BBQ Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
Introduction
These BBQ Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls are a perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. Easy to assemble and bake, they make an ideal appetizer or casual meal for any occasion.

Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian rolls
- 3 cups shredded chicken
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- Freshly chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350˚F.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix together the shredded chicken and barbecue sauce. In a separate small bowl, combine the melted butter and garlic salt. Set both mixtures aside.
- Step 3: Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally and arrange the bottom halves in a baking dish. Spread the BBQ chicken evenly over the roll bottoms, then layer the sliced red onion and cheddar cheese slices on top.
- Step 4: Place the top halves of the rolls back onto the sliders. Carefully cut between each sandwich with a sharp knife. Brush the tops with the garlic butter mixture, allowing it to drip between the rolls for extra flavor.
- Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the tops are golden. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra spice, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the barbecue chicken mixture.
- Swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time on shredding.
- Add pickled jalapeños for a tangy kick.
Storage
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350˚F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to keep the rolls soft and cheese melted.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders a few hours ahead and refrigerate them before baking. Just cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake when ready.
Can I freeze BBQ chicken sliders?
While you can freeze the assembled sliders before baking, the texture of the rolls may change slightly after thawing. For best results, freeze the cooked sliders wrapped tightly and reheat in the oven.
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BBQ Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Description
These BBQ Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls are a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Tender shredded chicken tossed in barbecue sauce is layered with cheddar cheese and red onions on soft Hawaiian rolls, then baked to golden perfection with a garlic butter glaze. Ideal for game day, casual parties, or a quick family dinner, these sliders are flavorful, easy to make, and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian rolls
- 3 cups shredded chicken
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, sliced
For Garlic Butter
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
Garnish
- Freshly chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350˚F (175˚C) to prepare for baking the sliders. This ensures a hot oven for even cooking and melting of the cheese.
- Prepare Filling and Butter Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and barbecue sauce thoroughly until the chicken is evenly coated. In a separate small bowl, mix the melted butter and garlic salt well to create a flavorful garlic butter spread. Set both mixtures aside.
- Assemble Sliders: Carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally, separating the tops and bottoms. Arrange the bottom halves in a baking dish. Evenly spoon the BBQ chicken mixture over the bottom rolls. Next, distribute the thinly sliced red onion over the chicken, followed by layering the sliced cheddar cheese evenly on top. Finally, place the tops of the rolls back onto each slider, completing the assembly.
- Cut and Butter Tops: Using a sharp knife, gently cut between each sandwich to separate the individual sliders while keeping them together in the baking dish. Brush the tops of the rolls generously with the garlic butter mixture, allowing some to seep between the sliders for enhanced flavor.
- Bake: Place the assembled sliders in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tops of the rolls are slightly golden and glazed from the garlic butter.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the sliders from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm as a delicious appetizer or main dish.
Notes
- For spicier sliders, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the BBQ chicken mixture.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut in shredding and flavor.
- Substitute cheddar cheese with pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder taste.
- Brush extra garlic butter on top halfway through baking for extra richness.
- These sliders can be made ahead and baked just before serving to save time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: BBQ chicken sliders, Hawaiian rolls, baked sliders, easy party food, pulled chicken sandwiches, barbecue chicken recipe

