There’s something magical about those little bites packed with smoky, creamy, and cheesy goodness. That’s exactly what my Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe delivers—a perfect balance of bold flavors wrapped in sweet Hawaiian rolls. It’s the kind of snack or meal that instantly lifts the mood at any gathering.

There are nine small square sandwiches with golden brown soft tops sprinkled with chopped green herbs arranged in a 3x3 grid on brown paper. Each sandwich has layers of shredded orange cheese, reddish-brown sauced meat, and thin slices of purple onion peeking out from between the warm, toasted white buns. To the left is a round wooden bowl filled with dark brown sauce and a wooden spoon resting in it. Around the sandwiches, there are ridged golden potato chips scattered on the white marbled surface, along with sliced yellow pickles and some raw purple onion rings. In the top left corner, a basket holds more ridged golden chips, and on the right, a glass-brimmed drink with lemon wedges in a woven holder sits partially in frame. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have to confess, this Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe quickly became my go-to when friends stop by—it’s just that good and easy. The smoky chipotle combined with tangy barbecue sauce and melty cheddar hits all the right notes, and the Hawaiian rolls keep it soft and sweet.

Smoky & Creamy Flavor Blend: The chipotle mayo adds a subtle heat that elevates the sweet barbecue chicken so well.
Effortless Assembly: Combining simple shredded chicken with premade sauces means you’re almost ready in 10 minutes.
Perfectly Toasted Rolls: Broiling the sweet rolls before baking keeps them tender inside and satisfyingly crispy on top.
Great Crowd-Pleaser: These sliders are just the right size for parties or family dinners, and everyone always asks for seconds!

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk about why these ingredients make the magic happen. The shredded chicken acts as a tender, protein-packed base while the barbecue sauce brings tang and smoky sweetness. The chipotle mayo is a game changer—creamy with a kick. Don't skip on the Hawaiian rolls; their sweetness perfectly balances the spices.

Flat lay of a white ceramic bowl of shredded boneless skinless chicken breast, a small white bowl filled with rich reddish-brown barbecue sauce, a small white bowl containing creamy mayonnaise, one fresh chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, a small heap of bright orange sweet paprika powder, one whole garlic clove with intact skin, a few sprigs of fresh green cilantro, a small pinch of coarse salt crystals, twelve golden Hawaiian sweet rolls with a shiny crust, twelve slices of vivid orange cheddar cheese, a small pile of thinly sliced red onion rings, a small white bowl with melted golden butter, and a few sprigs of vibrant chopped parsley and chives, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Shredded chicken breast: Use cooked chicken from a roast or rotisserie for convenience and juicy results.
Barbecue sauce: Pick your favorite brand or homemade sauce, but I love one that’s smoky and slightly sweet.
Mayonnaise: Creamy and rich, it’s the perfect base for our chipotle sauce.
Chipotle pepper in adobo sauce: Adds smoky heat—if you want it milder, just use half a pepper.
Sweet paprika: Rounds out the smoky flavor without extra heat.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic packs a punch you won’t get from powders.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens the mayo sauce and keeps it lively.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
Hawaiian sweet rolls: These soft rolls with a hint of sweetness are essential for slider success.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp orange cheddar melts beautifully and adds tang.
Red onion: Thin slices add crunch and a little bite.
Butter: Brushing melted butter on top creates that irresistible golden crust.
Parsley & chives: Fresh herbs for garnish add color and a bit of freshness.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love making this recipe just as it is, but I’m always open to tweaks, especially when feeding picky eaters or trying to lighten it up. You've got a lot of room to get creative with heat levels and toppings, so go ahead and make it yours.

Smoky Sweet Variation: I’ve tried swapping out the chipotle pepper for a dash of smoked paprika to tone down the heat but keep that smoky vibe.
Healthier Swap: Using Greek yogurt instead of mayo for the chipotle sauce gives a tangy twist while cutting some calories.
Spice It Up: Add jalapeños or pickled banana peppers if you prefer your sliders with a serious kick.
Cheese Choices: Pepper jack or mozzarella both melt wonderfully if cheddar isn’t your favorite.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe

A sandwich on a soft, browned bun with a shiny top sprinkled with small green chopped herbs. Inside, there are layers of shredded meat mixed with melted orange cheese and thin slices of purple onion. The sandwich is placed on a white marbled surface with some ridged potato chips nearby, which are orange and have small green herb bits on them. A wicker basket is blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Toast Those Rolls to Perfection

Preheat your oven to low broil and slice the Hawaiian rolls right down the middle. Lay them cut side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil. Keep a close eye while toasting—minutes count here to avoid burning. I usually watch closely and remove them as soon as I see a golden edge, which unlocks a toasty crunch that pairs wonderfully with the soft inside.

