Barbecue Chicken Sliders are one of those easy crowd-pleasers, but not all versions deliver the flavor and texture you hope for. This one does! No soggy buns, no bland bites, just cheesy, buttery sliders that always disappear fast.

Close-up of cheesy BBQ chicken sliders with a golden brown top and melted cheese oozing out.

When I tested this recipe, I experimented with layering the red onions and cilantro on top of the chicken, but the flavor got lost. Mixing them right into the filling was a small change that made a big impact. Now every bite delivers that fresh, bright flavor against the rich, saucy chicken.

I also found that adding cheese both underneath and on top of the filling makes a difference. It adds flavor, helps hold everything together, and keeps the bottom buns from getting soggy.

They are perfect for a game day party, a casual weeknight dinner, or a potluck with friends.

Ingredients That Make All the Difference

It only takes a few smart ingredient choices to help these sliders bake up extra flavorful and satisfying.

Ingredients for chicken sliders: slider buns, shredded chicken, cheese, red onions, butter, BBQ sauce, and spices.

Looking for the full recipe? The recipe card at the bottom of this post includes the complete list of ingredients, measurements, and instructions.

Slider Buns: Slider buns give the best balance of chicken to bun, and they are also less likely to get soggy compared to Hawaiian rolls. I do like to use Hawaiian rolls for smaller sliders when I am making these for big parties.
Chicken: Dutch Oven shredded chicken turns out tender, juicy, and perfect for soaking up barbecue flavor, even after baking. Rotisserie chicken or leftover shredded chicken works too. If you’ve got leftover smoked chicken thighs, they add amazing flavor here.
BBQ Sauce: The sauce you use makes a big difference in the final flavor. Use one you already love. I like Head Country original for its balance of sweet and tangy, with just a hint of spice.

Tips for the Best Chicken Sliders

Two glass bowls: one with chopped vegetables and chicken, the other with mixed shredded chicken and seasonings.

Mix the Filling

Finely dice the onion so it melts into the filling and adds flavor without leaving big, crunchy pieces.
Add enough BBQ sauce to fully coat the chicken, but avoid making it overly saucy. If the mixture looks too wet or sauce pools at the bottom of the bowl, hold back a little. Too much sauce will make the buns soggy during baking.

Four-step collage showing bread, cheese, pulled chicken, and more cheese layered in a baking dish.

Layer in Pan

If your cheese slices do not perfectly fit your buns, tear them to cover the surface more evenly. This helps every slider hold together and ensures a gooey, melty layer of cheese in every bite.

Two images of a casserole dish with slider buns; one shows a hand brushing sauce on top of the buns.

Brush with Flavored Butter

Use a pastry brush to get the seasoned butter into all the crevices between the buns, not just across the tops. This helps every bite have flavor and gives the sliders golden brown tops.
If the butter starts to pool in spots, gently brush it across again to even it out. An even layer will help prevent soggy patches or uneven browning.

A white baking dish filled with twelve golden-brown baked slider sandwiches.

Bake in the Oven

If you want a softer top bun, keep the foil on the pan the entire time.
For a crisper top bun, remove the foil during the last 5 to 7 minutes.
Let the sliders rest for a few minutes after baking. You’ll get golden tops, gooey cheese, and soft, warm buns that hold together without falling apart.

Make Ahead⏳

You can assemble the sliders up to one day in advance, but the bottom buns will soften slightly as they sit. To help prevent sogginess, keep the chicken filling on the drier side, layer cheese on the bottom buns, and wait to brush the tops with butter until just before baking.

Or prepare the filling and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble.

A cheesy pulled chicken slider being lifted from a baking dish of golden, baked sliders.

Make it Special✨

If you want to dress these up a bit, try adding crispy bacon, pickled jalapeños, or fried onions on top of the chicken before layering the cheese. The cheese helps hold everything in place as they bake.

Or keep things bright and fresh with a bit of slaw added after baking (so the texture stays crisp). Just lift the tops, spoon the slaw over the filling, and set the buns back in place.

What to Serve with BBQ Sliders

These sandwiches pair well with easy side dishes and potluck-friendly recipes, making them perfect for game day, casual gatherings, or feeding a hungry family.

Let me know how you like this recipe by leaving a review! And follow along on Instagram @stateofdinner for behind-the-scenes and to be among the first to know when new recipes post!

Ingredients That Make All the Difference