Description
These Chipotle Cheddar BBQ Chicken Sliders combine tender shredded chicken tossed in smoky barbecue sauce with a spicy chipotle mayo, melted cheddar cheese, and sweet Hawaiian rolls. Perfectly toasted and baked to meld all the flavors, these sliders make a delicious appetizer or main course for any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
BBQ Chicken
- 2 cups shredded boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Chipotle Mayo
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced or crushed
- 1/2 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- pinch of salt
Sliders
- 12 count Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 12 slices cheddar cheese (orange)
- 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 tablespoon melted butter, plus more for serving
- chopped parsley and chives, for serving
Instructions
- Prep and Toast the Rolls: Turn the oven to low broil. Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half and place them cut side up on a lined baking sheet. Toast the halves carefully until golden brown and toasted. Then remove from the oven and lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Make the Barbecue Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and barbecue sauce. Stir well until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Make the Chipotle Mayo: Add mayonnaise, chipotle pepper, sweet paprika, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt to a food processor or blender. Blend the mixture until fully combined and smooth. Transfer to a small bowl.
- Assemble the Sliders: Brush chipotle mayo on both the top and bottom halves of the toasted rolls. Place 6 slices of cheddar cheese evenly on the bottom halves. Layer the barbecue chicken on top of the cheese, then add the thinly sliced red onions. Top with the remaining 6 slices of cheddar cheese. Place the top halves of the rolls over the fillings.
- Bake the Sliders: Brush the melted butter generously over the top of the assembled rolls. Cover the baking sheet tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake the sliders uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the rolls are golden brown and toasted on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle chopped parsley and chives over the sliders, then cut into individual servings and serve warm.
Notes
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the chipotle pepper quantity or omit the adobo sauce.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with pepper jack for extra spice or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- Use freshly shredded chicken for the best texture, but rotisserie chicken can be a convenient shortcut.
- Make chipotle mayo ahead of time and refrigerate to let flavors meld.
- Brushing the rolls with butter before baking adds a rich golden crust; use garlic butter for extra flavor.
- Serve with pickles or coleslaw on the side for a complete meal experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
