Description: These Shredded BBQ Chicken Sliders are the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer or easy weeknight dinner! Tender, flavorful shredded chicken is tossed in tangy BBQ sauce, topped with melted provolone cheese, and nestled in soft slider buns. Quick to assemble and even quicker to disappear, these sliders are a guaranteed hit with family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 rotisserie chicken (about 3-4 pounds) or 2 1/2 pounds cooked boneless skinless chicken
- 1-2 teaspoons all-purpose seasoning or chicken seasoning recipe
- ½ cup BBQ sauce, divided
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 12 slider buns, Parker house dinner rolls, or divide the dough in our fast and easy hamburger buns by 12.
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175°C). This ensures the sliders bake evenly and the cheese melts beautifully. Prepare your casserole dish by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents the sliders from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Prepare the chicken. If using a rotisserie chicken, remove and discard the skin and bones. Carefully separate the meat from the carcass, ensuring you get every delicious morsel. If using cooked boneless, skinless chicken, simply proceed to the next step. Add the chicken meat to a large bowl.
Step 3: Shred the chicken. This is where you have a couple of options. The classic method is to use two forks to pull the chicken apart into bite-sized shreds. Alternatively, for a quicker and more efficient approach, use a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Run the mixer on low speed until the chicken is perfectly shredded. Be careful not to over-shred, as you want to maintain some texture.
Step 4: Season and sauce the chicken. Add the all-purpose seasoning (or your preferred chicken seasoning blend) to the shredded chicken. Stir well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken and complement the BBQ sauce. Then, add 1/3 cup of the BBQ sauce to the shredded chicken and stir well to combine. This will create a flavorful and slightly saucy chicken mixture that is perfect for the sliders. Reserve the remaining BBQ sauce for later.
Step 5: Assemble the sliders. Place the bottom half of the slider buns or Parker house dinner rolls in the prepared casserole dish. Arrange them snugly to prevent them from sliding around during baking. Evenly distribute the shredded BBQ chicken mixture among the slider buns. Aim for about 1/3 cup of meat per slider bun (or 2/3 cup for larger hamburger buns if using). Top each slider with a slice of provolone cheese. The provolone cheese will melt beautifully and add a creamy, savory element to the sliders. Drizzle the remaining BBQ sauce over each slider. The extra BBQ sauce adds moisture and intensifies the BBQ flavor. Place the tops of the rolls/buns on top of the cheese and chicken. Brush the tops of the rolls/buns with melted butter. This will give the sliders a golden-brown color and a delicious buttery flavor.
Step 6: Bake the sliders. Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the sliders are golden brown on top and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them and adjust the time accordingly.
Step 7: Serve the sliders. Remove the casserole dish from the oven and let the sliders cool slightly before serving. Separate the slider buns and serve immediately. These Shredded BBQ Chicken Sliders are best enjoyed warm and fresh from the oven!
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: These sliders come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves BBQ chicken, and these sliders are a fun and delicious way to serve it. They are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking. Use your favorite BBQ sauce, add different toppings, or try different types of cheese.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken.
- Portable and Convenient: Sliders are easy to eat on the go, making them perfect for picnics, tailgates, or potlucks.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of coleslaw, potato salad, or macaroni salad for a classic BBQ meal.
- Add some crispy french fries or sweet potato fries for a satisfying and complete dinner.
- Serve with a side of pickles and onion for a tangy and flavorful accompaniment.
- Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or extra BBQ sauce.
- Make it a slider bar! Set out a variety of toppings, such as bacon, avocado, tomatoes, and lettuce, and let your guests customize their own sliders.
Tips:
- To save time, use pre-shredded chicken.
- If you don’t have provolone cheese, you can use mozzarella, cheddar, or any other cheese that melts well.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the BBQ sauce.
- If you’re making these sliders for a crowd, you can assemble them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
- To prevent the slider buns from getting soggy, lightly toast them before assembling the sliders.
- If you don’t have butter on hand, olive oil can be used in place of the butter.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15-20 minutes Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Per 2 sliders)
- Calories: 635kcal
- Protein: 54g
- Sodium: 1031mg
Conclusion:
These Shredded BBQ Chicken Sliders are a simple yet satisfying recipe that is perfect for any occasion. With tender chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and melted provolone cheese, these sliders are bursting with flavor and are sure to be a hit with everyone. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy these delicious and easy-to-make sliders!
Question and Answer:
- Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
- Yes, you can absolutely assemble the sliders ahead of time. Just cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great option for parties or when you want to get a head start on dinner. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed. Keep in mind that the baking time might need to be extended by a few minutes since the sliders will be cold.
- What if I don’t have rotisserie chicken?
- No problem! You can easily use cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Simply cook the chicken using your preferred method (baking, poaching, grilling, or pan-frying) until it’s fully cooked. Then, shred the chicken using two forks or a stand mixer as described in the recipe. You’ll need about 2 1/2 pounds of cooked chicken to replace the rotisserie chicken.
- Can I use different types of buns?
- Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of buns! While the recipe calls for slider buns or Parker house dinner rolls, you can also use Hawaiian rolls, brioche buns, or even mini hamburger buns. The key is to choose buns that are soft and can hold the filling without falling apart. Keep in mind that the baking time might need to be adjusted depending on the size and density of the buns.
- What are some other toppings I can add to these sliders?
- The possibilities are endless! Get creative and add your favorite toppings to customize these sliders to your liking. Some popular options include:
- Crispy bacon
- Sliced avocado
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
- Thinly sliced red onion
- Pickled jalapenos
- Coleslaw
- Ranch dressing
- Blue cheese dressing
- The possibilities are endless! Get creative and add your favorite toppings to customize these sliders to your liking. Some popular options include:
- How do I prevent the slider buns from getting soggy?
- Soggy slider buns are no fun! Here are a few tips to prevent them:
- Lightly toast the buns before assembling the sliders. This will create a barrier that helps prevent the sauce from soaking into the bread.
- Don’t over-sauce the chicken. Use just enough BBQ sauce to coat the chicken without making it too wet.
- If you’re assembling the sliders ahead of time, wait to add the BBQ sauce until just before baking.
- If you’re using very soft buns, consider using a layer of lettuce or cheese between the chicken and the bun to act as a moisture barrier.
- Soggy slider buns are no fun! Here are a few tips to prevent them:
