Bbq Chicken Sliders Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
This Bbq Chicken Sliders Hawaiian Rolls Recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any family gathering or party. It features juicy shredded chicken tangy barbecue sauce and melted cheese inside soft sweet rolls.
Ingredients
- 1 pack 12 count King's Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
- 3 cups cooked chicken shredded (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
- 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce honey or hickory flavor
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 small red onion very thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon honey optional for extra sweetness
- A pinch of sesame seeds for the crusty top
Instructions
Prep the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This prevents the sweet rolls from sticking to the bottom of the pan while they bake.
Slice the Rolls
- Keep the Hawaiian rolls connected in one large block and slice them horizontally through the middle. Place the bottom half of the rolls into your prepared baking dish, cut side facing up.
Mix the Chicken
- In your large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce and a splash of honey. Stir until every piece of chicken is fully coated in the thick, tangy, and savory sauce.
Add the Base Layer
- Spread half of the shredded cheese evenly over the bottom half of the rolls in the baking dish. The cheese acts as a "glue" to keep the chicken from sliding off the bread.
Layer the Chicken
- Scoop the barbecue chicken mixture onto the cheese layer and spread it out to all the edges. Make sure the chicken is piled evenly so every slider gets a generous amount of meat.
Top with Onions
- Place the thinly sliced red onions over the chicken layer for a fresh crunch and a bold flavor. You can skip the onions if your kids prefer a much milder and simpler sandwich.
Add More Cheese
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the chicken and onions for extra gooey goodness. Cover the entire dish with the top half of the Hawaiian rolls, pressing down very gently.
Make the Glaze
- Whisk the melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley together in your small bowl until well combined. This savory glaze is what makes the crust of the sliders taste so incredible and professional.
Brush the Tops
- Use your pastry brush to generously coat the tops of the rolls with the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle a few sesame seeds over the butter for a classic, bakery-style look and extra texture.
Bake and Serve
- Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes, then remove foil and bake 10 more minutes until golden. Slice between the rolls with your knife and serve them hot while the cheese is still stretchy.
Notes
- Use a rotisserie chicken from the store to make this a very fast 15-minute prep meal.
- Add cooked bacon bits inside the sliders for a smoky and salty flavor boost everyone loves.
- Swap the red onion for pickled jalapeños if you want a spicy kick in every bite.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella to add a little bit of heat to the sliders.
- Ensure the butter is slightly cooled before brushing so it does not soak into the bread too fast.
- Make these ahead of time and keep them in the fridge until you are ready to bake.