Saucy BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe

From tailgating and game day to birthdays and even bridal showers, everyone asks for my BBQ Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw. It’s no secret how easy – and delicious – sliders are, but this post also includes tons of tips to make it even easier to enjoy these miniature delights! This is one of the best tasting easy recipes the whole family always loves

BBQ Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls are one of those dishes that just about everyone loves, just like my Buffalo Chicken Sliders and my Chicken Ranch Sliders.

Not only are they the perfect game day recipe or party appetizer, but I’ve even had these little BBQ beauties requested at baby and bridal showers!

Juicy, shredded chicken smothered in tangy barbecue sauce, paired with a crisp cabbage slaw and topped with soft, buttery buns before baking to create a beautiful blend of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. 

These Hawaiian roll sliders use familiar ingredients and come together in about 30 minutes, making them a delicious and easy weeknight dinner – especially paired with Mac and Cheese or Smashed Potatoes! 

Why Try This BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe

• Simple – This BBQ chicken slider recipe requires just a handful of simple ingredients, making it super easy from start to finish. 
• Crowd Pleaser – Chicken sliders are one of those dishes that just about everyone loves, and the flavors in this recipe make it memorable. 
• Versatile – Like my Shredded Beef Sliders and my Chicken Ranch Sliders, these little sandwiches are a great appetizer for parties, game days and showers or as part of a fun weeknight dinner. 

Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Sliders

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor to your barbecue chicken slider sandwiches. See my substitution and tips sections for easy swaps and time saving tricks.

• Hawaiian rolls – King’s Sweet Hawaiian Rolls are the classic choice, but there are quite a few brands to choose from
• Cooked shredded chicken
• BBQ sauce – use your favorite BBQ sauce or make your own homemade
• Green cabbage – shredded 
• Purple cabbage – shredded
• Carrots – shredded
• Salt 
• Black Pepper 
• Paprika
• Sour cream – regular or low-fat will work 
• Mayonnaise
• Lemon juice
• Butter – melted

Equipment Needed To Make 

• Baking dish
• Small saucepan or microwave safe bowl

Substitutions & Variations

• You can swap mini brioche rolls or potato rolls for the sweet Hawaiian buns.
• You can sub a homemade BBQ sauce for store bought.
• Shredded chicken is generally preferred for barbecue chicken sliders as it absorbs sauces well, but you can use thin slices of grilled chicken for this recipe as well.
• Sub a store bought slaw mix to save a little time or if you don’t like shredding
• Make melted garlic butter mixture to add extra flavor
• Serve with a side of pickled red onion to really add flavor!

How to Make Easy BBQ Chicken Sliders

This is a brief overview of the full directions found in the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Follow those for specific temps and times and for the best results to your mini BBQ chicken sliders. 

Step 1 – Shred chicken and combine with BBQ Sauce

Step 2 – Mix until fully blended.

Step 3 – Prepare the coleslaw.

Step 4 – Slice and prepare rolls

Step 5 – Place bottom rolls in baking dish.

Step 6 – Top rolls with chicken mixture.

Step 7 – Top chicken with slaw mixture. Place slider buns on top

Step 8 – Prepare melted butter and brush the tops of the rolls

Bake the sliders and serve.

Helpful tip – Chicken thighs and chicken breasts work best For the cooked chicken because they shred easily when cooked properly. Marinate or rub the chicken pieces with spices, herbs, or sauces before cooking. If grilling or baking the chicken, be careful not to overcook.

Time Saving Tips & Tricks

• Toss the cooked chicken in the BBQ sauce while it’s still warm. This allows it to absorb the flavors fully.
• A rotisserie chicken from the grocery store is a great way to save time on this recipe.
• You can also save time by using a prepared coleslaw mix from the produce section of your grocery store
• This recipe is easily doubled to accommodate larger gatherings
• You can prepare the chicken and BBQ sauce mixture ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until you are ready to build the sandwiches.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container, separately, in the refrigerator.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Sliders

Serve with a cold salad like potato salad or creamy macaroni salad. Or try them with a side of Roasted Smashed Potatoes, Homemade Potato Wedges or Crispy Accordion Potatoes.

These BBQ sliders also go great served with my Sauteed Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Onion or Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts and a big serving of Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese!

How to Store Leftover Sliders

For best results, store leftover chicken and rolls in separate containers. Chicken can go in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, and leftover rolls can go back in the bag or in an airtight container and kept on the counter.

If you have leftover prepared sandwiches, let them cool completely first then wrap tightly in aluminum foil and place in the fridge. Use within 3-4 days.

How to Reheat Chicken Sliders

For prepare sandwiches wrapped in foil – Preheat oven to 350. Place the foil-wrapped sandwiches directly in the oven and heat for 15–20 minutes. Carefully remove the foil and check to see the sandwiches are heated to your liking. If they need a few more minutes, you can keep the foil open or pull it down to expose the sliders more, and heat for another 5–10 minutes.

If you have the ingredients separate, you can heat the chicken in the microwave for 2 minutes and follow the recipe instructions to finish them off.

More Slider Recipes

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