Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe for Game Day and Parties

Baked BBQ Chicken Sliders are ready in 20 minutes and might just be the best sliders you’ve tried. Shredded chicken is piled onto Hawaiian sweet rolls, brushed with a garlic butter and Parmesan topping, then baked until golden and melty. Fast enough for a weeknight and popular enough for a party, these sliders deliver big flavor with minimal effort.

If you need a quick, tasty dinner, these sliders are perfect. They also make an ideal appetizer for gatherings. Because this recipe uses cooked chicken, assembly is fast: mix the chicken with seasonings and sauce, fill the rolls, add cheese, brush on the butter topping, and bake until bubbly.

Serve with celery sticks and your favorite dressing—blue cheese or ranch work great—and you have a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.

BBQ Chicken Sliders FAQs

What if I don’t have leftover chicken?

  • Rotisserie chicken: Pick one up from the store for an easy shred-and-use option. It’s flavorful but requires some time to pull the meat from the bones.
  • Frozen cooked chicken: Many stores carry pre-cooked frozen chicken—an effortless way to speed dinner prep.
  • Raw chicken: If using raw, dice into small pieces, season, and cook in a hot skillet until done. Small pieces cook quickly.

Do I have to use Hawaiian sweet rolls?

You can use any slider buns you prefer. Hawaiian sweet rolls add a touch of sweetness that balances the savory BBQ chicken, so consider trying them if you haven’t before.

Is the melted butter topping necessary?

The garlic butter and Parmesan topping creates a crisp, flavorful crust that elevates these sliders. If you’re cutting calories, you can skip it, but at least lightly brush the tops with oil and sprinkle garlic salt so the sliders still get a seasoned, slightly crisp finish.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the sliders as instructed but do not bake. Cover with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to five days. When ready to serve, remove the cover and bake according to directions until heated through and the cheese melts.

How to store and reheat leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5–7 days. Reheat in the microwave for a quick option (the roll will be soft), or bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore some crispness to the topping.

Recipe Variations

Customize these sliders to suit your taste. A few easy variations:

  • Use buffalo sauce instead of BBQ for a spicy twist.
  • Add ranch seasoning to the garlic butter for extra tang.
  • Mix in chopped green onions or chives for freshness.
  • Swap cheddar for Swiss or pepper jack for different melt and flavor.
  • Spread cream cheese on the bottom buns before adding the chicken for a richer bite.

Looking for more quick dinner recipes?

Grilled Cheese with Pear, Bacon, and Brie
Mediterranean Quesadillas
Grilled Italian Vegetarian Panini

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Baked BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe

Baked BBQ Chicken Sliders

An easy, 20-minute dinner recipe that’s packed with flavor.

  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: 12 sliders

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups cooked chicken

12 Hawaiian sweet rolls

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

3/4 cup BBQ sauce

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

3 tablespoons melted butter

3/4 teaspoon garlic powder

3/4 teaspoon dried parsley

1 1/2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Chop the cooked chicken into small pieces and place in a medium bowl. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and BBQ sauce until evenly combined.
  3. Arrange the bottom halves of the rolls in a 9×13-inch pan and remove the tops. Divide the chicken mixture over the bottoms, then sprinkle with both cheeses. Replace the roll tops.
  4. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Brush the mixture over the tops of the rolls, then sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake uncovered for 13–15 minutes, until the cheese melts and the tops are lightly golden.
  • Author: Carole Jones
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slider
  • Calories: 266
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 100 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 17 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg

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