Description
These BBQ Chicken Sliders are an easy and flavorful party favorite featuring tender shredded chicken mixed with tangy barbecue sauce, layered with crunchy purple cabbage and spicy pickles on soft Hawaiian slider buns. Baked until golden with a buttery Parmesan topping, they make the perfect handheld meal for gatherings or a casual dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Slider Assembly
- 12 Hawaiian slider buns
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- ⅓ to 1 cup barbecue sauce (start with ⅓ cup and add more as desired)
- 1½ cups purple cabbage, chopped
- ¼ cup spicy pickles, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped (for garnish)
Optional Toppings
- Mayonnaise or Kewpie mayonnaise (to drizzle on rolls, optional)
- Pickled onions (optional): 1 medium red onion, very thinly sliced
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup distilled white vinegar
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1½ tablespoons maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with barbecue sauce, mixing well until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Slice the Sliders: Carefully slice the Hawaiian slider buns in half horizontally to create separate top and bottom halves. Letting the buns sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing helps to prevent squishing and makes it easier.
- Assemble Bottom Layer: Arrange the bottom halves of the buns in a 9×9 inch baking dish. Optionally, drizzle mayonnaise or Kewpie mayo on the buns for extra creaminess. Evenly spread the chopped purple cabbage over the bottom buns, then layer the barbecue chicken mixture on top.
- Add Toppings and Tops: Sprinkle the chopped spicy pickles over the chicken and add any other desired toppings such as pickled onions or cilantro. Place the top halves of the buns over the toppings to complete the slider assembly.
- Prepare for Baking: Brush the tops of the buns with melted butter, then sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over them. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture in during baking.
- Bake the Sliders: Place the covered sliders in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Serve: Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Use a sharp knife to cut the sliders into individual servings. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro for a pop of color and serve warm.
Notes
- Use any type of slider buns you prefer; Hawaiian rolls work best for their sweetness and softness.
- Shredded beef or pork can be substituted for the chicken if desired.
- Any variety of pickles can be used. Sweet and spicy pickles are a favorite with this recipe.
- Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Optional: Adding mayonnaise to the rolls before assembling adds a creamy texture and flavor.
- Optional: Make quick pickled onions by soaking thinly sliced red onion in a mixture of water, distilled white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and salt.
Keywords: BBQ Chicken Sliders, Hawaiian Rolls, Pulled Chicken, Party Sliders, Easy Slider Recipe