BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe: How To Make The Best Sliders
Jennifer
Imagine pulling a tray of golden, cheesy BBQ chicken sliders out of the oven—soft buns infused with the smoky sweetness of barbecue sauce, melted cheese, and tender shredded chicken. Whether you’re hosting a game-day party, preparing for a family gathering, or just looking for a simple, comforting meal, this recipe is the perfect crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the irresistible world of BBQ chicken sliders and discover how you can make them a staple in your kitchen.
Table Of Content:
History of BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe:
The origins of sliders trace back to early 20th-century American diners, where bite-sized hamburgers were served as quick, affordable snacks. Over the years, sliders evolved to include countless variations, with BBQ chicken sliders emerging as a modern favorite. These mini sandwiches combine the rich flavors of barbecue sauce with tender chicken and gooey cheese, making them a hit for all occasions.
BBQ chicken itself has deep roots in Southern cooking, where smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors define the cuisine. Pairing these classic flavors with the convenience of sliders brought a fresh twist to traditional barbecue. Today, BBQ chicken sliders are celebrated for their versatility, blending the comfort of a home-cooked meal with the excitement of party food.
Perfect for both casual gatherings and formal occasions, BBQ chicken sliders have become a staple in households and restaurants alike. Their compact size and customizable ingredients make them adaptable to any taste or dietary preference, ensuring they remain a go-to favorite.
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe:
- Quick and Easy to Make: This BBQ chicken slider recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. With minimal prep and simple instructions, you can whip up a tray of these flavorful sliders in no time. The convenience of pre-cooked chicken and readily available ingredients makes this dish both time-saving and satisfying.
- Bursting with Flavor: The smoky sweetness of barbecue sauce, combined with tender, juicy chicken and the creamy richness of melted cheeses like mozzarella and smoked gouda, creates a symphony of flavors. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and cheesy goodness, making it impossible to resist.
- Customizable to Your Taste: One of the best aspects of these sliders is their versatility. You can easily customize the recipe by using spicier BBQ sauces, swapping in your favorite cheeses, or adding toppings like jalapeños, sliced avocado, or even crispy onions for extra crunch. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor the dish to suit your cravings.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re planning game-day snacks, a potluck contribution, or a family dinner, these BBQ chicken sliders fit the bill. Their small size makes them great for sharing, and they pair well with a variety of side dishes, from coleslaw to sweet potato fries.
- A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: These sliders are always a hit with kids and adults alike. The soft, buttery buns, flavorful chicken, and gooey cheese create a combination that’s sure to disappear quickly at any gathering. Prepare for guests to ask for seconds (or even thirds)!
What Cheese Goes Best with Barbecue Chicken?
- Mozzarella: With its smooth and subtle taste, it enhances the rich and smoky flavor of BBQ sauce beautifully.
- Smoked Gouda: Adds a rich, smoky depth to enhance the barbecue theme.
- Cheddar: For those who prefer a sharper flavor, cheddar is a classic option.
- Pepper Jack: Want a little heat? Pepper Jack adds a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with BBQ chicken.
Experiment with different cheeses to discover the blend that suits your taste best!
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for freshly baked slider buns, high-quality BBQ sauce, and freshly shredded cheese for the best flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Butter Topping: The buttery glaze with cilantro adds richness and helps the sliders achieve a beautiful golden crust.
- Cook the Chicken Properly: If you’re cooking chicken from scratch, ensure it’s fully cooked and tender before shredding.
- Cover While Baking: Covering the sliders with foil traps moisture, ensuring the cheese melts evenly and the buns stay soft.
- Serve Immediately: BBQ chicken sliders are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, when the cheese is gooey and the flavors are at their peak.
What goes with BBQ chicken sliders?
BBQ Chicken sliders pair wonderfully with a variety of sides that balance their savory and smoky flavors. Serve them with coleslaw, potato salad, or baked beans for a classic barbecue spread. For lighter options, consider a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. Sweet potato fries or crispy onion rings also make excellent accompaniments to elevate your meal.
How hot to grill BBQ chicken?
To grill BBQ chicken, set your grill to medium heat, approximately 350°F to 400°F. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly without burning, while allowing the BBQ sauce to caramelize beautifully. To ensure safety, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should read 165°F to confirm the chicken is fully cooked.
How To Make This BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe:
BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe: How To Make The Best Sliders
Equipment
- baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Pastry Brush (for the butter topping)
- Mixing Bowls
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns split
- 4 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 1 cup BBQ sauce Sweet Baby Ray’s recommended
- ¼ red onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella grated
- ½ cup smoked gouda grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare the Slider Base: Place the bottom halves of the slider buns into the prepared baking dish, ensuring they fit snugly.
- Mix the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with ½ cup of BBQ sauce. Stir until the chicken is fully coated.
- Assemble the Sliders: Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the buns. Drizzle the remaining BBQ sauce on top, then layer with red onion slices, mozzarella, and smoked gouda. Scatter 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro evenly over the top and add a light sprinkle of black pepper for extra flavor.
- Add the Top Buns: Place the top halves of the buns over the assembled sliders.
- Bake (Covered): Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Butter Topping: As the sliders bake, heat the butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl until fully melted. Stir in the remaining cilantro.
- Bake (Uncovered): Remove the foil and brush the tops of the buns with the butter mixture. Put the dish back in the oven and continue baking uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until the tops achieve a golden, crispy texture.
- Serve: Take the sliders out of the oven and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Cooking the Chicken: If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, cook 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook until no longer pink inside (7–10 minutes), then shred with two forks.
- Add Extra Heat: If you like spicy food, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ chicken mixture.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the sliders the day before by assembling them, wrapping them securely, and storing them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Bake just before serving.
- Storage: Keep any leftover sliders fresh by placing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to enjoy, warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through.
| Nutrition Facts (Per Serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 315 |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Protein | 21g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 62mg |
| Sodium | 485mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 8g |
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on portion size and toppings.
Tips and Variations:
- Cheese Swaps: Replace mozzarella or gouda with cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for a flavor twist.
- Add Heat: Include jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or spicy BBQ sauce for a kick of spice.
- Sweet and Savory: Drizzle a bit of honey over the BBQ chicken before adding cheese for a sweet touch.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini.
- Low-Carb Version: Use lettuce wraps instead of slider buns for a keto-friendly option.
- Make It Extra Smoky: Add a dash of smoked paprika to the chicken for enhanced smoky flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! While mozzarella and smoked gouda are recommended, you can substitute them with cheddar, pepper jack, or even provolone for a unique twist.
To add heat, mix some hot sauce into the BBQ chicken or add sliced jalapeños before baking.
Reheat the sliders in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore their texture and flavor.
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken saves time and works perfectly for this recipe.
Serve these sliders with coleslaw, potato chips, sweet potato fries, or a simple green salad.
BBQ chicken sliders are the perfect blend of smoky, tangy, and cheesy goodness. Whether you’re serving them for a party or a family meal, these sliders are guaranteed to be a hit.
Don’t forget to check out other Sliders recipes and to share your results and leave a comment below—we’d love to hear your feedback!
