Easy Barbecue Chicken Sliders Recipe for Your Next Party
Hosting a party or game day gathering? Look no further than these delectable Barbecue chicken sliders! This simple recipe delivers a flavorful and crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with tender pulled chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, and melted smoked gouda cheese, these slider buns are bursting with savory goodness. The best part? You can whip them up in just 30 minutes, making them an effortless and impressive addition to your menu.
With a recipe rating of 4.83 out of 5 from 23 votes, these BBQ chicken sliders are sure to be a hit with your guests. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, a movie night with friends, or a tailgating event, these versatile mini sandwiches are the perfect solution for satisfying appetites and impressing your crowd.
Why These BBQ Chicken Sliders Are Perfect for Entertaining
BBQ chicken sliders are a hit at parties. They mix flavors and textures perfectly. They’re great for any gathering, from game day to backyard parties.
Game Day Favorite Benefits
Sliders are loved for a reason. They’re easy to eat, letting guests chat hands-free. The shredded BBQ chicken and cheese are irresistible, making them a favorite for game days.
Quick and Easy Preparation
This BBQ chicken sliders recipe is quick and easy. It uses pre-cooked chicken and simple ingredients. You can make these crowd-pleasing appetizers in just 30 minutes. They’re perfect for sudden parties or when you need a fast and delicious meal.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal
BBQ chicken sliders please many tastes. You can add different toppings and sauces to please everyone. Options like sharp cheddar or smoky Gouda ensure there’s something for everyone.
Essential Ingredients for Barbecue Chicken Sliders
To make the perfect barbecue chicken sliders, start with the right ingredients. You’ll need savory or sweet slider buns, 1 pound of shredded chicken, and tasty barbecue sauce. Add thinly sliced smoked gouda cheese, sautéed red onion, and fresh parsley for garnish.
Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for shredded chicken. The recipe is also open to trying different barbecue sauces or cheeses and onions.
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Slider Buns | 1 package (12 count) |
Cooked Shredded Chicken | 1 pound |
Barbecue Sauce | 1 1/2 cups |
Cooked Red Onion | 1/2 cup |
Smoked Gouda Cheese, Thinly Sliced | 7 ounces |
Butter | As needed |
Salt and Ground Black Pepper | To taste |
Fresh Parsley | For garnish |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make delicious barbecue chicken sliders. They’ll be a hit at your next party or gathering.
Equipment and Kitchen Tools Needed
Preparing delicious barbecue chicken sliders requires the right tools. From baking equipment to mixing tools, we’ll cover what you need. Let’s dive into the must-haves for your next slider-making adventure.
Baking Equipment
- A sturdy baking sheet or sheet pan to cook the chicken and assemble the sliders
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper to line the baking sheet for easy cleanup
- A medium-sized oven-safe bowl or casserole dish to shred the cooked chicken
Mixing and Preparation Tools
- A large mixing bowl for combining the shredded chicken and barbecue sauce
- A whisk or fork for mixing the coleslaw dressing ingredients
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurately portioning out the ingredients
- A sharp knife and cutting board for slicing the slider buns and any additional toppings
Optional Time-Saving Gadgets
Some kitchen gadgets can make preparing sliders easier:
- A stand mixer with a paddle attachment for quickly shredding the cooked chicken
- A slow cooker or pressure cooker to cook the chicken in advance, saving time on the day of the event
Having the right tools can make preparing barbecue chicken sliders easier. Invest in these essentials. You’ll be ready to serve a dish that everyone will enjoy.
Preparing the Perfect Shredded Chicken
Creating tasty barbecue chicken sliders starts with shredded chicken. You can use shredded chicken methods or pulled chicken. The goal is to make the chicken tender and juicy, perfect for the barbecue sauce.
Using a rotisserie chicken from the store is easy. Just take the meat off the bones and shred it with forks or a stand mixer. This way, the chicken is ready to soak up the barbecue sauce’s flavors.
If you want to make it from scratch, poach or sauté chicken breasts or thighs. Boil water, add the chicken, and cook until it’s 165°F. Then, shred it with your hands or forks. Or, sauté the chicken, then shred it.
For a no-fuss option, use a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Add chicken, seasonings, and a bit of liquid. Let it cook, and you’ll get flavorful shredded chicken ready for barbecue sauce.
Cooking Method | Approximate Cooking Time |
---|---|
Rotisserie Chicken | No additional cooking required |
Poaching Chicken Breasts/Thighs | 15-20 minutes |
Sautéing Chicken Breasts/Thighs | 5-6 minutes per side |
Slow Cooker | 2.5-3 hours on low |
Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker) | 7 minutes on high pressure |
Choose any shredded chicken method you like. The main thing is to get the chicken to mix well with the barbecue sauce. This makes your sliders delicious and cohesive.
Selecting the Right BBQ Sauce and Rolls
Choosing the right BBQ sauce and slider buns is key to making tasty BBQ chicken sliders. Look into different BBQ sauce options to find the best one for your sliders.
