These BBQ Chicken Sliders are the ultimate party food featuring tender shredded chicken coated in tangy barbecue sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese, and baked on soft Hawaiian rolls with a seasoned butter topping. They come together in just 30 minutes and are perfect for feeding a crowd at game day parties, backyard gatherings, or weeknight dinners.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken with 1½ cups BBQ sauce, tossing until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Using a serrated knife, slice the entire sheet of slider buns horizontally without separating individual rolls. Place the bottom half in the prepared baking dish, cut side up.
Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the bottom buns, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese if using, then place the top half of the buns over the chicken. Press down gently to compact.
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Whisk until fully incorporated.
Brush the seasoned butter mixture generously over the top of the buns. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden brown.
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Use a sharp knife to cut along the perforated lines and serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce, pickles, and coleslaw if desired.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for maximum convenience and time savings.
Don't oversaturate the chicken with sauce to prevent soggy buns.
Keep the buns connected during assembly to maintain their shape and make serving easier.
The butter topping is essential for that golden, crispy top layer.
These sliders can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated, then baked when ready to serve.
Freeze assembled but unbaked sliders for up to 2 months, wrapped tightly in foil.
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes for best results.
Try Buffalo chicken variation by replacing BBQ sauce with buffalo sauce and adding blue cheese.
For Hawaiian-style sliders, add pineapple chunks and use teriyaki BBQ sauce.