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BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders

A rustic wooden tray filled with cheesy BBQ pulled chicken sliders featuring a garlic butter glaze on sweet Hawaiian rolls.

The ultimate game-day meal! Tender, slow-cooked pulled chicken smothered in sweet BBQ sauce, layered with melted cheese, and baked on fluffy Hawaiian rolls.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1 ½ cups of your favorite BBQ sauce (divided)

  • ¼ cup chicken broth

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • ½ tsp onion powder

  • 1 package (12 count) sweet Hawaiian rolls

  • 6 slices sharp cheddar cheese (or provolone)

  • 2 Tbsp butter, melted

  • ½ tsp garlic salt (for topping)

Instructions

  • Slow Cook: Place chicken breasts in a slow cooker. Season with garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder. Pour in the chicken broth and ½ cup of the BBQ sauce.

  • Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.

  • Shred: Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and drain any excess liquid from the pot. Return the shredded meat to the pot and stir in the remaining 1 cup of BBQ sauce.

  • Prep Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the entire package of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half in a greased 9×13 baking dish.

  • Assemble: Spread the BBQ chicken evenly over the bottom buns. Layer the cheese slices over the warm chicken. Place the top buns over the cheese.

  • Glaze: Stir the garlic salt into the melted butter. Brush this mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls.

  • Bake: Bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown. Slice into individual sliders and serve hot!

Notes

  • Make-Ahead Magic: You can completely cook and shred the BBQ chicken up to 3 days in advance! Store the cooled meat in an airtight container in the fridge. When you are ready for dinner or your party guests arrive, just assemble the cold meat and cheese on the Hawaiian rolls, brush with the garlic butter, and bake. (You may need to add 3-5 extra minutes to the baking time to ensure the chicken heats all the way through!)

  • Prevent Soggy Buns: Slow cooking chicken releases a lot of natural juices. Make sure you drain that excess liquid from the pot before you mix in your final cup of BBQ sauce. For extra protection against soggy bread, you can pop just the bottom half of the Hawaiian rolls into the 350°F oven for 3 minutes to toast them slightly before piling on that saucy meat!