These Easy Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders are a delicious, quick, and simple snack or meal that comes together in just 15 minutes of active work. Made with shredded BBQ chicken, melted cheese, and garlic butter, these sliders are bursting with sweet, spicy, smoky, and cheesy flavors. They’re perfect for parties, family dinners, or any time you’re craving a satisfying bite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For BBQ Chicken Filling

• 1 lb Chicken tenders (4-5 tenders)

• 1 tsp Salt

• ½ tsp Pepper

• 1 tsp Garlic powder

• 1 tsp Cayenne (optional, for spice)

• 2 tbsp Olive oil (for frying)

• ½ cup BBQ sauce

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 2 tbsp Mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp Chili garlic sauce (optional, for extra spice)

For Garlic Butter

• 2 tbsp Unsalted butter

• 1 tsp Chopped fresh parsley

• ¼ tsp Garlic powder

For Assembly

• 12 Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls

• ¾ cup Shredded cheddar cheese

• ¾ cup Shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Prepare the chicken: If you’re using pre-cooked shredded chicken, skip this step. Otherwise, rub salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne (if using) on chicken tenders. Pan fry in olive oil until cooked through and slightly charred. Chop the cooked chicken into small pieces.

2. Make the BBQ chicken filling: Return the chopped chicken to the pan, add BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, and chili garlic sauce (if using). Toss to combine and adjust flavors to your liking.

3. Prepare the garlic butter: Mix softened butter with chopped parsley and garlic powder.

4. Assemble the sliders: Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally, without separating them. On the bottom half of the rolls, layer half of the cheese, the BBQ chicken filling, and the remaining cheese. Press down lightly, then cover with the top half of the rolls. Brush generously with garlic butter.

5. Bake the sliders: Place the assembled sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 7-10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.

6. Serve: Once baked, serve immediately and enjoy these cheesy, flavorful sliders!

Estimated Nutritional Value (per slider)

• Calories: 250-300 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 20-30g

• Protein: 15-20g

• Fat: 15-20g

• Saturated Fat: 7-10g

• Fiber: 1-2g

• Sugar: 6-8g

• Cholesterol: 40-50mg

• Sodium: 500-700mg

These values are based on the use of King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls and other common ingredients. If you want a more accurate breakdown, I recommend using an online nutritional calculator where you can input the exact quantities and specific brands you use for more precise data.

The Versatility of BBQ Chicken Sliders

The great thing about BBQ chicken sliders is their versatility. You can tailor the recipe to suit your preferences or the preferences of your guests. Whether you prefer a little extra spice, want to use a different type of cheese, or even swap the chicken for another protein, this recipe can easily be adjusted. If you’re pressed for time, using pre-cooked shredded chicken can make it even easier, cutting down on prep time without sacrificing flavor.

Additionally, the base of these sliders—the soft Hawaiian rolls—acts as the perfect vehicle for the BBQ chicken filling. Their slightly sweet flavor complements the smokiness of the BBQ sauce, making each bite a balanced explosion of savory and sweet.

A Quick and Simple Recipe

One of the reasons these sliders are so appealing is how quickly they come together. You don’t need hours in the kitchen to create a delicious, hearty snack. The recipe is easy to follow and requires only basic kitchen skills, making it accessible to even novice cooks.

Here’s a quick rundown of the process:

Start by preparing the chicken. Season the chicken tenders with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne (if desired) for a little heat. After frying the chicken until golden and slightly charred, chop it into bite-sized pieces. Then, toss the chicken with BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, and a touch of chili garlic sauce (optional) for an extra kick.

While the chicken cools slightly, prepare the garlic butter. This adds a wonderful richness to the slider, with the garlic and fresh parsley enhancing the overall flavor. The garlic butter is then brushed generously over the assembled sliders before baking, creating a crispy, buttery finish.

In just a few steps, you’ve got a fully assembled, flavorful batch of sliders ready to bake. After baking in the oven for about 7-10 minutes, the sliders emerge golden brown, with gooey, melted cheese and perfectly crisped edges.

Why These Sliders Are Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a party, making a quick family dinner, or craving a snack, Easy Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders are the perfect option. Their small, handheld size makes them great for serving at parties or as appetizers. They are easy to pick up and eat with your hands, making them the ultimate finger food.

In addition, sliders are often a crowd favorite because they’re customizable. If you have picky eaters, you can adjust the level of spice or choose milder cheeses. You can even swap out the BBQ sauce for another sauce of your choosing, such as a tangy honey mustard or a creamy ranch. The simple nature of the dish makes it flexible, easy to scale up for large groups, and a guaranteed hit at any gathering.

The Flavor Combination: A Perfect Balance

What truly makes these sliders stand out is their flavor profile. The BBQ chicken filling is a beautiful mix of smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy notes, making each bite exciting. The BBQ sauce, combined with Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, and chili garlic sauce, creates a creamy, flavorful filling that’s rich without being overwhelming.

The garlic butter topping brings a savory depth, with the subtle heat of garlic and the fresh, earthy flavor of parsley. When combined with the soft Hawaiian rolls, the garlic butter creates a mouthwatering contrast that elevates the sliders to something extraordinary. And the melting cheese—both cheddar and mozzarella—adds the perfect amount of gooey goodness, binding the flavors together.

Healthyish and Satisfying

While these sliders are undeniably indulgent, they are also quite balanced in terms of nutrition. The chicken provides a good source of protein, while the cheese and garlic butter offer richness and flavor. The sweet Hawaiian rolls provide a comforting base, and you can even lighten up the recipe by using less cheese or opting for lower-fat options if desired.

With approximately 250-300 calories per slider, they make for a satisfying snack or meal without going overboard on calories. The combination of protein, fat, and carbohydrates keeps you feeling full, while the fiber content adds a small nutritional benefit. It’s the kind of food that satisfies cravings without weighing you down.

Customizing Your Sliders

As with any good recipe, the possibilities for customization are endless. Here are some simple tweaks you can make to personalize these sliders:

1. Cheese Options: While the recipe calls for cheddar and mozzarella, you could try a variety of cheeses based on your preference. Gouda, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack would work well, depending on the flavor profile you’re aiming for.

2. BBQ Sauce Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of the BBQ sauce used in this recipe, feel free to experiment. A tangy mustard-based BBQ sauce or even a honey BBQ sauce could bring a unique twist to the flavor. For those who like a bit more heat, a spicy BBQ sauce would complement the cayenne pepper and chili garlic sauce in the filling.

3. Protein Alternatives: While chicken is the star of these sliders, you could easily swap in pulled pork, shredded beef, or even a vegetarian option like jackfruit for a different take on the recipe.

4. Vegetable Add-ins: Want to add some fresh crunch and flavor? Try adding pickles, coleslaw, or even sautéed onions or bell peppers to the sliders before baking.

5. Sweet Heat: If you love spicy-sweet combos, consider adding a drizzle of honey on top of the BBQ chicken before assembling the sliders. This adds an extra layer of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the heat of the chili garlic sauce.

Perfect for Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra sliders, don’t worry! These Easy Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders make great leftovers. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat them in the oven to maintain that crispy exterior and melty interior. They can also be frozen for longer storage—just reheat in the oven when you’re ready for a tasty snack or meal.

Conclusion: A Must-Try Flavor Explosion

These Easy Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders are not only simple to make, but they also deliver big on flavor. The combination of tender BBQ chicken, melted cheese, and buttery garlic topping creates a perfect bite every time. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for an easy dinner solution, or craving something cheesy and comforting, these sliders are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a snack or meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Don’t wait—try these sliders today and experience the flavor explosion for yourself!