Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders: Perfect for Game Day or Casual Gatherings

Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a casual family gathering, or just craving a delicious, easy-to-make meal, these sliders hit the spot every time. With tender shredded chicken coated in flavorful barbecue sauce, melted cheddar cheese, and a buttery garlic glaze on top, these sliders are sure to be a favorite.

Check out more delicious slider recipes like these BBQ chicken sliders on AllRecipes’ Sliders Collection, and for more BBQ tips, visit BBQGuys.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Making Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders is as simple as assembling a few ingredients and putting them together in just a few easy steps. Let’s dive into the recipe:

Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders – Easy, Flavorful Sliders Perfect for Any Occasion

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 12 sliders 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders are the perfect combination of tender, flavorful chicken smothered in BBQ sauce and melted cheddar cheese, all served on soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls. Topped with a garlic butter glaze and optionally garnished with freshly chopped cilantro, these sliders are a crowd-pleasing dish ideal for parties, game day, or casual weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Sliders:

• 12 Hawaiian rolls
• 3 cups shredded chicken
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
• 4 ounces cheddar cheese (sliced)

For the Glaze:

• 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

For Garnish (Optional):

• Freshly chopped cilantro

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Chicken:
   In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce until the chicken is well coated. Set aside.

3. Assemble the Sliders:
   Cut the Hawaiian rolls in half, keeping the rolls intact in one sheet (do not separate the individual rolls). Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared baking dish.

   Layer the shredded BBQ chicken evenly on top of the bottom half of the rolls. Add a layer of thinly sliced red onions, then top with slices of cheddar cheese. Place the top half of the rolls on top to complete the slider stack.

4. Make the Garlic Butter Glaze:
   In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and garlic salt. Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the top of the slider rolls.

5. Bake the Sliders:
   Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the sliders are heated through and the cheese has melted. For a slightly crispy top, remove the foil and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.

6. Garnish and Serve:
   Remove the sliders from the oven and, if desired, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

You can use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker option. Just shred the chicken and mix with your favorite BBQ sauce.

If you want a little extra flavor, feel free to add a few slices of pickles or jalapeños on top of the chicken before adding the cheese.

These sliders can be assembled ahead of time, then wrapped and refrigerated before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slider
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure the sliders are perfectly baked and the cheese melts just right.
2. Prepare the Chicken: If you haven’t already, shred the cooked chicken using two forks or your hands. You want the chicken to be in small, bite-sized pieces that will fit nicely into the sliders.
3. Mix with BBQ Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce. You can adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to your taste, depending on how saucy you want your sliders.
4. Assemble the Sliders: Take your Hawaiian rolls and slice them in half horizontally, keeping them all connected as one large sheet of rolls (like a sandwich). Place the bottom half of the rolls on a baking sheet or in a large baking dish.
5. Layer the Ingredients: Spread the shredded BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. Then, layer the thinly sliced red onion and cheddar cheese over the chicken. Finally, place the top half of the rolls on top.
6. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic salt. Brush this buttery glaze evenly over the top of the rolls. The garlic butter will add an irresistible flavor and golden finish to your sliders.
7. Bake: Place the assembled sliders in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the top of the rolls is golden and slightly crispy.
8. Serve: Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for an added burst of flavor and color.
9. Enjoy: Slice the sliders and serve immediately. These Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders are perfect for parties, picnics, or as a quick and tasty dinner!

Advanced Techniques for Perfect Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders

While this recipe is simple and straightforward, there are a few advanced techniques that can elevate your Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders:

Slow-Cooked Shredded Chicken

For the most tender and juicy chicken, you can cook your chicken in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the slow cooker with your favorite BBQ sauce and cook on low for 4-6 hours (or high for 2-3 hours). Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks, and mix it with the sauce. This method infuses more flavor and moisture into the chicken.

Caramelized Onions for Extra Flavor

Instead of using raw red onion, try caramelizing the onions for a deeper, sweeter flavor. Simply heat a bit of oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the onions until they are soft and golden brown. Caramelized onions will add an extra layer of richness to your sliders.

Add More Toppings

Want to get creative? You can add more toppings to your sliders, such as pickles, jalapeños, or coleslaw for a crunchy texture. These additions will balance out the richness of the barbecue sauce and give your sliders more complexity.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

If you happen to have leftover Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders, proper storage will help them stay fresh and delicious.

Storage

Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, keep the sliders as intact as possible (i.e., don’t separate the rolls). This helps maintain their moisture and prevents them from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to make a larger batch of sliders in advance, you can freeze them. Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer bag. These can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

This Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders recipe can be easily adapted to accommodate different dietary needs and preferences.

Gluten-Free Option

If you’re following a gluten-free diet, simply use gluten-free rolls or buns. Many brands offer gluten-free versions of Hawaiian rolls, or you can opt for gluten-free slider buns.

Low-Carb Version

For a low-carb version, skip the bread altogether and serve the pulled BBQ chicken with lettuce wraps instead of rolls. This keeps the dish low-carb while still packing in all the flavor.

Vegan Version

To make these sliders vegan, substitute the chicken with shredded jackfruit or a plant-based chicken alternative. Use vegan cheese in place of cheddar and ensure your BBQ sauce is vegan-friendly (some sauces contain honey or other animal products).

FAQs About the Recipe

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for these sliders?

Yes! If you have leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken, you can easily use that. Just shred the chicken and mix it with the BBQ sauce to save time.

What type of BBQ sauce is best for these sliders?

Any barbecue sauce you like works great! A smoky or tangy sauce can complement the chicken and make the sliders more flavorful. You can also try a sweeter sauce if you prefer a milder taste.

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders up to a day in advance. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add the glaze right before baking.

Can I make these sliders without cheese?

Absolutely! If you prefer dairy-free or cheese-free sliders, simply leave out the cheddar cheese, and your sliders will still be delicious.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders are the perfect easy and delicious meal for any occasion. With tender shredded chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, melted cheddar cheese, and a buttery garlic glaze, these sliders are a hit every time. Plus, they’re versatile enough to be customized with your favorite toppings or dietary adaptations. Whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick and satisfying meal, these sliders will never disappoint.

Bake a batch today and enjoy these flavorful sliders that are sure to please everyone at your next gathering!