BBQ Chicken Sliders with Melted Cheddar are a perfect combination of tender shredded chicken, smoky barbecue sauce, and gooey cheddar cheese sandwiched between soft slider buns. These mini sandwiches are packed with flavor and ideal for game days, parties, or a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of smoky, tangy, and cheesy flavors makes each bite irresistible.

I love this recipe because it is simple to make yet delivers big flavors. The chicken is juicy, the barbecue sauce is tangy and slightly sweet, and the melted cheddar ties everything together. These sliders are easy to customize with toppings like pickles, onions, or coleslaw, making them perfect for both casual gatherings and family meals.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it is quick, versatile, and satisfying. Using shredded chicken makes it easy to prepare in advance, and the sliders cook quickly in the oven. The combination of melted cheddar and tangy barbecue sauce creates a flavor profile that appeals to both adults and kids.

This recipe is also highly adaptable. You can adjust the barbecue sauce for sweetness or heat, switch up the cheese, or add toppings like caramelized onions or jalapeños for extra flavor. It’s perfect for casual entertaining or a fun family meal.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

These BBQ Chicken Sliders with Melted Cheddar are a must-try because they are flavorful, handheld, and crowd-pleasing. They combine tender, saucy chicken with melty cheese and soft buns, creating a perfect bite every time. Ideal for entertaining, these sliders are also great for meal prep or a quick dinner solution.

The sliders are compact yet satisfying, allowing everyone to enjoy multiple flavors in a single serving. Their versatility and ease of preparation make them a go-to recipe for busy cooks who want impressive results with minimal effort.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: 35–40 minutes

Servings and Calories

• Servings: 8 sliders
• Calories: Approximately 320 per slider
• Course: Main course
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 slider buns
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• Optional toppings: pickles, red onion slices, coleslaw

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with barbecue sauce until evenly coated.
3. Slice slider buns in half and lightly brush with melted butter.
4. Place the bottom halves of the buns on a baking sheet.
5. Top each bun with BBQ chicken and a generous portion of shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Place the slider tops on each sandwich and bake for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and buns are lightly toasted.
7. Remove from oven and serve warm with optional toppings.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

1. Shred cooked chicken using forks or your hands.
2. Combine chicken with barbecue sauce in a mixing bowl until well coated.

Step 2: Prepare Slider Buns

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice slider buns in half horizontally.
3. Lightly brush the cut sides with melted butter.

Step 3: Assemble Sliders

1. Place the bottom halves of the buns on a baking sheet.
2. Spoon BBQ chicken onto each bun evenly.
3. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chicken.
4. Cover with the top halves of the buns.

Step 4: Bake Sliders

1. Bake sliders in preheated oven for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and buns are lightly toasted.
2. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve warm with optional toppings like pickles, onions, or coleslaw.
2. Ideal for serving with potato chips, fries, or a side salad.

How to Serve This Recipe

• Serve sliders immediately for best flavor and melted cheese texture.
• Pair with coleslaw, pickles, or potato wedges for a classic meal.
• Ideal for parties, game days, or casual family dinners.
• Can be served as a main dish or appetizer by slicing into smaller portions.

Recipe Tips

• Use cooked chicken from a rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience.
• Adjust barbecue sauce to taste for sweetness or spiciness.
• Brush buns with butter for extra flavor and browning.
• Cover sliders with foil during baking if cheese browns too quickly.
• Let sliders rest for a couple of minutes after baking to avoid spilling hot cheese.

Variations

• Spicy BBQ Sliders: Add sliced jalapeños or use a spicy barbecue sauce.
• Cheese Variations: Substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
• Coleslaw Topping: Add creamy coleslaw on top for crunch and tang.
• Pulled Pork Alternative: Use pulled pork instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
• Mini Slider Party: Prepare mini sliders using dinner rolls for bite-sized appetizers.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store cooked sliders in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Assemble uncooked sliders and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes to restore warmth and melted cheese.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Small brush for butter
• Mixing bowl
• Forks or hands for shredding chicken
• Oven

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble uncooked sliders and store in the fridge until ready to bake.

Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses works well.

Can these be made spicy?
Yes, add sliced jalapeños or use spicy barbecue sauce.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free slider buns.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Sliders with Melted Cheddar are a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender, saucy chicken, gooey melted cheese, and soft slider buns creates a satisfying handheld meal that everyone will love. Easy to prepare, customizable, and crowd-pleasing, these sliders are a must-try recipe for game days, parties, or simple weeknight dinners.