Step 2: Mix the BBQ Chicken

Grab a bowl and toss your shredded chicken with barbecue sauce until every shred is well coated. This is where your chicken and sauce become one—the tangy, smoky glaze is what makes these sliders pop. Leaving it to rest for a bit lets the flavors soak in, but if you’re pressed for time, just go ahead and assemble immediately.

Step 3: Whip Up the Chipotle Mayo

Pop the mayo, chipotle pepper, paprika, garlic, cilantro, and salt into a blender or food processor. Blend until creamy and smooth. I love using fresh garlic here—it really brightens up this smoky sauce. Taste and adjust salt or chipotle levels to your liking. This mayo is where the subtle heat and creaminess come alive.

Step 4: Assemble the Sliders

Brush both sides of the toasted rolls with chipotle mayo—don’t be shy, it’s the flavor star. Place six cheese slices on the bottom halves, then spoon on the BBQ chicken, scatter the thinly sliced red onions, and top with the remaining cheese slices. Cap them with the top halves of the rolls.

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Brush melted butter generously over the tops, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until bubbly, golden, and irresistible. That butter glazing makes all the difference—trust me! Finish by sprinkling fresh chives and parsley to add a little fresh pop and color.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned that nailing the texture of the rolls and balancing that chipotle heat make all the difference. Here are some of my best pointers to get this Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe just right:

Watch the Broil: Toast the Hawaiian rolls just until golden because they’ll keep cooking later and you don’t want burnt edges.
Chipotle Heat Control: If you’re not used to chipotle peppers, start with half a pepper and taste your mayo before blending more.
Butter Brushing: Don’t skimp on butter before baking—this step makes the tops irresistibly glossy and flavorful.
Cheese Placement: Adding slices of cheese both under and over the chicken gives you that gooey, cheesy experience in every bite.

How to Serve Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe

chipotle bbq chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top my sliders with fresh chopped chives and parsley—they add that vibrant green pop that makes these sliders look as good as they taste. Plus, the herbs balance the richness with a fresh bite. Sometimes I sprinkle a tiny bit of extra smoked paprika over the top for a finishing touch.

Side Dishes

We love pairing these sliders with crunchy coleslaw or sweet potato fries to complement the smoky and sweet flavors. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is also great for keeping things light and fresh alongside the rich sliders.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to line these sliders up on a big wooden board and scatter fresh herbs and mini bowls of extra chipotle mayo or pickles alongside. It turns a casual snack into a conversation piece. You can even wrap individual sliders in parchment for grab-and-go convenience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers sealed in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the sliders from getting soggy, I sometimes store the chicken mixture separately from the rolls, then assemble and warm just before serving.

Freezing

These sliders freeze pretty well! After baking and cooling, wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They stay good for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F, covered loosely with foil, for about 10 minutes until warmed through and cheese is melty again. This keeps the rolls soft but crisp on top—microwaving tends to make them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the barbecue chicken and chipotle mayo a day in advance and keep them refrigerated. Toast the rolls and assemble the sliders just before baking to keep everything fresh and tasty.

What if I don’t have chipotle peppers in adobo sauce?

If you don’t have chipotle peppers, you can substitute with smoked paprika plus a little cayenne for heat, or use chipotle powder if available. Keep in mind the flavor won’t be exactly the same but will still be delicious.

Can I use another type of cheese in this recipe?

Yes! While sharp cheddar is my favorite for its melt and tang, pepper jack adds a nice spicy kick, and mozzarella gives a gooey texture. Feel free to use whatever you prefer or have on hand.

Are these sliders suitable for meal prep lunches?

Definitely! The sliders are great for meal prep. Store components separately to avoid sogginess and assemble when you’re ready to eat. They reheat well in the oven, providing a satisfying lunch option.

Final Thoughts

This Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe has been a fun and flavorful twist in my kitchen, perfect for casual dinners or weekend entertaining. I love how easy it is to whip up yet feels special with that chipotle kick and gooey cheddar. You’re going to enjoy these little bundles of joy. Trust me, once you try them, you'll be making these sliders over and over again.