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These BBQ Pulled Chicken Game Day Sliders are loaded with saucy shredded chicken, melty mozzarella and smoked gouda, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh cilantro. Everything gets tucked inside soft slider buns and baked until the cheese is melted and the buttery tops are golden.

Whether you’re feeding everyone during the big game, looking for an easy party appetizer, or need a simple way to turn cooked chicken into dinner, these BBQ chicken sliders are an easy crowd-pleaser.

BBQ pulled chicken slider served with potato chips, showing saucy chicken, melted cheese, and red onion.

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Table of Contents

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make: Using already-cooked shredded chicken keeps the prep simple. Assemble everything in one baking dish, cover, and bake.
  • Perfect for sharing: A dozen sliders makes this recipe an easy choice for game day, parties, potlucks, and casual get-togethers.
  • Loaded with flavor: Sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, two kinds of cheese, red onion, cilantro, and buttery buns give you plenty of flavor in every bite.
  • Great use for cooked chicken: If you already have cooked chicken waiting in the refrigerator, this is an easy way to turn it into something completely different.
  • Easy to customize: Change the cheese, adjust the BBQ sauce, or leave off toppings your family doesn’t love.

What are BBQ pulled chicken sliders?

BBQ pulled chicken sliders are small sandwiches made with shredded cooked chicken tossed with BBQ sauce and layered onto slider buns with cheese and toppings.

For this version, the BBQ chicken is topped with mozzarella, smoked gouda, red onion, and fresh cilantro. The assembled sliders are brushed with butter and baked together until they’re hot, cheesy, and golden on top.

Because they’re baked together in a 9×13-inch dish, you can make a whole batch at once instead of assembling and heating individual sandwiches.

Key Ingredients

NOTE: This section highlights ingredients used in the recipe. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

Slider buns: King’s Hawaiian slider buns give these sandwiches a soft base with a slightly sweet flavor that works especially well with BBQ sauce.

Cooked shredded chicken: Starting with cooked chicken makes these sliders especially quick to assemble.

BBQ sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce. You’ll mix some into the chicken and add more before the cheese and toppings.

Mozzarella: Mozzarella melts beautifully and gives the sliders plenty of cheesy goodness.

Smoked gouda: Smoked gouda adds another layer of smoky flavor that pairs especially well with BBQ chicken.

Red onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds color, texture, and a little bite.

Fresh cilantro: A small amount of fresh cilantro adds a fresh finish that balances the richer BBQ sauce and cheese.

Butter: Brushing the buns with melted butter helps create those irresistible golden tops.

Ingredients for BBQ pulled chicken sliders including slider buns, shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, cheeses, red onion, cilantro, and butter.

Ingredients & Substitutions

NOTE: This section suggests substitutions. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

  • Slider buns: King’s Hawaiian rolls are soft, slightly sweet, and a great match for BBQ chicken. You can substitute another package of 12 slider rolls or small dinner rolls.
  • Cooked chicken: You’ll need 4 cups of cooked, shredded chicken. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, or use leftover baked, grilled, or slow-cooked chicken.
  • BBQ sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce, whether you like it sweet, smoky, tangy, or spicy. You’ll need 1 cup, divided, plus additional sauce if you like your sliders extra saucy.
  • Red onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a little crunch and sharpness that balances the sweet BBQ sauce. Yellow onion, sweet onion, or thinly sliced green onions can be used instead. You can also leave the onion off.
  • Mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella gives the sliders plenty of mild, melty cheese. Monterey Jack, provolone, or cheddar are good substitutes.
  • Smoked gouda: The smoky flavor is especially good with BBQ chicken. Regular gouda, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper Jack can be substituted.
  • Fresh cilantro: Cilantro adds a fresh pop of flavor. If you’re not a fan, leave it out or substitute chopped fresh parsley or thinly sliced green onions.
  • Unsalted butter: Melted butter brushed over the buns helps them brown and gives the tops extra flavor. Salted butter works too, but keep that extra salt in mind when seasoning the chicken.
  • Salt and pepper: Season the BBQ chicken to taste before assembling the sliders. Depending on your chicken, BBQ sauce, and cheese, you may need very little additional salt.

Variations

  • Change the cheese: The smoked gouda can be replaced with another cheese you enjoy.
  • Make them extra saucy: The recipe already allows for additional BBQ sauce, so add more if you prefer saucier pulled chicken.
  • Skip the cilantro: If you’re not a cilantro fan, simply leave it off.
  • Adjust the onion: Use less red onion for a milder onion flavor, or leave it off if you prefer.
  • Try another BBQ sauce: Changing the BBQ sauce is an easy way to change the flavor of the sliders without changing the rest of the recipe.
Close-up of a BBQ pulled chicken slider filled with shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, melted cheese, and red onion.

