BBQ Chicken Sliders bring the flavor with juicy chicken, melty Gouda, and a buttery crisp roll brushed with garlic-herb that steals the show.
author’s note
These Sliders Never Last Long!
I absolutely love BBQ chicken. You’ll find it in so many recipes on my site, from BBQ chicken tacos and stuffed sweet potatoes to pizzas and salads.
It is one of my favorite shortcuts for creating a flavorful meal without needing a long list of ingredients. Once chicken is tossed with a good barbecue sauce, most of the work is already done!
For these BBQ Chicken Sliders, I wanted to turn that familiar flavor into something especially easy and fun to eat. Rotisserie chicken keeps the prep quick, Hawaiian rolls add a touch of sweetness, and Gouda brings a creamy, slightly smoky flavor that works perfectly with the sauce.
The part that really makes these sliders special, though, is the garlic-herb butter. I brush it generously over the tops and sides, letting a little drip underneath the rolls. The tops bake up golden while the bottoms get lightly crisp and buttery.
BBQ Chicken Sliders Ingredients
| Ingredient | Swap or Tip |
|---|---|
| Sweet Hawaiian rolls | Use fresh rolls for the best texture. Another soft slider or dinner roll will also work. |
| Rotisserie chicken | Leftover grilled, baked, or slow-cooked chicken works too. Chop or shred it into small pieces. |
| BBQ sauce | I like Sweet Baby Ray’s or Stubb’s but homemade is my favorite. |
| Gouda cheese | Sharp Cheddar is a great substitute. |
| Garlic-herb butter | Use Kerrygold Garlic & Herb Butter or combine regular butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. |
How To Make BBQ Chicken Sliders (Tips)
- Use good ingredients: Choose a BBQ sauce you love, fresh rolls, and high-quality cheese for the best flavor.
- Chop small: If using onion or cilantro, chop them small so they mix in and don’t take over.
- Spread butter all over: Brush garlic-herb butter all over the tops and let some drip under for extra crisp bottoms.
- Keep an eye on it Ovens are different, so keep an eye on them in the last few minutes.
- Eat right away: These sliders are best hot from the oven while the cheese is still melty.
Variations
Make it Your Own!
Feel free to customize these BBQ Chicken Sliders to your preferences. You could add a spicy sauce for a kick, use a different type of cheese, or even add other ingredients like pickles or jalapeños for extra crunch and heat. Here are some other ideas:
- Pulled pork sliders: Swap the chicken for slow-cooked pulled pork. You can still use the BBQ sauce for flavor, and the preparation method would remain the same.
- Buffalo chicken sliders: Instead of BBQ sauce, use buffalo sauce to give the sliders a spicy kick. You could also swap the Gouda or Cheddar for blue cheese to complement the buffalo flavor.
- Vegetarian BBQ sliders: If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, try using shredded jackfruit. It has a similar texture to pulled meat and absorbs the BBQ sauce flavor well.
chelsea’s recipe tip
What To Serve With BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Coleslaw: Creamy and perfect with BBQ! Try classic or apple coleslaw.
- Potato Salad: A BBQ staple. Go creamy or a lighter, vinegar-based version.
- Grilled Corn: Grilled corn, elote, or this corn salad are great!
- Pasta Salad: Serve it cold. Try pesto, cowboy caviar, or BLT pasta salad.
- Baked Beans: A classic side that pairs perfectly with BBQ flavors.
- Pickle Spears: Their tang cuts through the richness of the sliders.
- Garden Salad: Want something light? A fresh salad with vinaigrette works great.
More Slider Recipes:
BBQ Chicken Sliders
Video
Equipment
- Sheet pan (15" x 10") 9 x 13-inch
Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped, see note 1
- 1 cup BBQ sauce see note 2
- 1 (8-ounce) package thinly sliced Gouda cheese or sharp Cheddar, 12 slices
- 1/3 cup finely diced red onion optional
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro optional
- 4 tablespoons garlic-herb butter see note 3
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Generously grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice Hawaiian rolls in half, ensuring they stay together as one top and one bottom slab. Place the bottom slab of rolls in the prepared pan.
- Add shredded/chopped chicken and BBQ sauce to a medium bowl. Stir until chicken is saucy.
- Layer half the cheese onto the bottom slab of rolls, followed by the BBQ chicken. If desired, add the finely diced red onion and chopped cilantro. Add remaining cheese on top, followed by the top slab of rolls.
- Melt garlic-herb butter in the microwave, then slowly pour it over the rolls. Use a pastry brush or spatula to evenly spread melted butter across the tops and sides of the rolls, allowing some to pool at the bottom—it makes the bottoms crispy! If using, sprinkle Parmesan evenly on top.
- Cover sliders with foil and bake 20 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 3–6 minutes or until cheese has fully melted and rolls are golden brown on top.
- Remove from oven. These sliders are best enjoyed right out of the oven as they tend to become soggy if left for any length of time.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I made this for my friends during a short film shoot and they all loved it. I added mayo to the top and bottom buns before going into the oven which was a great addition. I definitely recommend this recipe!
I’m so thrilled to hear this! Thanks Alexis!
Had these last night and wow! I pressure cooked chicken to shred earlier in the day so i used that. I didn’t make any substitutions to the recipe and it was so good. I realized i was out of foil halfway through prep, so i reduced the amount of time in the oven. They came out a little more browned on top but even so, they were amazing! thank you for this recipe, it is definity being added to our dinner rotation!
I am so happy to hear this was a hit! Thanks so much Shelly! 🙂
Cant wait to make this soon for me can i use tofu / vegan cheese and butter i never had bbq chicken sliders before perfect for my after office meals love your recipes as always brightens up my day everyday after work
So excited for you to try this! 🙂