Save
These bacon BBQ chicken sliders are my go-to for parties or weeknight cravings because they bring sweet tangy barbecue flavors together with melty cheese crispy bacon and tender chicken all in one bite. The toasty Hawaiian rolls soak up every bit of flavor and everything comes together fast so you can focus on enjoying your time not fussing in the kitchen.
My first try at these was for a lazy Sunday with friends and now my family asks for them for every game night because they disappear in a flash.
Ingredients
- Hawaiian rolls: for their sweet pillowy texture and they toast beautifully choose fresh with a soft interior
- Shredded chicken: because it absorbs BBQ sauce perfectly and keeps every bite moist use rotisserie or leftover for convenience
- BBQ sauce: adds tang sweet and smokiness opt for a thick sauce with a flavor profile you love
- Bacon: brings crunch and saltiness thicker slices work best for bold texture
- Fiesta blend cheese: melts smoothly and adds creaminess cheddar or Monterey Jack are great substitutions
- Butter: creates a buttery toasty top use unsalted for more flavor control
- BBQ seasoning: puts a final punch of flavor choose a blend with paprika and brown sugar for extra depth
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Buns:
- Carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally so you end up with one sheet of tops and one sheet of bottoms keep them attached to make assembly easier
- Mix the Chicken and BBQ:
- In a large mixing bowl stir the shredded chicken with your BBQ sauce making sure every strand gets coated for juicy flavorful meat
- Layer the Bottoms:
- Arrange the bottom half of the slider buns on a rimmed baking sheet then spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly all the way to the edges
- Add Bacon and Cheese:
- Lay out the cooked bacon slices atop the chicken next sprinkle the shredded cheese in an even layer making sure to get cheese across the entire pan for perfect coverage
- Top and Butter:
- Set the top half of the buns over the cheese then brush melted butter over every roll so the tops get extra golden Sprinkle BBQ seasoning evenly for another layer of taste
- Bake:
- Place the pan in your preheated 350 degree oven and bake for about twenty minutes until the cheese is gooey and the tops are golden brown watch the last few minutes so they do not overbrown
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven let them cool just a minute or two then use a sharp knife to slice into separate sliders and serve right away while the cheese is still melted and bacon crisp
Save
I always look forward to the moment right before baking when brushing on butter and barbecue seasoning and the kitchen smells amazing. My favorite part is definitely the bacon which crisps up perfectly in the oven right on top of the cheese.
Storage Tips
Let leftover sliders cool completely and wrap tightly in foil or an airtight container refrigerate for up to three days. For best texture rewarm in the oven at 350 degrees covered for about ten minutes so the buns stay soft but crisp up slightly. For freezer storage wrap individually in foil and freeze up to one month then thaw overnight and reheat wrapped in the oven.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap out the fiesta blend cheese for sharp cheddar Monterey Jack or even smoked gouda for a new flavor twist. If you want a lighter option use turkey bacon. Any good store-bought barbecue sauce works but try a homemade sauce for even more personality.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sliders right from the baking sheet for an easy casual vibe. They pair perfectly with a crunchy coleslaw sweet pickles or a side of kettle chips for a classic touch. For feeding a crowd add a platter of vegetable sticks as a fresh contrast to the rich flavors.
Save
Cultural Context
Sliders are a beloved staple in American game day and party spreads. Combining sweet Hawaiian bread with barbecue chicken and bacon brings together Southern barbecue and Hawaiian baking traditions in a fun finger food that everyone recognizes and loves. The fusion of smoky and sweet flavors is at the heart of American comfort food for any gathering.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you keep sliders from getting soggy?
Brush the tops with melted butter and bake until the buns are golden. Placing ingredients evenly and baking helps keep the bottom buns crisp.
- → What type of cheese works best for these sliders?
Fiesta blend cheese melts well and adds flavor, but cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack can be used as alternatives.
- → Can I use leftovers for the chicken?
Yes, rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken works perfectly once shredded and mixed with BBQ sauce.
- → How do you reheat sliders?
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for several minutes to restore crispness and melt the cheese again.
- → Are Hawaiian rolls required?
Hawaiian rolls offer a sweet, soft bite, but any slider-sized buns or dinner rolls can be substituted.