Irresistible Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pull Apart Sliders: Your Go-To Game Day Recipe

These Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pull Apart Sliders are an absolute must-make for your next gathering! Bursting with spicy, tangy, and rich BBQ flavor, and loaded with gooey cheese, they are incredibly simple to prepare yet utterly irresistible. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, these finger-licking good sliders promise to be the star of any celebration. Get ready to elevate your party food game!

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Head Country Bar-B-Q. As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!

The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser: Why These Sliders Will Be Your New Favorite

Prepare yourself for a culinary revelation! These Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pull Apart Sliders aren’t just good; they are, without exaggeration, absolutely phenomenal. Imagine a dish so packed with flavor, so perfectly balanced between sweet, savory, and spicy, that it stops conversations and demands immediate attention. That’s precisely what these easy chicken sliders deliver.

Every now and then, a recipe comes along that truly stands out – something so effortlessly delicious it becomes an instant classic in your repertoire. For me, these sliders fit that description perfectly. They’re the kind of easy chicken recipe that you’ll want to make again and again, whether it’s for a casual weeknight dinner or a bustling game day party. Their gooey cheese, tender BBQ chicken, and buttery rolls create a symphony of tastes and textures that is truly show-stopping.

A Journey Through BBQ Flavors: From Kansas City Roots to Your Table

My love affair with barbecue began early, rooted deeply in my childhood spent in Kansas City. For those unfamiliar, Kansas City is synonymous with some of the best BBQ in the world. Growing up amidst that rich culinary landscape, I was exposed to an incredible variety of smoky flavors, tangy sauces, and perfectly seasoned meats. It was a true privilege, though one I probably didn’t fully appreciate as a kid!

The memories of those distinctive sauces and seasonings have made BBQ a cherished comfort food for me. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a feeling of warmth, community, and pure satisfaction. That distinctive finger-licking good quality is what makes it so irresistible – there’s always room for great BBQ, especially when it’s as comforting and satisfying as these cheesy sliders.

But beyond personal comfort, BBQ is inherently a celebration food. It brings people together. Think of any gathering – from backyard barbecues to festive parties or game day events – and BBQ often takes center stage. It’s communal, hearty, and universally loved, making it the ideal choice for any event where good food and good company are paramount. These pull apart sliders embody that spirit perfectly.

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The Secret to Irresistible BBQ Chicken Sliders: Head Country Bar-B-Q

With the big game or any major get-together on the horizon, my mind invariably drifts to barbecue. And when it comes to crafting the perfect BBQ dish, my current obsession is undoubtedly Head Country Bar-B-Q sauces and spices. Their products are simply unmatched in quality and flavor, providing that authentic, robust taste that transforms a good dish into an extraordinary one. The depth of flavor and perfect balance of sweet and savory notes in their offerings truly set them apart.

These cheesy BBQ chicken sliders are a testament to the layering of flavors. They boast an incredible balance of sweet and spicy heat, thanks to the star ingredients: Head Country Hot & Spicy BBQ Sauce and Head Country High Plains Heat Championship Seasoning. This dynamic duo creates a tangy, deeply flavorful chicken mixture that’s so addictive, you won’t be able to stop at just one slider. The ‘High Plains Heat’ seasoning provides that championship-level zest, while the ‘Hot & Spicy BBQ Sauce’ delivers a vibrant kick with a perfectly sweet finish.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the intelligent use of ingredients. Starting with succulent rotisserie chicken streamlines the preparation process significantly, allowing you to focus on building those incredible flavors. The combination of the rich Head Country sauces and seasonings, melty cheddar cheese, and a hint of red onion yields a slider filling that is exceptionally tender, juicy, and bursting with complexity. It’s a harmonious blend that captures the essence of great barbecue in a convenient, pull-apart form.

The Magic Touch: Hawaiian Rolls and Garlic Herb Butter

What truly elevates these BBQ chicken sliders from great to utterly magical is the thoughtful addition of Hawaiian slider rolls and a homemade garlic herb butter. The slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls provide the perfect counterpoint to the smoky, spicy chicken, creating a harmonious flavor profile that delights the palate. These soft, pillowy buns are ideal for soaking up all the delicious juices and sauces, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Their inherent sweetness balances the tang and heat of the BBQ, making each bite a balanced treat.

And let’s talk about the garlic herb butter. This isn’t just a topping; it’s a flavor enhancer that brings everything together. Brushed generously over the tops of the rolls before baking, this buttery infusion imparts a fragrant, savory crust that adds another layer of irresistible deliciousness. The blend of melted butter with fresh garlic, parsley, and basil creates an aromatic glaze that browns beautifully in the oven, promising a golden-brown finish and an explosion of savory flavor with every pull.

