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BBQ Chicken Slider Buns

Category: Recipes the Whole Family Will Love

Enjoy a platter of BBQ chicken sliders, perfect for casual parties or family nights. Shredded chicken is tossed with smoky BBQ sauce and layered on soft toasted buns, topped with melted cheddar cheese. A quick broil ensures bubbly, golden cheese. Fresh red onion and chopped cilantro add brightness and crunch, finishing each bite with vibrant flavor. These sliders are easy to assemble, deliciously saucy, and satisfy appetites with the classic combo of chicken, cheese, and savory toppings. Serve them hot and watch them disappear fast at your next gathering.

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Created By Melanie Carter
Updated on Thu, 02 Oct 2025 16:47:25 GMT
A tray of sandwiches with meat and vegetables. Pin
A tray of sandwiches with meat and vegetables. | mellierecipes.com

BBQ chicken sliders are my secret weapon for easy entertaining. This recipe delivers juicy saucy chicken and melty cheese piled onto soft buns creating an irresistible hand-held bite that gets everyone gathered around the table

I always turn to these sliders for potlucks after I saw my picky nephew go back for thirds They disappeared in minutes at my last family barbecue

Ingredients

  • Chicken breast cooked and shredded: This creates a tender protein base Use a rotisserie or home-cooked chicken for best results
  • BBQ sauce: infuses bold smoky flavor Choose your favorite brand or homemade for a personal touch
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: melts into creamy goodness Buy fresh and grate it yourself for optimal melt and taste
  • Slider buns: provide the perfect soft base Look for butter or potato slider rolls for extra flavor
  • Red onion diced: brings tangy crunch Choose a firm onion for best freshness
  • Cilantro chopped: fresh brightens the sliders with herbal notes Only use fresh leaves for maximum flavor
  • When shopping for chicken be sure it is moist and not overcooked as it will dry out If using pre-shredded cheese opt for high quality with few additives

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix the Chicken and Sauce:
Combine cooked shredded chicken and BBQ sauce in a large bowl Stir so every piece is thoroughly coated The sauce should evenly cling without being runny
Prep the Buns:
Carefully slice slider buns horizontally Arrange bottoms on a baking sheet ensuring they fit snugly so the filling stays moist when baking
Assemble the Sliders:
Pile generous spoonfuls of BBQ chicken mixture onto each bun bottom Spread evenly to cover from edge to edge for consistency in every bite
Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chicken Make sure every slider is well covered so the cheese melts into the filling
Melt Under the Broiler:
Slide the baking sheet under a broiler for about two to three minutes Watch closely The cheese should bubble and melt but not brown This step adds gooey warmth
Finish with Fresh Flavor:
Remove sliders from oven Top with diced red onion and chopped cilantro Add just before serving to keep onions crisp and cilantro vibrant
Top and Serve:
Cap each slider with the bun tops Press down gently and serve immediately Enjoy them while warm and gooey
The text Pin
The text | mellierecipes.com

The BBQ sauce gives every slider a satisfying tangle of sweet and smoked which is my favorite part Watching my family reach in for seconds always sparks laughter and leaves me with happy memories in the kitchen

Storage Tips

Store cooked and assembled sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days For best results reheat in the oven covered in foil to re-melt the cheese and keep the buns soft Freeze assembled sliders without the fresh toppings in a freezer-safe bag Up to one month works great for make-ahead parties

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap in cooked turkey or store-bought pulled pork for the chicken Jack or pepper jack cheeses add a little kick For the sauce try honey mustard or even buffalo sauce for a twist Parsley works if you are out of cilantro

Serving Suggestions

Pair these sliders with crunchy slaw chips or pickles for a balanced plate They also shine at backyard barbecues alongside grilled corn or potato salad I sometimes set up a slider bar with extra toppings like crispy bacon or sliced pickles for everyone to customize

A plate of mini burgers with peppers and onions. Pin
A plate of mini burgers with peppers and onions. | mellierecipes.com

Cultural History

BBQ chicken sliders capture the heart of American backyard cuisine Inspired by Southern barbecue flavor which emphasizes slow-cooked meat and tangy sauce these bite-sized sandwiches are a modern twist perfect for informal gatherings Their roots in potluck and party fare make them a classic favorite

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep BBQ chicken sliders from getting soggy?

Toast the slider buns lightly before assembling to create a barrier and help prevent moisture from soaking in.

→ Can I make BBQ chicken sliders ahead of time?

Prepare the chicken mixture and toppings in advance. Assemble and broil just before serving for best texture.

→ What type of BBQ sauce works best?

Choose your favorite BBQ sauce. Smoky, sweet, or tangy varieties all complement shredded chicken well.

→ Is it possible to use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken saves time and works perfectly as the base for the filling.

→ Can I freeze leftover BBQ chicken sliders?

You can freeze assembled sliders before broiling. Thaw and reheat in the oven for melty cheese and fresh taste.

BBQ Chicken Slider Buns

Shredded BBQ chicken with cheddar, onion, and cilantro, served in soft slider buns. Great for gatherings.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cooking Duration
20 minutes
Overall Cooking Time
40 minutes
Created By: Melanie Carter

Recipe Category: Family-Friendly Meals

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Style: American

Result Amount: 12 Portions (12 sliders)

Diet Preferences: ~

What You’ll Need to Make This

→ Main

01 450 g cooked and shredded chicken breast
02 240 ml barbecue sauce
03 60 g shredded cheddar cheese
04 12 slider buns
05 40 g red onion, diced
06 15 g fresh cilantro, chopped

How to Prepare

Step 01

In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mix the shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce until all pieces are well coated.

Step 02

Slice the slider buns in half horizontally and arrange the bottom halves on a baking tray.

Step 03

Distribute the prepared barbecue chicken evenly over the bottom half of each bun.

Step 04

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken mixture.

Step 05

Place the tray under a preheated broiler for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and begins to bubble.

Step 06

Remove from the oven. Top each slider with diced red onion and chopped cilantro.

Step 07

Place the top halves of the buns over the fillings and serve hot.

Extra Tips

  1. For extra flavour, use freshly-grated cheese and freshly-chopped herbs. Serve immediately to maintain the optimal bun texture.

Tools Required

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking tray
  • Sharp knife
  • Broiler or grill

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you’ve got specific concerns.
  • Contains gluten (buns) and dairy (cheese)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, this info is purely for reference and isn’t meant to replace dietary guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 250
  • Fat Content: 8 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 28 grams
  • Protein Content: 15 grams