Sweet and smoky BBQ Chicken Sliders made with shredded chicken, barbecue sauce, cheese, and Hawaiian rolls. An easy crowd-pleasing recipe that's perfect for sharing.
12slider bunsHawaiian rolls, soft dinner rolls, or brioche slider buns
1½cupsshredded cheddar cheese or pepper jackdivided
1smallavocadothinly sliced
1smallred onionthinly sliced
Garlic Butter Topping:
2tablespoonsbuttermelted
1garlic cloveminced
1tablespoonchopped parsley
Instructions
In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (half of the 1/2 cup BBQ sauce), 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
Add 1½ pounds chicken tenders and coat well. Marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 8 hours) in the fridge.
Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken tenders for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until cooked through and lightly charred.
Let the chicken rest a few minutes, then shred with two forks.
While hot, toss with the remaining 1/4 cup BBQ sauce.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice 12 slider buns in half.
Layer in this order: 1. Bottom buns2. 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar 3. Shredded BBQ chicken4. Avocado slices (1 small avocado)5. Red onion slices (1 small red onion)6. 3/4 cup of the 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese or pepper jack7. Add the top buns.
Mix 2 tablespoons butter (melted), 1 garlic clove, and 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, and brush generously over slider tops.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and buns are warm and lightly golden.
Slice apart and serve warm.
Notes
Rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe and makes prep even easier.
Feel free to use your favorite barbecue sauce and adjust the amount to your taste.
Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half as one large sheet to make assembling the sliders easier.
Cover the sliders loosely with foil if the tops begin to brown too quickly while baking.
For extra flavor, add crispy bacon, pickles, or jalapeños before baking.
Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer until warmed through for the best texture.