Pull-Apart Hickory BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe

Get ready for a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s packed with smoky flavor and ready in under 30 minutes! These pull-apart hickory BBQ chicken sliders are the ultimate easy meal, layering saucy hickory barbecue chicken and gooey melted cheese between soft, sweet rolls, all brushed with a savory olive oil glaze and baked to golden-brown perfection.

• Meal Type: Dinner
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 people (makes 12 sliders)

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Ingredients

For the Sliders:

• 1 package (12 count) King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls or other slider buns.
• 2 ½ cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
• 1 cup Hickory-smoked BBQ sauce
• 1 cup of cheddar cheese graded
• ¼ cup finely diced red onion (optional)

For the Savory Butter Topping:

• Olive oil
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, for garnish)

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Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Medium mixing bowl
• Small bowl for the topping
• Pastry brush
• Serrated knife

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Foil a baking sheet

Step 2: Mix the Chicken Filling

• In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, hickory BBQ sauce, and the optional diced red onion.
• Stir until the chicken is thoroughly coated in the sauce.

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

• Using a large serrated knife, slice the entire slab of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping all the rolls connected.
• Place the bottom half of the rolls cut-side-up in the prepared baking dish.
• Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the bottom buns.
• Place your cheese over your BBQ chicken mixture.
• Place the top half of the rolls back on top to complete the sandwiches.

Step 4: Prepare and Apply the Topping

• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, onion powder, and garlic powder until combined.
• Using a pastry brush, generously brush the butter mixture all over the tops and sides of the rolls.
• Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds, if using.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

• Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil.
• Bake for 15 minutes. This allows the sliders to heat through and the cheese to get perfectly melted without the tops browning too quickly.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

• Carefully remove the dish from the oven. Let the sliders rest for 2-3 minutes—this helps them hold together better when serving.
• To serve, you can either let guests pull apart individual sliders or use a knife to cut along the seams. Enjoy immediately!

Tips & Variations

• Cheese Choice: Feel free to swap the  mild cheddar, with your favourite cheese or even smoked gouda for an extra smoky flavor.
• Add a Kick: For a spicy version, add a few dashes of your favourite hot sauce or some pickled jalapeños to the chicken mixture.
• Make-Ahead: You can assemble the sliders (Steps 2 & 3) a few hours ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, prepare and add the butter topping just before placing them in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the initial covered baking time.
• Serving Suggestion: These sliders are fantastic served with a side of creamy coleslaw, baked beans or quinoa salad.

 

These Pull-Apart Hickory BBQ Chicken Sliders are truly a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with a clever preparation method, can result in an extraordinary dish. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, need an easy weeknight dinner, or are looking for the ultimate game-day snack, these sliders deliver on flavor, fun, and convenience every single time. Give them a try – your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!