Ingredients
Scale
For the Sliders:
- 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian sweet rolls or slider buns
- 3-4 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 1 rotisserie chicken)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand), plus more for serving
- 8-12 slices cheddar cheese (or 2 cups shredded cheese)
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- Dill pickle slices (optional)
For the Butter Topping:
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or brush with a little butter to prevent sticking.
- Slice the Rolls: Without separating the individual rolls, use a large serrated knife to carefully slice the entire block of rolls in half horizontally, creating a top half and bottom half. This is easier than cutting them individually! Place the bottom half in your prepared baking dish, cut side up.
- Prepare the BBQ Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce. Mix well until all the chicken is evenly coated with sauce. Taste and add more BBQ sauce if you prefer it saucier. The mixture should be moist but not swimming in sauce.
- Assemble the Bottom Layer: Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the bottom layer of rolls in the baking dish. Make sure to get the chicken all the way to the edges for even distribution.
- Add Toppings: If using sliced red onion or pickles, layer them on top of the BBQ chicken now. Then add your cheese slices, overlapping them to cover all the chicken. If using shredded cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the entire surface.
- Top with Buns: Carefully place the top half of the rolls over the cheese layer, creating sandwiches. Gently press down slightly so everything adheres together.
- Make Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, and Worcestershire sauce (if using) until well combined.
- Brush with Butter: Using a pastry brush, generously brush the seasoned butter mixture over the top of the rolls, making sure to coat the entire surface. This creates that golden, flavorful crust we love!
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld without the tops browning too quickly.
- Uncover and Finish: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
- Slice and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Using a sharp knife, cut between each roll to separate into individual sliders. Serve immediately while hot and melty, with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping!
Notes
- Chicken Options: Rotisserie chicken is the ultimate shortcut, but leftover grilled chicken, baked chicken, or even canned chicken works in a pinch.
- Sauce Amount: Adjust BBQ sauce to your preference. Some people like them extra saucy, others prefer less. Start with 1 cup and add more as desired.
- Cheese Choices: Any melting cheese works – try pepper jack for spice, Swiss for a milder flavor, or a combination of cheeses.
- Make Ahead: Assemble completely (through step 6), cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the butter topping and bake as directed, adding 5 minutes to the covered baking time since they’ll be cold.
- Freezer Friendly: These freeze beautifully! See make-ahead section for details.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg