There’s something irresistibly comforting about a perfectly crafted slider, and these Bacon BBQ Chicken Sliders take that comfort to a whole new level. Combining the smoky richness of bacon, tangy sweetness of barbecue sauce, and juicy shredded chicken, these mini sandwiches are guaranteed to disappear quickly at any gathering.
Whether you’re hosting game day, planning a casual weekend lunch, or simply craving something satisfying for dinner, these sliders strike the perfect balance between ease and impressive flavor. The melted cheese brings everything together for a bite-sized sandwich that delivers big on taste.
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick 45-minute prep and cook time, perfect for weeknight dinners
- Make-ahead friendly – prepare the chicken filling earlier in the day
- Customizable with your favorite BBQ sauce and cheese varieties
- Kid-approved but sophisticated enough for adults
- Perfect for parties – easy to serve and eat without utensils
Ingredients
- 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian dinner rolls
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce
- 8 strips bacon, cooked and halved
- 1 cup shredded fiesta blend cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons BBQ seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Remove Hawaiian rolls from package, keeping them connected. Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully slice the entire block of rolls in half horizontally to create one large top piece and one large bottom piece. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, stirring until the chicken is well coated and saucy. Taste and add more BBQ sauce if you like it extra saucy.
- Place the bottom half of the rolls on your prepared baking sheet. Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly across the surface. Layer the bacon pieces over the chicken, then sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese layer. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle BBQ seasoning evenly over the surface for extra flavor and color.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and the tops are golden brown. The rolls should be heated through and slightly crispy on top.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Using a sharp knife, cut along the original roll lines to separate into individual sliders. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time on busy weeknights
- Try different cheese combinations like pepper jack for heat or smoked gouda for extra flavor
- Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick
- For a lighter version, use grilled chicken breast and turkey bacon
- Make it Hawaiian-style by adding a slice of pineapple to each slider
- Prepare the chicken mixture up to 24 hours ahead and assemble just before baking
Serving Suggestions
These sliders pair perfectly with crispy sweet potato fries or a simple coleslaw for a complete meal. For a fresher contrast, serve alongside a green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sliders.
For entertaining, arrange the sliders on a platter with small bowls of extra barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, and pickles on the side for guests to customize their experience.
Notes
- Sliders are done when cheese is fully melted and tops are golden brown
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through
- For best results, use a barbecue sauce that isn’t too sweet as the honey adds sweetness
FAQs
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add 5 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
What’s the best way to shred chicken for this recipe?
For the easiest shredding, use two forks to pull apart warm chicken. You can also use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on low speed for quick shredding.
Can I freeze these sliders?
Yes, you can freeze them either before or after baking. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What type of buns work best?
Hawaiian sweet rolls work wonderfully for these sliders, but any soft slider bun or dinner roll will work. Brioche buns add an extra touch of richness.
[recipe_card]
