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 a reliable 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 straightforward 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 evenly 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 from-scratch is a reliable. |
| 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 reliable 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 evenly 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:
Sandwiches
Grinder Sliders
Dinner
French Dip Sliders
Dinner
Monte Cristo Sliders Recipe
Dinner
Cuban Sliders
