Irresistible BBQ Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

There’s something undeniably delightful about a BBQ chicken slider made with Hawaiian rolls. Imagine sinking your teeth into a sweet, fluffy roll stuffed with tender, smoky chicken, slathered in tangy barbecue sauce. The combination of flavors dances on your palate like it’s auditioning for a Broadway show. It’s incredibly hard to resist the allure of these mini sandwiches, especially when they’re piled high and dripping with sauce.

I fondly remember the first time I made BBQ chicken sliders with Hawaiian rolls for my family reunion. My cousin Tom, who usually opts for salads at gatherings, wolfed down three sliders in record time, leaving everyone in stitches and wondering if he was preparing for an Olympic eating contest. This dish is perfect for summer barbecues, game days, or simply when you want to treat yourself to a flavor explosion.

I still chuckle thinking about my family’s reactions when I served these at our last cookout.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless Chicken Thighs: I prefer using thighs for their juicy texture and rich flavor that pairs perfectly with BBQ sauce.

• Hawaiian Rolls: Soft and slightly sweet, these rolls elevate the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.

• Your Favorite BBQ Sauce: Pick one that you love; it can be smoky, spicy, or sweet depending on your mood.

• Coleslaw (optional): A crunchy slaw adds freshness and balances the richness of the chicken; opt for store-bought or homemade.

• Cheddar Cheese (optional): Melting cheese on top transforms these sliders into mouthwatering bites of cheesy goodness.

For the Sauce:

• Honey: A drizzle of honey adds sweetness and helps balance out the tanginess of the BBQ sauce.

• Garlic Powder: This enhances flavor without overpowering; use fresh garlic if you prefer a stronger kick.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Chicken: Start by seasoning boneless chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat a grill or skillet over medium heat and cook until no longer pink inside.

Add Flavor with BBQ Sauce: Once cooked through, remove from heat and shred the chicken using two forks. Toss in your favorite BBQ sauce until evenly coated.

Get Ready to Assemble: While the chicken cools slightly, slice Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally without separating them completely. This creates a lovely slider base.

Build Your Sliders: Place a generous amount of shredded BBQ chicken on each bottom half of the rolls. If desired, add coleslaw and a slice of cheddar cheese on top.

Melt and Serve!: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place assembled sliders on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.

Serve warm and watch those plates vanish faster than you can say “BBQ chicken sliders.”

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the chicken in a slow cooker for tender, juicy results. While it’s cooking, prepare your Hawaiian rolls so they’re ready for assembly. This sequence ensures everything is hot and fresh when it’s time to serve.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the barbecue sauce with your favorite flavors like teriyaki or honey mustard. Add toppings such as coleslaw or sliced jalapeños for extra crunch and flavor that will impress everyone at the table.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring they stay soft and delicious without getting soggy.

My first attempt at making BBQ chicken sliders was during a family reunion, where they vanished before I could even grab one. The laughter and compliments still echo in my mind, making these sliders a treasured recipe.

FAQ

How can I make these BBQ chicken sliders spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the barbecue mixture for extra heat.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, you can substitute with any soft slider buns like potato rolls if desired.

What side dishes pair well with BBQ chicken sliders?

Serve with coleslaw, potato chips, or baked beans for a classic barbecue experience.

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BBQ Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

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• Author: Rachel Cooper
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6 (12 sliders) 1x

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Description

BBQ Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian rolls are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining sweet, fluffy bread with tender, smoky chicken and tangy barbecue sauce. These sliders are perfect for summer gatherings, game days, or when you crave a delicious treat. Easy to prepare and highly customizable, they can be topped with coleslaw or cheese for an extra flavor kick. Serve them warm and watch them disappear at any event!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
• 12 Hawaiian rolls
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite)
• 1 cup coleslaw (optional)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded, optional)
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Grill or cook in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked (about 6–8 minutes per side). Shred the chicken using two forks.
2. Toss shredded chicken in BBQ sauce until well coated.
3. Slice Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally to create slider bases.
4. Assemble sliders by adding a generous portion of BBQ chicken on each roll base. Top with coleslaw and cheddar cheese if desired.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place assembled sliders on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling/Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 sliders (150g)
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For added flavor, you can slow-cook the chicken for even juicier results. Customize your BBQ sauce: try teriyaki or honey mustard for a unique twist. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to maintain their softness.