Tips for Best Results

  • Use finely shredded chicken. Smaller pieces make the sliders easier to assemble, cut, and eat.
  • Coat the chicken well. Mix the chicken and BBQ sauce thoroughly so you don’t end up with dry pockets of chicken.
  • Slice the onion thinly. Thin slices soften more easily while the sliders bake and won’t overwhelm each bite.
  • Spread everything evenly. Take the ingredients all the way to the edges so the outside sliders get just as much filling as the ones in the middle.
  • Don’t skip the covered bake. Covering the sliders for the first part of baking helps everything heat through while the cheese melts.
  • Finish them uncovered. Those final 10 minutes give the buns time to turn golden instead of remaining soft and pale.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for BBQ chicken sliders?

Yes. Rotisserie chicken is an easy option since the recipe calls for cooked shredded chicken. Remove the meat from the bones and shred it before mixing it with the BBQ sauce.

What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?

Use your favorite BBQ sauce. Since the BBQ sauce provides much of the flavor in these sliders, choose one you already know you enjoy.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes. The smoked gouda can be replaced with another cheese of your choice. The recipe is easy to customize based on what you have available or what your family prefers.

Can I leave out the red onion?

Absolutely. You can leave out the red onion or reduce the amount if you prefer a milder onion flavor.

Can I make BBQ Pulled Chicken Game Day Sliders ahead of time?

You can prep the individual ingredients ahead of time, but for the best bun texture, I recommend waiting to assemble and bake the sliders until closer to serving time.

How do I keep sliders from getting soggy?

Avoid assembling them too far ahead of time. The BBQ sauce will eventually soak into the buns, so assembling them shortly before baking gives you the best texture.

How do I know when the sliders are done?

After the covered baking time, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes. The sliders are ready when they’re heated through, the cheese is melted, and the tops of the buns are golden.

Storage

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

For the best results when reheating, use the oven or air fryer to help bring back some of the texture on the outside of the buns. The microwave works when you’re in a hurry, although the buns will be softer.

Quick Steps

NOTE: This section includes a step-by-step guide. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

  1. Prep the pan. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Add the buns. Place the bottom halves of the slider buns in the prepared baking dish.
  3. Make the BBQ chicken. Combine the shredded chicken with ½ cup BBQ sauce, then spread it evenly over the buns. Top with the remaining BBQ sauce.
  4. Add the toppings. Sprinkle the mozzarella, red onion, smoked gouda, and cilantro evenly over the chicken. Add the top halves of the buns and brush with 1 tablespoon melted butter.
  5. Bake covered. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
  6. Finish uncovered. Remove the foil, brush the buns with the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, and bake for another 10 minutes or until the tops are golden. Serve immediately.
Bottom halves of slider buns arranged in a parchment-lined baking dish.
Shredded cooked chicken topped with BBQ sauce in a glass mixing bowl.
Shredded chicken mixed with BBQ sauce and ready for assembling the sliders.
BBQ shredded chicken spread evenly over the bottom halves of the slider buns.
BBQ sauce spooned over shredded chicken while assembling BBQ chicken sliders.
Shredded mozzarella sprinkled over the BBQ chicken slider filling.
Thinly sliced red onion layered over cheese and BBQ chicken for the sliders.
Shredded smoked gouda added over red onion and BBQ chicken slider filling.
Slider bun tops placed over the BBQ chicken, cheese, and red onion filling before baking.
Buttery slider buns topped with chopped cilantro and ready to be covered and baked.
Baking dish covered with aluminum foil for the first stage of baking the chicken sliders.
Freshly baked BBQ pulled chicken sliders with golden buns and cilantro in a baking dish.

Make Ahead

You can do some of the prep ahead of time to make assembly faster.

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Shred the cooked chicken, grate the cheeses, and slice the red onion in advance. Keep the ingredients covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the sliders.

For the best texture, wait to assemble and bake the sliders until you’re ready to serve them so the buns don’t sit with the BBQ sauce and become soggy.

What to serve with BBQ Pulled Chicken Game Day Sliders

For game day, serve these sliders alongside other easy finger foods and appetizers so everyone can grab what they want throughout the game. Chips, dips, veggies, and other bite-sized snacks all work well.

If you’re serving the sliders as dinner, pair them with a simple salad or your favorite potato or vegetable side dish.

They’re also a great addition to a larger party spread since they’re easy to pick up and don’t require utensils.

If You Enjoyed These BBQ Pulled Chicken Game Day Sliders

If sliders are always a hit at your house, try my Sheet Pan Beef Sliders next. They’re another easy, hearty option that works just as well for game day as it does for a casual family dinner.

For another slider recipe everyone can grab and go, my Ham and Cheese Sliders are a great choice. The combination of ham, cheese, and soft rolls makes them an easy addition to a party or game day spread.

If it’s the BBQ chicken that sold you on this recipe, you’ll want to try my BBQ Chicken Pizza. You get that same BBQ and chicken combination in an easy pizza that’s made for a laid-back dinner or game night.