This combination is truly #BBQMAGICFTW – a winning formula for the best pull apart sliders you’ll ever make! Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a party snack, or a fun weeknight meal, these sliders are guaranteed to be a hit, leaving everyone asking for the recipe.

Crafting Your Perfect Pull Apart Sliders: Tips and Tricks

Making these cheesy BBQ chicken pull apart sliders is remarkably straightforward, but a few tips can ensure they turn out absolutely perfect every time. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, these pointers will help you achieve maximum flavor and gooey deliciousness.

Choosing and Preparing Your Chicken

Rotisserie Chicken is Your Best Friend: Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. It’s already cooked, flavorful, and incredibly easy to shred. This allows you to focus on the BBQ sauce and seasoning, cutting down your prep time significantly for these quick and easy sliders.
Home-Cooked Chicken: If you prefer to cook your own chicken, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs can be boiled, baked, or slow-cooked until tender, then shredded. For best results, season the chicken well during cooking to add an extra layer of flavor to your finished sliders.
The Art of Shredding: Shredding chicken doesn’t have to be a chore! For a rotisserie chicken, simply remove the skin and bones, then use two forks to pull the meat apart into bite-sized pieces. For a quicker method, especially if the chicken is still warm, you can place chunks of cooked chicken into a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and mix on low speed for about 30 seconds. Voila! Perfectly shredded chicken ready for your pull apart recipe.

Mastering the Flavor Profile

The beauty of these savory sliders lies in the balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy. Head Country Bar-B-Q products provide an excellent foundation, but don’t hesitate to adjust to your personal preference:

Spice Level: If you love extra heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or even a few thinly sliced jalapeños can be added to the chicken mixture. For a milder flavor, simply opt for a less spicy BBQ sauce or reduce the amount of “High Plains Heat” seasoning.
Sweetness: The Hawaiian rolls bring a natural sweetness that complements the BBQ. If you desire more sweetness in your pulled chicken, a tiny drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of brown sugar can be added to the BBQ chicken mixture during cooking, but always taste first!
Onion & Garlic: Don’t skimp on these aromatics. Sautéing the red onion until soft brings out its natural sweetness and mellows its raw bite, while minced garlic adds essential depth and a fragrant aroma that enhances the entire dish.
Cheese Selection: While shredded cheddar cheese is a classic choice for its meltability and sharp flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack for extra creaminess, a Colby Jack blend, or even a touch of smoked gouda for a deeper flavor profile.

Assembling Your Sliders: A Step-by-Step Guide for Perfection

The assembly of these pull apart sliders is quick and easy, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the game or your party. Follow these steps for perfectly layered and baked sliders that are bursting with flavor.

Preheat Oven and Prepare Your Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This step not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze. Lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray for an extra layer of non-stick insurance.
Whip Up the Garlic Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with minced garlic, minced parsley, freshly chopped basil, and a pinch of salt. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined. Set this fragrant mixture aside; it’s the secret to those golden, aromatic tops.
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the sliced red onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent, which should take approximately 2 minutes. This brief sautéing step builds a foundational layer of savory taste for your chicken mixture.
Combine the BBQ Chicken Mixture: Stir in the shredded roast chicken, Head Country High Plains Heat Championship Seasoning, and Head Country Hot & Spicy BBQ Sauce into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Mix until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the chicken is fully coated in that irresistible BBQ goodness. Cook for a couple of minutes, just until the chicken mixture is heated through and the flavors have melded beautifully.
Prepare the Rolls: Carefully cut the entire slab of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, separating the tops from the bottoms. Try to keep the individual rolls connected for easier handling. Place the bottom halves of the buns in the prepared baking dish. Don’t worry if they don’t perfectly fill the entire pan; they will expand slightly during baking.
Layering for Maximum Flavor: Evenly distribute half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the bottom layer of the Hawaiian rolls. Next, spoon the warm BBQ chicken mixture generously over the first layer of cheese, spreading it out to cover the rolls. Add the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the chicken mixture, ensuring every slider gets its share of gooey, melted goodness. Finally, place the top halves of the buns back onto the sliders.
Brush with Herb Butter: Using a pastry brush, generously brush the tops of the buns with the prepared garlic herb butter. This is a crucial step for achieving that beautiful golden crust and imparting an aromatic, savory flavor to the rolls as they bake.
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is wonderfully melted and bubbly, and the tops of the rolls are golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. Once baked, remove from the oven and serve immediately while hot and fresh!

