BBQ chicken sliders are quick and easy to make. They are small sandwiches with cooked chicken mixed in BBQ sauce, topped with cheese and coleslaw. You just need a few simple ingredients and a little time. They are perfect for a fast meal or a snack with friends.
Why We Love This BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
There’s a lot to love about this BBQ chicken sliders recipe, and it starts with how simple it is. You don’t need a long list of complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen. The recipe uses pre-cooked chicken, so you save time while still enjoying tender, flavorful meat. The combination of tangy BBQ sauce, creamy Japanese mayo, and crunchy coleslaw creates a contrast in texture and flavor that’s irresistible. Plus, they’re grilled just long enough to melt the cheese and warm the rolls to perfection. Ideal for entertaining or quick meals, this recipe delivers a satisfying bite in every slider.
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Sliders
To create these BBQ chicken sliders, you’ll need just a few staple ingredients that come together to form a mouthwatering meal. Here’s everything you need:
List of ingredients with measurements:
- 300g cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 12 par-baked buffet rolls
- 100g Colby cheese, grated
To serve:
- 200g store-bought coleslaw
- 4 tablespoons BBQ sauce
- 4 tablespoons Japanese mayo
- 1 spring onion, finely sliced
How to Make BBQ Chicken Sliders Directions
Making BBQ chicken sliders is as easy as layering, grilling, and garnishing. Here’s how you can make your own batch in just a few simple steps.
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C on the fan grill setting. This ensures a high heat that will quickly warm the filling and melt the cheese while slightly toasting the rolls.
In a mixing bowl, combine your shredded cooked chicken with half a cup of BBQ sauce. Mix it well so that every bite of chicken is evenly coated with the smoky-sweet flavor.
Next, take each of your par-baked buffet rolls and slice them down the center. Be careful not to cut all the way through—you want to keep the rolls hinged so they hold together well. Spoon a portion of the BBQ chicken mixture into each roll, dividing it evenly among the twelve.
Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Colby cheese over the top of the chicken in each roll. The cheese adds richness and melts beautifully in the oven.
Place the filled rolls onto a baking sheet and pop them under the grill. Bake them for about 5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them—since the oven is on a grill setting, they can brown quickly. You’re aiming for the cheese to melt completely and the chicken to be heated through without burning the tops of the rolls.
Once the sliders come out of the oven, it’s time to add the final touches. Spoon a bit of store-bought coleslaw onto each slider for crunch and a hint of sweetness. Drizzle with a little extra BBQ sauce and a dollop of Japanese mayo to bring in creaminess and depth. Finally, garnish with finely sliced spring onion to add a fresh, slightly sharp flavor that cuts through the richness.
Serve your sliders immediately while they’re warm, gooey, and bursting with flavor.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Sliders
Serving BBQ chicken sliders is all about keeping things simple and fun. You can arrange them on a large platter, slightly overlapping each other, for a party-friendly presentation. Their compact size makes them perfect finger food for gatherings or buffets. You can also wrap them individually in parchment paper or foil for a grab-and-go lunch or picnic treat.
Pair these sliders with a side of baked potato wedges, crispy vegetable sticks, or a simple garden salad. For a drink, consider something refreshing like iced tea or lemonade to balance the bold BBQ flavors. Whether served on their own or as part of a larger spread, these sliders offer you a comforting bite that satisfies every time.
Expert Tips: BBQ Chicken Sliders
Here are some simple tips to help you make the most of your BBQ chicken sliders:
- Use leftover roast or rotisserie chicken to save prep time and add even more flavor.
- Toast the inside of the rolls before adding the filling for extra crunch.
- Try mixing different cheeses—like a sharp cheddar or smoked gouda—for a more complex taste.
- Warm the BBQ sauce slightly before mixing it with the chicken to make it easier to coat evenly.
- If you like a bit of heat, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.
- Keep your sliders warm in the oven (on low heat) if you’re serving a crowd and want everything hot and fresh.
With just a few simple tricks, you’ll elevate your sliders from tasty to unforgettable.
How to Store BBQ Chicken Sliders
If you happen to have leftovers, you can store BBQ chicken sliders easily. Allow them to cool completely before wrapping them tightly in foil or storing them in an airtight container. Place them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to eat them again, reheat them in the oven at 180°C until warm. This helps the bread stay slightly crisp and avoids a soggy texture you might get from microwaving. If storing the components separately (like the chicken mixture and rolls), assemble fresh sliders just before reheating for the best texture.
Variation of BBQ Chicken Sliders
The beauty of BBQ chicken sliders is how easily you can change them to suit your taste. Here are a few delicious variations to try:
- Spicy Sliders: Add chopped jalapeños or a spicy BBQ sauce for a kick.
- Cheesy Pull-Apart Style: Place all sliders in a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake covered with foil. Slice and serve as cheesy pull-apart sliders.
- Hawaiian-Style: Use sweet Hawaiian rolls and add a pineapple slice to each slider for a tropical twist.
- Veggie-Loaded: Mix some grilled bell peppers, onions, or corn into the chicken mixture for added flavor and nutrients.
- Mini Subs: Use longer rolls and turn this into a BBQ chicken sub, great for a heartier meal.
These easy tweaks help you keep the recipe exciting every time you make it.
FAQ
Can I use rotisserie chicken for BBQ chicken sliders? Yes, rotisserie chicken works great. It’s flavorful and already cooked, which makes preparation even faster.
What’s the best cheese to use? Colby cheese melts well and has a mild flavor, but you can also use cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend.
How do I keep the rolls from getting soggy? Toast the insides of the rolls slightly before filling them. Also, add coleslaw just before serving.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, prepare the chicken mixture and keep it in the fridge. Assemble and bake just before serving.
Are these sliders freezer-friendly? You can freeze the chicken mixture, but it’s best to use fresh rolls and assemble the sliders after reheating.
BBQ Chicken Sliders
Ingredients
- 300 grams cooked chicken (shredded)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 12 pieces par-baked buffet rolls
- 100 grams Colby cheese (grated)
- 200 grams store-bought coleslaw
- 4 tablespoons BBQ sauce (for serving)
- 4 tablespoons Japanese mayo
- 1 spring onion (finely sliced)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C on the fan grill setting.
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, mixing well to coat.
- Slice each par-baked roll down the center, keeping them hinged. Spoon BBQ chicken mixture into each roll.
- Sprinkle grated Colby cheese over the chicken in each roll.
- Place the filled rolls on a baking sheet and grill for about 5 minutes until cheese is melted and rolls are toasted.
- Add coleslaw, a drizzle of BBQ sauce, a dollop of Japanese mayo, and garnish with spring onion before serving.
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