Name: Quick BBQ Chicken Sliders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls; 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 1 1/2 pounds); 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce; 2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (or a blend); 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder); 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or chili powder (optional); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional); Pinch of salt, to taste

Golden, buttery slider buns stuffed with saucy shredded BBQ chicken, gooey cheese, and a hint of tangy red onion – these Quick BBQ Chicken Sliders are the kind of crowd‑pleasing food that disappears the second the pan hits the table. They’re simple to throw together, but they feel special enough for parties, game days, or a fun Friday‑night family dinner.

Because they start with cooked chicken and bake all at once in a single pan, these sliders are perfect for busy nights when you want real comfort food without hovering over the stove. A quick brush of garlic butter on top gives them that bakery‑style shine and flavor, and the pull‑apart slider effect makes them just as fun to eat as they are easy to serve.

Why You’ll Love These Quick BBQ Chicken Sliders

These sliders check every box when you’re looking for an easy, satisfying meal or appetizer. The chicken is coated in smoky‑sweet barbecue sauce, which keeps it juicy while it bakes and infuses the buns with flavor. Melty mozzarella or cheddar holds everything together in those irresistible cheesy strands.

They’re also incredibly flexible. Use leftover rotisserie chicken, meal‑prepped shredded chicken, or even grilled chicken breasts you cooked earlier in the week. You can tone the spice up or down, swap in your favorite BBQ sauce, and serve them as a quick dinner, a party snack, or part of a game‑day spread.

What Kind of Buns Work Best for Quick BBQ Chicken Sliders?

For the best texture, use soft pull‑apart slider buns, such as classic Hawaiian rolls or any enriched dinner rolls baked as a connected sheet. Their fluffy crumb soaks up the barbecue sauce without falling apart, and the slightly sweet flavor pairs beautifully with smoky chicken.

Avoid crusty artisan rolls or very dense buns, which can feel heavy and don’t absorb the sauce as well. If your rolls are extra soft, a quick toast in the oven before filling helps them stay sturdy and gives the bottoms a light crispness that holds up to all that cheesy BBQ goodness.

Ingredients for the Quick BBQ Chicken Sliders

Before you start layering, it helps to know what each ingredient brings to the party. These simple pantry and fridge staples work together to create sliders that are saucy, cheesy, and full of flavor in every bite.

Slider buns or Hawaiian rolls – Provide the soft, slightly sweet base that soaks up the sauce and holds everything together.
Shredded cooked chicken – The heart of the recipe, giving you tender protein that absorbs all the barbecue flavor.
BBQ sauce – Adds smoky, sweet, tangy flavor and keeps the chicken juicy as it bakes.
Unsalted butter – Used to brush the buns so they bake up golden, rich, and soft.
Garlic (minced or powder) – Infuses the butter with savory flavor and makes the tops of the buns extra delicious.
Red onion – Adds a crisp, tangy bite that cuts through the richness of the cheese and sauce.
Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese – Melts into gooey strands that hold the filling inside the sliders.
Smoked paprika or chili powder (optional) – Gives a gentle, smoky heat that deepens the barbecue flavor.
Fresh parsley or chives (optional) – Sprinkled on top for color and a fresh finish.

How To Make the Quick BBQ Chicken Sliders

This recipe comes together in a few easy steps: mix the filling, assemble the sliders in one pan, brush with garlic butter, and bake until the tops are bronzed and the cheese is bubbly. You’ll have pull‑apart, restaurant‑style sliders on the table in around 30 minutes.

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Buns

Lightly grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish or rimmed baking sheet with butter or cooking spray. Without separating the individual rolls, slice the entire sheet of slider buns in half horizontally, like a big sandwich. Place the bottom half in the prepared pan, cut side up.

Step 2: Make the BBQ Chicken Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce, stirring until every piece is well coated. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder. Taste and adjust the seasoning so the filling is boldly flavored – it should taste slightly stronger than you think, since it will be balanced by bread and cheese.

