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Juicy pulled chicken tucked into soft slider rolls and smothered in tangy homemade barbecue sauce makes for the simplest and most delicious summer meal. These shredded BBQ chicken sliders bring people together at cookouts game nights and weeknight dinners alike. Using rotisserie chicken guarantees quick assembly and crowd pleasing results that are truly effortless
My family went nuts for these the first time I served them at a backyard party. Now if I bring out the baking dish everyone volunteers to help in the kitchen just for a sneak taste
Ingredients
- Rotisserie chicken: tender juicy pulled chicken is the secret to fast flavor choose a well seasoned bird from your favorite market or cook your own
- All purpose seasoning: adds balanced savory notes go for blends without too much salt for the best result
- BBQ sauce: tangy sweet or smoky brings everything together use your favorite brand or make your own for a personal touch
- Provolone cheese: melts into a dreamy layer with a bit of tang look for slices that are fresh with no dryness
- Melted butter: creates a golden glossy finish on the rolls real butter makes a flavor difference
- Slider buns: Parker house dinner rolls or soft split buns soak up sauce without falling apart buy bakery fresh if possible for pillowy results
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:
- Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Choose a casserole dish large enough to fit all the buns in a single snug layer and spray it well with non stick spray to help with cleanup later.
- Shred the Chicken:
- Remove every bit of skin and bones from your rotisserie chicken. Pull the meat apart with two forks or let a stand mixer do the work on low just until the pieces are evenly shredded and fluffy.
- Season and Sauce:
- Sprinkle your seasoning evenly over the chicken. Stir it in thoroughly to coat every strand then add most of your BBQ sauce leaving some for drizzling later. Toss again so the chicken is juicy but not swimming.
- Build the Sliders:
- Lay out the bottom halves of the slider buns close together in your casserole dish. Spoon a generous mound of seasoned chicken onto each roll pressing lightly so nothing topples out. Cover with slices of provolone making sure every bit of chicken has cheese to melt over it. Drizzle the saved BBQ sauce on top of the cheese for extra flavor hit.
- Finish and Bake:
- Cap off each slider with a bun top pressing gently to set. Brush the tops with your melted butter for a golden and rich crust. Bake uncovered for fifteen to twenty minutes until the cheese bubbles and rolls shine with color.
- Serve Up:
- Carefully lift each slider from the dish they may be oozy but that means you did it right. Serve hot and let everyone pull their own from the batch
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My favorite part is watching the cheese stretch as you separate each slider. My kids always fight over the stretchiest one and that’s when I know dinner is a win
Storage Tips
Refrigerate leftover sliders or filling within two hours to keep them at their best. Pull apart the buns and chicken if storing for longer than a day to prevent sogginess. When ready to reheat place sliders on a baking sheet in a 350 degree oven until hot throughout and the buns regain their bite
Ingredient Substitutions
No provolone on hand Swap in Monterey Jack for a creamy finish or cheddar for sharpness. Leftover grilled chicken works just as well as rotisserie. For different flavors try chipotle barbecue sauce for smokiness or pineapple habanero sauce for some sweet heat
Serving Suggestions
These are perfect for a backyard picnic with coleslaw and watermelon. Try pairing with pickles red onion or a crisp salad. For a fancier touch toast the inside of the buns before assembling to lock in crunch
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Cultural and Historical Context
The humble slider comes from American diners where mini sandwiches have always been party favorites. Barbecue chicken is a Southern staple but this recipe makes it accessible all year just with a rotisserie chicken and a hot oven
Recipe FAQs
- → What cheese melts best with BBQ chicken sliders?
Provolone offers a creamy texture and melts beautifully, enhancing the savory flavor of the chicken. Monterey Jack is a mild alternative, while Pepper Jack adds a spicy twist.
- → How many sliders should I make for each person?
Plan on two to three sliders per adult. For younger kids, one is usually enough given their smaller appetites.
- → How do I keep the chicken filling moist?
Adding barbecue sauce to the chicken before assembling ensures each slider stays juicy and full of flavor after baking.
- → What's the best way to reheat these sliders?
Reheat assembled sliders in a 350°F oven on a sheet pan for 15-20 minutes to warm them through and keep the buns toasty.
- → Can I make the sliders ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the chicken filling and store separately from the buns. Assemble and bake just before serving for the freshest texture.
- → What rolls work best for the sliders?
Parker House rolls or mini hamburger buns are soft and sturdy, making them great choices to hold the filling and sauce without getting soggy.