Ready)
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    The Best Southern Meatloaf Recipe for Sunday Supper
  • Easy Dutch Oven Pulled Chicken (Quick, Juicy & Flavorful)

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

📖 Recipe

Overhead view of bbq chicken sliders on sheet pan with some pulled apart from the rest.

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.
4.83 from 23 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes 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!

Video

Notes

  • May substitute with 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.
  • You may substitute a different cheese for the smoked gouda. Try Monterey or cheddar cheese!
  • 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.
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

The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.

Keyword bbq chicken sliders
Tried This Recipe?Leave a comment below or tag @simplylakita on social!

Original post date 08/28/2019. Updated 08/17/2022 and 8/15/2024.

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Comments

    4.83 from 23 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Moop Brown says

    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 says

      August 22, 2022 at 12:05 pm

      Thank you Moop, it pairs so well with gouda 🙂

      Reply
  2. Amy says

    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 says

      August 22, 2022 at 12:05 pm

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

      Reply
  3. Colleen says

    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 says

      August 22, 2022 at 12:09 pm

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

      Reply
  4. Dennis says

    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 says

      August 22, 2022 at 12:04 pm

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

      Reply
  5. Chandice says

    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 says

      August 22, 2022 at 12:09 pm

      Thank you so much Chandice, I agree 🙂

      Reply
  6. Anna says

    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 says

      August 22, 2022 at 12:08 pm

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

      Reply
  7. veenaazmanov says

    August 19, 2022 at 3:06 pm

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

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      August 22, 2022 at 12:08 pm

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

      Reply
  8. Kate says

    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 says

      August 22, 2022 at 12:07 pm

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

      Reply
  9. Linda says

    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 says

      August 22, 2022 at 12:07 pm

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

      Reply
  10. Aline says

    September 01, 2019 at 9:13 pm

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

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      September 01, 2019 at 10:54 pm

      Thank you! I don't think it is.

      Reply
  11. Kenya Rae says

    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 says

      September 01, 2019 at 10:54 pm

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

      Reply
  12. Katrina Adams says

    August 30, 2019 at 8:30 pm

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

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      August 30, 2019 at 9:32 pm

      Thank you! They definitely go well together.

      Reply
  13. Jazz says

    August 30, 2019 at 4:43 pm

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

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      August 30, 2019 at 9:31 pm

      Thank you! I agree!

      Reply
  14. Tamara J. says

    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 says

      August 29, 2019 at 3:37 pm

      Thank you! I agree!!

      Reply
  15. Saidah says

    August 28, 2019 at 7:16 pm

    These look so yum Lakita.

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      August 28, 2019 at 8:55 pm

      Thank you Saidah!!

      Reply
    • Amy says

      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 says

        August 22, 2022 at 12:03 pm

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

        Reply
  16. Marta says

    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 says

      August 28, 2019 at 8:57 pm

      Thank you Marta! They are perfect for this weekend!

      Reply
Head shot bio photo of LaKita in an orange shirt.

Hi, I'm LaKita. I'm a Lifelong home cook and self-taught baker. I've been sharing modern comfort food through food blogging, recipe development, and photography since 2013.

More about me →

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