Finger-Lickin’ Good: How to Make BBQ Chicken Sliders That’ll Make Your Guests Beg for More!

BBQ Chicken Sliders

I recently made a batch of BBQ chicken sliders for my family gathering, and let me tell you – these little bundles of joy disappeared faster than I could say “seconds, anyone?” These mini sandwiches aren’t just delicious; they’re the perfect crowd-pleaser for any occasion, from game day parties to casual get-togethers.

What makes these sliders so special? It’s the perfect combo of tender, juicy shredded chicken slathered in sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, all tucked into soft, warm slider buns The best part? They’re ridiculously easy to make!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with BBQ Chicken Sliders

Before we dive into the how-to, let me share why these sliders deserve a spot in your recipe collection:

• Quick & Easy: You can have these ready in about 25-30 minutes with minimal prep and cleanup
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet, smoky BBQ sauce and tender chicken creates an irresistible flavor profile
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect finger food for parties – they’re easy to grab and snack on
• Versatile: Customize with your favorite toppings and BBQ sauce flavors
• Great for Leftovers: Use rotisserie chicken or yesterday’s chicken dinner to make these in a flash

Essential Ingredients for Perfect BBQ Chicken Sliders

The beauty of these sliders is their simplicity, Here’s what you’ll need

Basic Ingredients:

• 2 pounds pre-cooked chicken breasts, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for serving)
• 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls are amazing for this)
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 6 slices mozzarella cheese, cut in half
• 12 dill pickle slices (optional, but highly recommended)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley

For the best results, I recommend using Hawaiian rolls as your slider buns. The subtle sweetness perfectly complements the savory and smoky BBQ chicken filling. But honestly, any slider bun will work fine!

Step-by-Step: How to Make BBQ Chicken Sliders

Let’s break down this process into simple steps. I promise it’s easier than you think!

Method 1: Quick & Easy Version (25 Minutes)

This is my go-to method when I’m short on time but big on hunger:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the chicken: Place your pre-cooked, shredded chicken in a microwave-safe bowl. Add 1 cup of BBQ sauce and stir well until the chicken is evenly coated.

3. Heat the chicken mixture: Warm it in the microwave for about 5 minutes, stirring at every 1-minute interval until the mixture is hot throughout.

4. Prepare the buns: Cut the slider buns in half and place the bottom halves in your prepared baking dish.

5. Assemble the sliders: Spoon the warm BBQ chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each slider bun. Add red onion slices, mozzarella cheese, and dill pickles (if using). Drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce over the chicken for added flavor.

6. Make the garlic butter topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley. Brush this mixture over the top of the slider buns.

7. Bake: Place the sliders in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden brown.

8. Serve warm and watch them disappear!

Method 2: Slow-Cooker Method (For Extra Tender Chicken)

If you have more time and want exceptionally flavorful, juicy chicken, try this method:

Brining the Chicken (Day Before):

1. Make the brine: In a large bowl, mix 1-1/2 quarts water, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons salt, 1 tablespoon liquid smoke, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme until the sugar dissolves.

2. Reserve some brine: Set aside 1 cup of the brine for cooking the chicken later, and store it covered in the refrigerator.

3. Brine the chicken: Place 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts in the bowl with the remaining brine and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 18-24 hours, turning occasionally.

Cooking Day:

1. Slow-cook the chicken: Remove the chicken from the brine and transfer to a 3-quart slow cooker. Add the reserved 1 cup brine and 1/3 cup liquid smoke. Cook on low for 4-5 hours until the chicken is fall-apart tender.

2. Shred and sauce: Remove the chicken, discard cooking juices, and shred the meat with two forks. Return to the slow cooker and stir in 1-1/2 cups hickory smoke-flavored BBQ sauce. Heat through.

3. Assemble and serve: Serve on warmed slider buns with optional coleslaw on top.

Dean’s Special: BBQ Chicken Sliders with Caramelized Onions

For an extra special twist, try this version with caramelized onions that adds incredible depth of flavor:

Ingredients:

• 12 brioche or Hawaiian slider buns, split
• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 4 medium/large Sweet Onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cups BBQ sauce (Famous Dave’s Sweet and Zesty recommended)
• 1 cup grated Swiss cheese
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)
• Fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Caramelize the onions: In a pan, slowly sauté the onions until brown and caramelized (about 30 minutes), then set aside.

2. Prepare the buns: Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly toast both sides of the buns under the broiler until lightly browned.

3. Prepare the chicken: In a bowl, combine shredded chicken with a cup of BBQ sauce and mix until completely coated.

4. Combine chicken and onions: Mix the chicken with the caramelized onions.

5. Assemble the sliders: Spread the chicken/onion mixture equally across the bottom half of the toasted buns. Add another cup (or more) of BBQ sauce to taste. Sprinkle with grated Swiss cheese and optional chopped herbs.

6. Final touch: Place the top buns on the sliders, cover with foil, and bake for 7 minutes for deeper flavor.

Pro Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Sliders

After making these countless times, I’ve picked up a few tricks:

• Switch up the cheese: Don’t limit yourself to mozzarella. Try Pepper Jack for some heat, provolone for a smoky flavor, or white cheddar for sharpness.

• Tame the onions: If raw onions are too strong, soak them in cold water for 15-30 minutes, then pat dry. This helps reduce their pungency while keeping the crunch.

• Go for caramelized: For a sweeter, more complex flavor, caramelize your onions instead of using them raw.

• Get creative with toppings: Try adding jalapeños, coleslaw, pineapple chunks, or different BBQ sauce flavors.

• Make ahead option: Prepare the chicken filling in advance and assemble just before serving to prevent soggy buns.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Made too many? Lucky you! Here’s how to save them for later:

• Refrigerate: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freeze: Wrap each slider in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-friendly bag, and freeze for up to 3 months.

• Reheat: Warm them in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through. Brush the tops with melted butter if they seem dry.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Sliders

These sliders are so good you don’t even need sides, but if you’re hosting a gathering, consider these complementary dishes:

• Crispy potato wedges or waffle fries
• Creamy mac and cheese
• Fresh fruit salad (the sweetness balances the savory sliders)
• Coleslaw (classic pairing with BBQ)
• Potato salad

Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, get creative with these variations:

• Buffalo Style: Swap BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce and blue cheese
• Tropical Twist: Add pineapple slices and teriyaki sauce
• Southern Comfort: Top with crispy fried onions and extra BBQ sauce
• Tex-Mex: Add pepper jack cheese and pickled jalapeños

FAQs About BBQ Chicken Sliders

Q: Can I use canned or rotisserie chicken?
A: Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver, and canned chicken works in a pinch (just drain well first).

Q: How do I keep the sliders warm for a party?
A: Keep them in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting, or covered in a low-temp oven (170°F). They’ll stay warm for up to 2 hours.

Q: What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
A: Hickory smoke-flavored BBQ sauce gives a great smoky edge, but use whatever flavor you love best – sweet, spicy, or smoky!

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the chicken filling up to 3 days ahead and assemble just before serving. Fully assembled sliders will get soggy if made too far in advance.

Final Thoughts

BBQ chicken sliders are one of those recipes that seems almost too simple to be as delicious as they are. But trust me, once you make these for a gathering, people will be asking for the recipe.

The beauty of these sliders is their versatility – you can fancy them up with caramelized onions and Swiss cheese for a dinner party, or keep them simple with just chicken and BBQ sauce for a quick family meal.

So next time you’re wondering what to do with leftover chicken or need a crowd-pleasing appetizer that won’t keep you slaving away in the kitchen, remember these BBQ chicken sliders. They’re my go-to for a reason!