If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing snack or a fun party treat, this BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe is an absolute winner. Juicy, tender shredded chicken perfectly coated in smoky BBQ sauce, melted Colby cheese, and a crisp, tangy coleslaw layered inside soft buffet rolls—each bite bursts with flavor and texture that’s simply irresistible. These sliders come together quickly, making them ideal for casual gatherings or whenever you crave something comforting yet exciting. Trust me, once you try this BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe, it’ll become your new go-to for effortless entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe plays a vital role, combining simplicity and flavor to create a mouthwatering experience. Each item complements the others—whether it’s the tender chicken base, creamy Japanese mayo, or cheesy topping, together they elevate the dish perfectly.
- 300g cooked chicken, shredded: The star protein providing tender, juicy bites.
- ½ cup BBQ sauce: Adds smoky sweetness that infuses the chicken with rich flavor.
- 12 par-baked buffet rolls: Soft and sturdy buns that hold all the delicious fillings without falling apart.
- 100g Colby cheese, grated: Melts beautifully to add a creamy, savory layer.
- 200g store-bought coleslaw: Offers fresh crunch and a slight tang for balance.
- 4 Tbsp BBQ sauce: Extra drizzle to intensify the smoky kick on top.
- 4 Tbsp Japanese mayo: Creamy and slightly sweet, this adds a luscious finish and an Asian-inspired touch.
- 1 spring onion, finely sliced: A fresh, mild oniony garnish that brightens every bite.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Start by setting your oven to 200°C fan grill. This temperature ensures the cheese melts perfectly and the rolls get a slight toasty edge without drying out the chicken inside.
Step 2: Mix the chicken and BBQ sauce
In a bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with ½ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. This step infuses the chicken with that smoky, tangy goodness that defines the sliders.
Step 3: Prepare the rolls and fill
Carefully slice each par-baked buffet roll down the center, but don’t cut through completely—think of creating a cozy pocket for the filling. Divide the saucy chicken mixture evenly among the 12 rolls, making sure every slider is loaded with flavor.
Step 4: Add cheese and grill
Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Colby cheese over the chicken in each roll. Place them on a baking tray and grill for about 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is heated through. Keep a close eye so they don’t burn, but get that perfect golden finish.
Step 5: Assemble with coleslaw and sauces
Once grilled, remove the sliders from the oven and add a helping of crunchy coleslaw to each. Drizzle on extra BBQ sauce and a dollop of Japanese mayo, then finish with a scattering of finely sliced spring onion for a pop of fresh flavor and color.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Adding simple garnishes like extra spring onion or a few fresh herbs can instantly brighten the sliders. A light sprinkle of smoked paprika or a few pickled jalapeños can also add exciting flavor layers without overpowering the delicious BBQ chicken.
Side Dishes
These sliders are fantastic served with classic sides like crispy sweet potato fries, buttery corn on the cob, or a crisp green salad to add balance. You can’t go wrong pairing them with a chilled lemonade or your favorite craft beer to complete the feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these sliders on mini wooden boards or inside rustic baskets lined with parchment paper for a casual vibe. You can also create a slider platter with different BBQ sauces and extra toppings on the side so guests can customize their own bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, wrap the sliders tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, making it easy to enjoy a quick snack or light meal the next day without losing that delicious flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the prepared chicken mixture separately in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Freeze the rolls separately as well to keep their texture intact. When you’re ready, thaw the chicken overnight and assemble fresh sliders for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the sliders and place them on a baking tray. Warm in a preheated oven at 180°C for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted again. Adding fresh coleslaw and sauces after reheating keeps the sliders fresh and vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese for the sliders?
Absolutely! While Colby cheese melts beautifully and has a mild flavor, feel free to experiment with cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a little extra kick.
Is it possible to make these sliders vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the shredded chicken for pulled jackfruit or a well-seasoned plant-based chicken substitute. Use vegetarian BBQ sauce and coleslaw to keep the flavors just as delightful.
How spicy is this BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe?
This recipe leans towards mild to medium heat thanks to the BBQ sauce used. However, you can add jalapeños or a spicy BBQ sauce to dial up the heat to your liking.
Can I prepare the ingredients in advance for a party?
Definitely! You can shred and toss the chicken with BBQ sauce a few hours ahead and keep it chilled. Prepare the rolls and other toppings just before serving to keep them fresh and warm the sliders quickly under the grill.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Choose a BBQ sauce that matches your taste preferences—whether smoky, sweet, tangy, or spicy. For this recipe, a balanced smoky-sweet sauce works wonderfully and pairs beautifully with the Japanese mayo and coleslaw.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the comfort and joy packed into these BBQ Chicken Sliders. From the juicy, saucy chicken and melty cheese to the crisp coleslaw and soft rolls, they create a perfect flavor harmony. I can’t wait for you to try this BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe and share it with your friends and family—the rave reviews are just waiting to happen!
PrintBBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
These BBQ Chicken Sliders are a quick and flavorful snack or meal, featuring tender shredded chicken mixed with smoky BBQ sauce, melted Colby cheese, and crisp coleslaw, all nestled in soft par-baked rolls. Perfect for casual gatherings or game day, they combine a balance of tangy, creamy, and savory flavors with minimal prep time.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 300g cooked chicken, shredded
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
Slider Assembly
- 12 par-baked buffet rolls
- 100g Colby cheese, grated
- 200g store-bought coleslaw
- 4 Tbsp BBQ sauce
- 4 Tbsp Japanese mayo
- 1 spring onion, finely sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C using the fan grill setting to ensure a hot, evenly heated environment for grilling your sliders.
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken and ½ cup of BBQ sauce. Mix thoroughly so the chicken is well coated with the sauce for maximum flavor.
- Assemble the Sliders: Carefully cut each par-baked roll down the center, making sure not to slice all the way through to keep the roll intact. Evenly divide the BBQ chicken mixture between the 12 rolls, then sprinkle grated Colby cheese on top of the chicken inside each roll.
- Grill the Sliders: Place the prepared rolls under the preheated grill for about 5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the cheese has melted. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Add Final Toppings and Serve: Remove the sliders from the oven. Add a generous spoonful of store-bought coleslaw to each roll. Drizzle with BBQ sauce and Japanese mayonnaise, then garnish with finely sliced spring onions. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Keep an eye on the sliders while grilling to avoid burning the cheese or bread.
- Use par-baked rolls for convenience and texture, but fresh rolls can work; just adjust grilling time accordingly.
- Store-bought coleslaw is used for ease but making your own adds a fresh crunch.
- Japanese mayo adds a creamy, slightly tangy flavor; substitute with regular mayo if unavailable.
- These sliders are best served immediately to enjoy the melty cheese and warm chicken.
