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Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders (20 Minutes)

Alright, let me tell you a little secret: nothing screams “game day” like a plate of these cheesy BBQ chicken sliders. They’re the ultimate crowd-pleasers—juicy pulled chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and melty cheese all snuggled inside soft slider buns. What makes these sliders extra special? You can whip them up in just 20 minutes, which means less time in the kitchen and more time cheering (or just chilling). Trust me, once you taste the combo of smoky barbecue and gooey cheese, you’ll wonder where these sliders have been all your life. Bonus: they’re super forgiving if you’re running behind or need to feed a hungry crowd fast!

Quick Facts

Yield: Serves 6 (about 12 sliders)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
12 slider buns
2 tbsp butter, melted
1 tsp garlic powder
Optional: sliced pickles or jalapeños for topping

For the Sauce / Garnish (optional):

Extra BBQ sauce for dipping

How I Make It

Step 1:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with 1 cup of BBQ sauce until it’s nicely coated and looking saucy. This gives the chicken that sticky, smoky flavor we all crave.

Step 2:

Next, slice your slider buns in half and place the bottom halves in a baking dish. Spread the barbecue chicken evenly across the bottoms. Now sprinkle a generous 1 cup of shredded cheese over the chicken—don’t be shy, this is the cheesy heart of the sliders!

Step 3:

Lay the top halves of the buns on the cheese-covered chicken. Brush the tops with a mix of melted butter and garlic powder. This helps get them golden-brown and adds a subtle garlic kick that’s irresistible.

Step 4:

Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through.

Step 5:

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the tops crisp up beautifully.

Step 6:

Once out of the oven, add your favorite toppings like sliced pickles or jalapeños for a bit of tang or heat. Serve warm with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping, and enjoy every melty, smoky bite.

Variations & Tips

Swap shredded chicken for pulled pork or beef for a different twist.
Use pepper jack cheese for a spicier kick.
Add caramelized onions for extra sweetness and depth.
Try Hawaiian rolls instead of sliders for a slightly sweeter bun.
If short on time, use pre-cooked frozen shredded chicken thawed in the microwave.
For more texture, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top before baking.

How I Like to Serve It

These sliders are perfect for casual get-togethers, game days, or quick weeknight dinners. Serve them alongside crispy fries or a fresh coleslaw for a complete meal. They also pair wonderfully with a cold beer or your favorite soda. And trust me, they’ll disappear fast at any party!

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat covered in the oven or microwave to keep the cheese melty and the buns soft.

Closing: Seriously, these cheesy BBQ chicken sliders are my go-to when I want fast, flavorful comfort food that always pleases the crowd.