Step 3: Layer the Cheese and Chicken

Scatter an even layer of shredded cheese over the cut side of the bottom buns. Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture over the cheese, spreading it right to the edges so every slider gets plenty of filling. Add a thin layer of sliced red onion on top of the chicken for a little crunch and tang.

Step 4: Add More Cheese and the Top Buns

Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the onions, then gently place the top sheet of slider buns over everything, lining it up with the bottoms. Press very lightly to help the layers settle without squishing out the filling.

Step 5: Brush with Garlic Butter

Melt the butter in a small bowl and stir in the minced garlic, plus a pinch of salt if your butter is unsalted. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the buns so they’re fully coated. If you’re using parsley or chives, sprinkle them over the buttered tops.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Melty

Bake the sliders in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are deep golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the sliders rest for 5 minutes, then use a sharp knife to cut along the lines between the rolls.

Serving and Storing Quick BBQ Chicken Sliders

These Quick BBQ Chicken Sliders are best served warm, right after baking, when the cheese is at its meltiest and the buns are still slightly crisp on top. This recipe makes about 12 sliders, which comfortably feeds 4–6 people as a main dish (two to three sliders each) or up to 10 as part of a larger appetizer spread.

If you have leftovers, let the sliders cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 325°F oven, covered with foil, for 10–12 minutes, then uncover for a few minutes to re‑crisp the tops. You can also warm individual sliders in the microwave, though the buns will be softer.

For freezing, wrap cooled sliders tightly in foil and place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a 325°F oven, still wrapped in foil, until hot in the center.

What to Serve With Quick BBQ Chicken Sliders?

These sliders are incredibly versatile and pair well with everything from crisp salads to cozy comfort‑food sides. Try one or more of these ideas to build an easy, crowd‑pleasing menu.

Creamy Coleslaw

A classic, crunchy coleslaw adds cool contrast to the warm, saucy sliders and balances the smoky sweetness of the BBQ chicken.

Crispy Oven Fries or Wedges

Serve with baked potato wedges or fries seasoned with salt, pepper, and a touch of smoked paprika for a takeout‑style plate at home.

Simple Green Salad

A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette keeps the meal feeling light while still satisfying.

Corn on the Cob

Grilled or boiled corn brushed with butter and sprinkled with salt is a natural partner for barbecue flavors.

Baked Beans

Smoky, slightly sweet baked beans echo the BBQ notes and make the meal feel hearty and comforting.

Pickles and Pickled Jalapeños

A side of pickles or pickled jalapeños offers a bright, tangy bite that cuts through the richness of the sliders.

Fresh Fruit Salad

A bowl of melon, berries, or pineapple is a refreshing finish and especially nice for summer cookouts.

Want More Easy Dinner Ideas?

If these Quick BBQ Chicken Sliders are on repeat at your house, you’ll love having a few more easy, family‑friendly dinners up your sleeve. Try one of these Nora Nosh favorites next:

Texas Toast Sloppy Joes for another fun, messy, and satisfying sandwich‑style dinner.
Doritos Chicken Casserole when you’re craving cheesy comfort food with a crunchy topping.
Cowboy Casserole for a hearty, stick‑to‑your‑ribs bake that feeds a hungry crowd.
Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos for a Tex‑Mex twist that’s perfect for weeknights.
Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash on days when you want your dinner to simmer away while you handle everything else.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save these Quick BBQ Chicken Sliders to your Pinterest dinner or game‑day board so you can come back to them any time you need an easy, crowd‑pleasing meal.

When you make them, I’d love to hear how they turned out. Did you go spicy with your BBQ sauce or keep it sweet and mild? Did you add jalapeños, extra cheese, or a drizzle of ranch on top?

I’m always excited to see how you make these recipes your own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter and stress less at mealtime.

For even more everyday dinner inspiration and party‑ready food ideas, explore the recipes shared over on Nora Nosh Recipes on Pinterest.