Sauce Selection Tips
Try original-flavored barbecue sauce or your favorite regional style. Options like tangy North Carolina style or sweet Kansas City style are great. You can also make your own BBQ sauce with ingredients like bourbon, honey, or spicy chili peppers.
The type of slider buns you pick matters a lot. Soft and slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls are a favorite because they match well with BBQ chicken. You can also try savory slider buns or brioche-style rolls for different tastes.
Best Rolls for Sliders
- Hawaiian sweet rolls: Soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for BBQ chicken sliders.
- Savory slider buns: A classic choice that allows the BBQ flavor to shine.
- Brioche-style rolls: Offer a rich, buttery texture that complements the saucy chicken.
Try out different BBQ sauce and slider bun combinations. This way, you’ll find the perfect mix that will impress your guests with your homemade BBQ chicken sliders.
Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions
Making the perfect barbecue chicken sliders is easy and fun. It lets you show off your cooking skills and impress your guests. Here’s how to put these tasty sandwiches together:
- Begin by spreading the shredded barbecue chicken evenly on the bottom buns. This is the base of your slider.
- Then, add more barbecue sauce on top of the chicken. This makes sure every bite is full of flavor.
- Cook diced red onions until they’re soft and smell great. Place them on top of the sauce.
- Finish with your favorite cheese, like cheddar or pepper jack. This adds a gooey, cheesy touch.
- Put the top buns on and brush with melted butter, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. This adds a nice finish.
Now, it’s time to bake your sliders. Heat your oven to 350°F. Put the sliders on a baking sheet, covered. Bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the cover and bake for 5 more minutes. This makes the tops golden and the cheese melted.
Your barbecue chicken sliders are ready to be enjoyed! This guide helps you assemble them perfectly. You’ll get a delicious result with every bite.
Cheese and Topping Combinations
Creating the perfect barbecue chicken sliders is all about the cheese and toppings. They make a big difference in the taste. You can choose from classic options or try something new to please everyone.
Classic Cheese Options
Here are some classic cheeses that go great with barbecue chicken:
- Smoked Gouda: This cheese is creamy and smoky, adding a nice flavor.
- Sharp Cheddar: Sharp cheddar is bold and tangy, a perfect match for the chicken and sauce.
- Monterey Jack: This cheese melts well, making the slider cheesy and gooey.
- Pepper Jack: For a spicy twist, pepper jack adds a kick to the sliders.
Creative Topping Ideas
Want to make your sliders even better? Try these toppings:
- Pickled Jalapeños: Add a zesty kick with pickled jalapeños for a tangy and spicy flavor.
- Banana Peppers: These peppers are mild and tangy, adding a nice contrast to the chicken.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon adds crunch and a savory taste to the sliders.
- Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw topping brings a refreshing touch to balance the flavors.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match cheeses and toppings. This way, you can create unique flavors that everyone will love.
Baking Tips and Techniques
To make sure your barbecue chicken sliders turn out great, follow these tips. First, heat your oven to 350°F. Place the slider buns on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Bake for 15 minutes to melt the cheese and warm the buns.
After 15 minutes, take off the foil and bake for another 5 minutes. This step makes the cheese melt right and the buns golden. Brush the tops with melted butter for extra flavor and color before baking again.
Step | Time | Temperature | Purpose |
---|---|---|---|
Covered Baking | 15 minutes | 350°F | Melt the cheese |
Uncovered Baking | 5 minutes | 350°F | Toast the buns |
By using these baking methods, you’ll get cheese that’s perfectly melted and buns that are golden. Your barbecue chicken sliders will look and taste amazing, impressing everyone at your gathering.
Make-Ahead and Storage Options
Meal prep just got easier with these barbecue chicken sliders! They’re simple to make and can be prepared ahead of time. This saves time and stress for your next party or gathering.
You can make these sliders a day before and store them in the fridge. Just put them together, cover them, and refrigerate until baking time. This way, you can start your party prep early without losing freshness.
Leftovers are also simple to store and enjoy later. Any leftover shredded barbecue chicken can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, just microwave or oven-heat it in foil at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
For even longer storage, you can freeze the chicken for up to 30 days in a freezer-safe container. This makes meal prep easy and keeps delicious barbecue chicken ready whenever you want it.
Storage Option | Maximum Duration |
---|---|
Refrigerator | 3 days |
Freezer | 30 days |
With these tips, you can enjoy the benefits of meal prep and leftover storage with these tasty barbecue chicken sliders. Impress your guests and satisfy your cravings with ease!
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
To make your barbecue chicken sliders even better, try pairing them with tasty side dishes. Sweet potato fries, baked French fries, or a fresh green salad are great choices. For a healthier option, serve steamed broccoli or roasted carrots.
Perfect Pairings
Fruit salad is a wonderful match, with its sweetness balancing the smoky chicken. Mexican bean salad adds a zesty kick without many calories. Greek potato salad, with its parsley and kalamata olives, also pairs well.
Presentation Ideas
Make your sliders stand out by arranging them on a big platter or cutting board. Add fresh herbs for a pop of color. Place your side dishes around the sliders to create a lively display. Use chafing dishes or warming trays to keep everything warm and inviting.