For another chicken-packed game day favorite, try my Chicken Nachos. They’re easy to share, loaded with flavor, and perfect when you want something everyone can snack on while watching the game.

My Jalapeno Popper Chicken Taquitos are another fun way to put chicken on your game day menu. They’re crispy, flavorful, and just the kind of finger food that belongs next to a platter of sliders.

If your game day crew loves wings, my Air Fryer Chicken Wings deserve a spot on the table. They’re an easy appetizer to serve alongside these BBQ sliders when you want a spread with plenty of choices.

And no game day spread is complete without a good dip! My Buffalo Chicken Dip brings plenty of cheesy, savory chicken flavor and is perfect for setting out with chips or crackers next to a tray of sliders.

Looking for even more easy recipes for game day, parties, and family meals? Browse the Love Bakes Good Cakes Recipe Index to find plenty of appetizers, dinners, desserts, and crowd-pleasing favorites.

Hand holding a cheesy BBQ pulled chicken slider with red onion and cilantro.

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Save these BBQ Pulled Chicken Game Day Sliders for your next game day, party, or easy dinner night. They’re quick to assemble, easy to serve, and packed with BBQ chicken and plenty of melty cheese.

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BBQ pulled chicken sliders with saucy shredded chicken, melted cheese, red onion, and golden buttery buns.
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Servings: 12 sliders

BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders

By Jamie Sherman
BBQ Pulled Chicken Game Day Sliders combine saucy shredded chicken, mozzarella, smoked gouda, red onion, and cilantro on soft slider buns. They're baked until hot and cheesy with buttery, golden tops for an easy game day appetizer or casual dinner.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
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Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 12 King’s Hawaiian slider buns, split in half
  • 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup favorite BBQ sauce, plus more if desired, divided
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup mozzarella, grated
  • ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup smoked gouda, grated, or cheese of choice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and divided

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray the paper with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Place the bottom halves of the slider buns in the prepared baking dish.
    12 King’s Hawaiian slider buns
  • In a small bowl, combine the shredded chicken with ½ cup BBQ sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then mix until completely coated.
    4 cups cooked chicken, 1 cup favorite BBQ sauce, salt and pepper
  • Spread the chicken evenly over the bottom halves of the buns. Top with the remaining BBQ sauce.
  • Sprinkle the mozzarella, red onion, smoked gouda, and cilantro evenly over the chicken.
    1 cup mozzarella, ¼ red onion, ½ cup smoked gouda, 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
  • Place the top halves of the slider buns over the filling. Brush the tops with 1 tablespoon melted butter.
    2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and brush the buns with the remaining 1 tablespoon melted butter.
  • Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the tops are golden.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

🥡 Storage

  • Store leftover BBQ chicken sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Because the buns will continue absorbing moisture from the BBQ chicken as they sit, the sliders are best enjoyed sooner rather than later.

♨️ Reheating

  • For the best texture, reheat the sliders in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
  • Individual sliders can also be reheated in an air fryer until warmed through. Watch them closely since the tops of the buns can brown quickly.
  • You can use the microwave for a quick option, but the buns will be softer.

❄️ Freezing

  • For the best texture, I prefer these sliders freshly made rather than frozen after assembly. The BBQ sauce can soak into the buns during freezing and thawing and change their texture.
  • The cooked shredded chicken itself can be frozen separately and used later to make a fresh batch.

💡 Tips for Best Results

  • Shred the chicken into small pieces so the sliders are easier to eat.
  • Slice the red onion thinly so it softens while the sliders bake.
  • Spread the chicken and toppings evenly from edge to edge.
  • Don’t skip covering the sliders for the first 15 minutes of baking.
  • Bake uncovered for the final 10 minutes so the tops can become golden.
  • Serve the sliders soon after baking for the best bun texture.

🍳 Alternate Cooking Methods

Air fryer: A smaller batch of assembled sliders can be reheated or cooked in an air fryer-safe pan that fits your air fryer. Because air fryers vary considerably in size and power, watch the sliders closely and use the appearance of the melted cheese and golden buns as your guide rather than relying on an untested exact cooking time.

♻️ Leftovers

  • Leftover BBQ chicken sliders make an easy lunch or quick meal the next day.
  • If you have leftover BBQ chicken that hasn’t been assembled into sliders, use it for sandwiches, wraps, quesadillas, baked potatoes, or salads.

📝 Notes

  • Use additional BBQ sauce if you prefer saucier sliders.
  • The smoked gouda can be replaced with another cheese of your choice.
  • Prep the chicken, cheese, and onion ahead of time if needed, but wait to assemble the sliders until you’re ready to bake them.
  • Serve immediately after baking for the best texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slider, Calories: 287kcal, Carbohydrates: 27g, Protein: 19g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 59mg, Sodium: 420mg, Potassium: 185mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin A: 254IU, Vitamin C: 0.3mg, Calcium: 155mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Jamie

Jamie Sherman founded Love Bakes Good Cakes in February 2012. She is a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!

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