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This slider method changed everything for me when I needed to serve a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen. These bacon BBQ chicken sliders come together fast and hit all the right notes with sweet rolls, savory bacon, and melty cheese. I make them for tournaments, potlucks, even office events and there’s never a single one left.
The first time I made these was before a baseball game and I’ve never gone back to cold deli sandwiches. These sliders win every time.
Ingredients
- Hawaiian rolls: provide a touch of sweetness and are the ideal size for sliders
- Shredded rotisserie chicken: saves prep time and has built-in flavor
- BBQ sauce: should be high quality since it leads the flavor profile
- Crispy bacon: adds smoky richness and texture when placed evenly
- Fiesta blend cheese: melts smoothly and offers balanced flavor over plain cheddar
- Melted butter: brushed on top enhances color and crispness while keeping the rolls soft inside
- BBQ seasoning: sprinkled on top gives an extra punch of flavor and a polished finish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Slice:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Slice Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally keeping the top and bottom intact as slabs. This makes assembly quicker and ensures even cooking.
- Make the Chicken Mix:
- In a large bowl combine shredded chicken and BBQ sauce. Stir until every piece is coated and looks saucy but not soggy.
- Layer the Bottom:
- Set the bottom half of rolls on a baking sheet. Spread the chicken mixture evenly across the surface making sure each slider section has coverage.
- Add Bacon and Cheese:
- Lay bacon pieces over the chicken evenly then sprinkle cheese across the entire surface so each slider gets cheesy coverage.
- Finish Assembly:
- Place the top half of rolls over the filling. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with BBQ seasoning for flavor and golden color.
- Bake:
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until cheese is melted and tops are golden. Rolls should be soft inside with a crisp top.
- Cool and Cut:
- Let sliders rest for a couple minutes then slice through the natural seams to create twelve individual sliders. Serve warm.
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Storage Tips
Unbaked assembled sliders can be covered and chilled for up to twenty four hours. Add a few minutes to bake time if going in cold. Leftovers can be wrapped in foil and reheated in a low oven. For long term storage freeze assembled unbaked sliders for up to a month.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find Hawaiian rolls use soft dinner rolls or brioche buns for similar texture. Swap fiesta cheese with cheddar pepper jack or a mix you prefer. Jalapeños or crispy onions can add heat or crunch without extra effort.
Serving Suggestions
Serve straight from the tray for casual events or move to a platter for parties. Offer extra BBQ sauce on the side and napkins for easy cleanup. Pairs well with coleslaw or baked beans for a full game-day spread.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → Can I use leftover chicken for this?
Yes, leftover grilled, roasted, or rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Just shred and mix with your favorite BBQ sauce.
- → How far ahead can I prepare them?
You can assemble the sliders up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake with a few extra minutes added.
- → What if I don’t have Hawaiian rolls?
Regular dinner rolls or brioche slider buns are great substitutes. You’ll lose the sweet flavor, but texture and structure remain.
- → Can these be frozen?
Yes. Wrap baked sliders individually in foil and freeze for up to two months. Reheat in a 300°F oven until warmed through.
- → What other cheeses can I use?
Cheddar, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack are great options. Fiesta blends add color and a bit more flavor complexity.