That sunny Saturday afternoon, I was at our local community fair, browsing handmade crafts and food stalls, when the smoky aroma of barbecue caught my attention. A friendly vendor handed me a mini slider warm, sweet, smoky, with tender chicken and a crisp bite of bacon and I instantly knew this would be a perfect recipe to bring into my kitchen.
A few days later, I taught my granddaughter how to shred chicken after swim lessons. Between her excited chatter and my reminder to “watch the bone,” I remembered that fair-day slider and decided to recreate it with her help.
As we layered tender chicken tossed in tangy BBQ sauce onto sweet Hawaiian rolls that evening, the house filled with that same comforting scent. My husband flipped through his newspaper with a curious look, then dove in for a taste. The bacon added a smoky crunch, and the melted fiesta cheese tied everything together in a cheesy hug.
The sliders were polished off in minutes, and my granddaughter asked for them again before she’d even finished her nap. Now, these sliders feel like summer afternoons in our kitchen easy, playful, full of flavor, and wrapped in nostalgia.
Short Description
Mini BBQ chicken and bacon sliders on soft Hawaiian rolls, topped with melted cheese and buttery seasoned buns—perfect for easy weeknight dinners or gathering guests.
Key Ingredients
- 12-count package Hawaiian rolls
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1½ cups BBQ sauce
- 8 slices cooked bacon, halved
- 1 cup shredded fiesta blend cheese
Topping
- 2 Tbsp melted butter
- 2 tsp BBQ seasoning
Tools Needed
- Baking sheet or shallow baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
- Knife for separating rolls
- Foil for covering if desired
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
Step 2: Prep the Rolls
Slice Hawaiian rolls lengthwise to create top and bottom layers. Keep both layers intact.
Step 3: Mix Chicken
In a bowl, combine 3 cups shredded chicken and 1½ cups BBQ sauce until well coated.
Step 4: Assemble Sliders
Place bottom roll layer in baking dish. Spread BBQ chicken evenly over buns. Arrange bacon halves on top and sprinkle with 1 cup fiesta cheese. Add the top roll layer.
Step 5: Add Topping
Brush melted butter over the top buns. Sprinkle evenly with BBQ seasoning.
Step 6: Bake Sliders
Bake for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and buns turn golden brown.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Let cool 2 minutes before slicing into individual sliders with a sharp knife.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor Explosion: Tangy BBQ chicken with crispy smoky bacon and melty cheese
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes—ideal for busy families
Party-Perfect: Great for game nights, casual gatherings, or potlucks
Soft & Savory: Hawaiian rolls add a sweet softness that balances the smoky filling
Customizable: Add jalapeños, pineapple bits, or swap cheeses for variety
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Soggy buns from too much sauce
Solution: Use just enough sauce and consider draining excess from chicken.
Uneven cooking
Solution: Spread filling evenly and rotate pan mid-bake.
Dry bacon slices
Solution: Slightly undercook bacon to maintain chewiness after baking.
Top buns not golden
Solution: Bake uncovered and add extra butter for a rich crust.
Cheese not fully melted
Solution: Make sure oven is fully preheated and bake until bubbling.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve with coleslaw, pickles, or sweet potato fries
Pair with iced tea, lemonade, or a crisp lager
Present on a platter for buffet- or party-style gatherings
Arrange family-style with toothpicks for easy grab-and-go
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheat in a 350 °F oven for 8–10 minutes to restore crispness
Microwave single portions for 30 seconds, then broil briefly to revive texture
Assemble ahead, cover with foil, and refrigerate; bake when guests arrive
FAQs
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works beautifully and cuts prep time.
2. Can I freeze these sliders?
Freeze wrapped sliders before baking. Thaw and bake at 350 °F for 15 minutes.
3. What if I’m out of Hawaiian rolls?
Slider buns or dinner rolls are good substitutes, though softer rolls give the most classic taste.
4. Can I make it spicy?
Mix jalapeños into the chicken or top with pepper jack cheese.
5. Is this safe for kids?
Absolutely, adjust BBQ sauce sweetness or spice to suit younger palates.
Tips & Tricks
Lightly toast buns before assembling for added texture
Use toothpicks to keep sliders intact while baking
Experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors—honey, smoky, spicy
Stir extra cheese between layers for gooey surprises
Let sliders rest 2 minutes after baking for easier slicing
Recipe Variations
Hawaiian Twist: Add pineapple tidbits and swap fiesta cheese for mozzarella
Buffalo Style: Use buffalo sauce and top with blue cheese
Turkey Bacon Swap: Replace bacon with turkey bacon for a lighter option
Loaded Slider: Add sautéed onions and green peppers between layers
Final Thoughts
I can still picture the look on her face when she took her first bite—wide-eyed and full of pride, like she’d just helped build something delicious from scratch. And she had.
These Bacon BBQ Chicken Sliders are joyful, homey, and just a bit nostalgic, carrying the laughter from our fair-day discovery straight onto the dinner table. Every cheery bite is a reminder that food connects generations and builds memories. I hope these bring as much warmth and flavor to your family’s gatherings as they do to mine.
Bacon BBQ Chicken Sliders
Print ThisIngredients
- Key Ingredients
- 12-count package Hawaiian rolls
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1½ cups BBQ sauce
- 8 slices cooked bacon, halved
- 1 cup shredded fiesta blend cheese
- Topping
- 2 Tbsp melted butter
- 2 tsp BBQ seasoning
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Slice Rolls
Cut the Hawaiian rolls in half lengthwise, keeping the top and bottom parts together.
Step 3: Mix Chicken
In a bowl, stir together the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce until coated.
Step 4: Build Sliders
Place the bottom half of the rolls in a baking dish. Spread the BBQ chicken on top, then add bacon pieces and sprinkle with cheese. Add the top half of the rolls.
Step 5: Add Butter & Seasoning
Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with BBQ seasoning.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 15–20 minutes until the cheese melts and the tops are golden.
Step 7: Slice & Serve
Let them cool for a couple of minutes. Cut into individual sliders and serve warm.