Serving and Pairing Suggestions for Your BBQ Chicken Sliders

These cheesy BBQ chicken sliders are a complete meal in themselves, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of sides to round out your spread. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or a casual family dinner, these serving suggestions will make your gathering even more memorable:

Classic Coleslaw: The crisp, cool crunch of coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, rich sliders. A creamy, tangy coleslaw is always a perfect match for barbecue.
Creamy Potato Salad: A hearty and creamy potato salad is a timeless BBQ companion and perfectly complements the tangy chicken and sweet rolls.
Crisp Green Salad: For a lighter option, a simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette dressing can cut through the richness of the sliders, offering a refreshing balance.
Pickles and Jalapeños: Offer a side of crisp dill pickles or thinly sliced pickled jalapeños for those who enjoy an extra tang or a kick of heat with their savory sliders.
Sweet Potato Fries: A side of golden sweet potato fries with a dipping sauce can be a delightful and popular crowd-pleaser, adding another layer of sweetness and texture.
Corn on the Cob: During warmer months, grilled or boiled corn on the cob, brushed with butter and sprinkled with a little seasoning, is a fantastic seasonal addition to any BBQ spread.

Make Ahead & Storage Tips

One of the best things about these game day sliders is their make-ahead potential, making party planning much easier and stress-free:

Prepare the Chicken Mixture in Advance: The delicious BBQ chicken filling can be made up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble, simply reheat the mixture gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before proceeding with the recipe.
Assemble Ahead of Time: You can assemble the sliders (with all layers, but without brushing with the garlic herb butter) a few hours before baking. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Before baking, let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, then brush with the butter and bake as directed. This ensures the rolls don’t get soggy.
Storage of Leftovers: Leftover sliders, if there are any, can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They make for fantastic quick lunches!
Reheating Instructions: For best results and to maintain their delightful texture, reheat leftover sliders in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through and the cheese is melted and gooey again, usually about 10-15 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the rolls soggy.

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This Recipe’s Must Haves

To ensure your Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pull Apart Sliders come out perfectly, having the right tools can make all the difference. While not strictly “must-haves” for every kitchen, these items will certainly streamline your cooking process and enhance the final result, making your experience in the kitchen even more enjoyable:

Emile Henry Made In France HR Modern Classics Large Rectangular Baker: A high-quality baking dish ensures even cooking and beautiful presentation. This particular baker is durable, easy to clean, and transitions beautifully from oven to table, making it ideal for serving these delicious sliders.
Le Creuset of America Toughened NonStick Fry Pan: A good non-stick skillet is essential for sautéing the onions and garlic without sticking, and for heating through your chicken mixture evenly without any burnt bits. Its quality construction ensures even heat distribution.
Le Creuset Revolution Wood Solid Spoon: A sturdy spoon, especially one made of wood, is perfect for stirring your ingredients in non-stick cookware without scratching the surface. Its ergonomic design also makes it comfortable to use for all your cooking needs.

Don’t forget to save this incredible Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pull Apart Sliders recipe for all your future gatherings and culinary adventures!

Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pull Apart Sliders

Cheesy and full of heat, these BBQ chicken sliders are the easy, finger-licking good snack everyone will be drooling over at your next gathering!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

5 from 2 votes

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ingredients

Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pull Apart Sliders

2 Tbsp olive oil
1 small red onion sliced
3 cloves garlic minced
3 cups shredded roast chicken shredded
2 tsp Head Country High Plains Heat Championship Seasoning
1 cup Head Country Hot & Spicy BBQ Sauce
12 Hawaiian rolls
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Garlic Herb Butter

1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
2 cloves garlic minced
2 tsp minced parsley
2 tsp freshly chopped basil
Pinch of salt

instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Lightly grease with cooking spray.
In a small bowl, whisk together ingredients for the garlic herb butter. Set aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add oil. Once hot, add onion and garlic. Cook until soft, approximately 2 minutes.
Stir in chicken, Head Country High Plains Heat Championship Seasoning and Head Country Hot & Spicy BBQ Sauce until combined. Cook a couple of minutes until heated through.
Cut rolls in half. Place the bottom halves of the buns in the baking dish. Make sure they are right next to each other – note they will not fill the entire pan.
Top bottom halves of buns with half of the cheese. Layer the BBQ chicken mixture on top. Add the remaining cheese evenly over the top. Place the top halves of the buns on top.
Brush the tops of the buns the herb butter.
Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Serve immediately.

Category: Appetizer