These BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders are the perfect party bites—tender shredded chicken tossed in smoky barbecue sauce, layered with melty cheese and nestled inside buttery slider buns. Baked until golden and brushed with garlic herb butter, they’re savory, saucy, and incredibly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: With only 30 minutes of prep and cooking time, these sliders are perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Perfectly saucy: The pulled chicken is tossed in barbecue sauce for that perfect smoky, tangy flavor that everyone loves.
- Cheesy goodness: Provolone or mozzarella cheese melts perfectly over the savory chicken for a rich, creamy bite.
- Buttery and golden: The garlic herb butter brushed over the buns creates a crispy, golden top that makes these sliders irresistible.
- Great for gatherings: These sliders are easy to serve at parties, BBQs, or any casual get-together.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
- 6 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp parsley, chopped
Optional for serving:
- Pickles
- Coleslaw
directions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the chicken: In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce until well combined.
- Prepare the buns: Slice the slider buns horizontally. Place the bottom halves of the buns in a greased baking dish.
- Assemble the sliders: Evenly distribute the BBQ chicken mixture over the bottom halves of the buns. Top with slices of provolone or mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with top buns: Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese.
- Make the garlic herb butter: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with minced garlic and chopped parsley. Brush this mixture generously over the top of the buns.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes until the tops are golden and the cheese is melty.
- Serve: Slice into individual sliders and serve warm, with optional pickles or coleslaw on the side.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving
Variations
- Add extra toppings: Feel free to add crispy bacon, sautéed onions, or jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Switch up the cheese: Try cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack for different cheese flavors.
- Make it spicy: Mix some hot sauce into the barbecue sauce for added heat.
- Make it low-carb: Serve the BBQ pulled chicken mixture over lettuce cups instead of buns for a low-carb option.
storage/reheating
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the sliders in the oven at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted again.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe and will save you time.
Can I make these sliders in advance?
You can prepare the sliders and store them in the fridge before baking. When ready to serve, bake them as directed.
Can I use a different type of sauce?
Yes, feel free to use any barbecue sauce or even a spicy ranch sauce for a different flavor profile.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use any type of cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, Swiss, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?
Be sure to bake the sliders as soon as they are assembled and avoid over-soaking the buns in the barbecue sauce. A light coating is enough.
How can I make these sliders spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or use a spicy barbecue sauce for an extra heat boost.
Can I make these sliders on the grill?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders and wrap them in foil to cook them on the grill over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes.
Can I freeze these sliders?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled sliders before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then bake from frozen at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Can I serve these with anything else?
These sliders are great served with fries, chips, coleslaw, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders are a crowd-pleasing snack or meal that’s easy to make and full of flavor. With tender, saucy chicken, melty cheese, and buttery, golden slider buns, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a BBQ, game day party, or just looking for a quick weeknight dinner, these sliders are sure to become a favorite!
Print
BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders are the perfect party bites—tender shredded chicken tossed in smoky barbecue sauce, layered with melty cheese and nestled inside buttery slider buns. Baked until golden and brushed with garlic herb butter, they’re savory, saucy, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
- 6 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp parsley, chopped
- Optional: pickles or coleslaw for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with barbecue sauce.
- Slice slider buns in half horizontally and place the bottom halves in a greased baking dish.
- Evenly distribute the BBQ chicken over the buns and top with cheese slices.
- Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese.
- Mix melted butter, garlic, and parsley, then brush over the tops of the buns.
- Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes, then uncover and bake another 5–7 minutes until golden and melty.
- Slice and serve warm, with pickles or coleslaw on the side if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a touch of smoked paprika to the BBQ sauce.
- These sliders can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to bake.
- Feel free to swap out the cheese for your favorite variety, like cheddar or gouda.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
