Barbecue chicken sliders have their roots deep in the Southern United States, popping up as a clever way to use up leftover chicken. If you're gearing up for game day, these sliders might just become your go-to dish. They're easy to whip up and pack a punch when it comes to flavor, thanks to a few simple tweaks. Picture this: sliders that hit that perfect sweet spot between tangy, smoky, and cheesy—ideal for those relaxed gatherings. Want to know which ingredients can elevate this crowd-favorite? Or maybe you're curious about the history that makes these little bites so special? Trust me, there's definitely more beneath the surface here. Let's dive into the tasty world of barbecue chicken sliders.
Ingredients
To make Barbecue Chicken Sliders, you'll need a few key components that come together to create a delicious dish with contrasting textures and flavors. Begin with a 12-pack of slider buns that can either be savory or sweet, depending on your preference, providing a soft and fluffy base for the sliders. As the heart of your sliders, use 1 pound of cooked and shredded chicken, with rotisserie chicken or premade shredded chicken being excellent options for convenience and flavor. This shredded chicken will be enhanced with a generous coating of original flavored barbecue sauce. For an ideal taste, Sweet Baby Rays BBQ sauce is highly recommended due to its savory, smoky, and slightly sweet profile that complements the chicken perfectly.
To add a layer of sharpness and brightness, incorporate thinly sliced red onion, which can be quick pickled if desired, for an extra punch of tanginess. For the cheesy layer, mix 1 cup of grated mozzarella with ½ cup of smoked gouda ensuring a blend of creamy and smoky notes. However, if these specific cheeses are not available, alternative options such as white cheddar or Monterey Jack can be used to create the creamy, gooey cheese pull that makes these sliders irresistible. Assemble the ingredients to create a stack of deliciousness that will be a showstopper at any gathering or a simple, satisfying meal at home. Consider pairing these sliders with Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Tater Tots for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Slider Buns | 12-pack |
| Cooked Chicken | 1 pound |
| Barbecue Sauce | Sufficient to coat chicken |
| Red Onion | Thinly sliced |
| Mozzarella Cheese | 1 cup, grated |
| Smoked Gouda Cheese | ½ cup, grated |
| Alternative Cheeses | as desired, grated |
Recipe
Barbecue Chicken Sliders
Barbecue Chicken Sliders are the perfect combination of savory, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors, ideal for gatherings or as a casual yet satisfying meal. This dish brings together tender shredded chicken coated in your favorite BBQ sauce, nestled between soft slider buns, and topped with a delectable mix of mozzarella and smoked gouda cheeses.
The addition of subtle, sharp notes from sliced red onions elevates the sliders to a gourmet treat.
To begin, you'll need to preheat your oven to 350˚F and prepare a 9X13 baking dish with parchment paper and non-stick cooking spray. In a bowl, carefully mix 4 cups of shredded cooked chicken with 1 cup of BBQ sauce until every piece is thoroughly coated.
Line the baking dish with the bottoms of 12 slider buns, evenly distribute the BBQ chicken mixture over them, and layer with thin slices of red onion. Sprinkle a generous amount of grated mozzarella and smoked gouda cheese on top.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. After removing the foil, brush the tops of the buns with a delightful butter mixture and return to the oven to bake uncovered for another 10 minutes.
Serve these delightful sliders warm with extra BBQ sauce for dipping, if desired.
For the best results, make sure the shredded chicken is moist but not too wet before mixing it with the BBQ sauce; draining any excess liquid will prevent the sliders from becoming soggy. Using freshly grated cheese instead of pre-packaged options can yield a better melt and flavor profile.
If you don't have both mozzarella and smoked gouda, you can use one or the other, though the combination is highly recommended for balanced flavor. Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator—they'll retain their goodness for up to three days.
Enjoy your irresistible Barbecue Chicken Sliders as a delightful treat at any time
Cooking Tips
When you're preparing Barbecue Chicken Sliders, a few cooking tips can make all the difference in achieving the best results. First, start by preheating your oven to 350°F—trust me, even baking is key to perfect sliders.
Grab a 9X13 baking dish and line it with parchment paper; a little non-stick cooking spray goes a long way in guaranteeing easy assembly and cleanup.
Make sure your chicken is the star of the show by using 4 cups of shredded chicken, mixed thoroughly with 1 cup of delicious BBQ sauce. This combo guarantees every bite bursts with barbecue goodness.
Load the chicken onto the buns, layering in some cheese for that gooey perfection.
Here's a secret: cover your sliders with foil during the first 15 minutes of oven time. This prevents the tops from burning and melts the cheese evenly.
When the timer beeps, remove the foil and brush the tops of the buns with a buttery mix of unsalted butter, salt, black pepper, and parsley. Pop the sliders back in the oven for another 10 minutes.
The result? Lovingly crafted, slightly crisp, and utterly irresistible sliders. Enjoy your delicious creation.
History
Barbecue chicken sliders, a beloved staple at gatherings and game days, have an interesting history rooted in American culinary traditions. These tasty bites owe their game day recipe status to the tailgating culture and the Southern United States' fondness for BBQ sauce. Imagine, back in the early 20th century, BBQ sauce was gaining popularity and folks sought flavorful, easy to make snacks for casual occasions.
| Tradition | Origin | Key Element |
|---|---|---|
| Tailgating | Southern United States | BBQ sauce |
| Busy Lifestyles | Modern-day convenience | Rotisserie chicken |
| Game Day Events | Super Bowl celebrations | Barbecue chicken sliders |
Fast forward to today, and we're using rotisserie chicken to effortlessly blend with chicken and BBQ sauce, making these sliders a breeze to prepare. They've become a game day gathering favorite, especially during Super Bowl parties. What makes them stand out is their versatility—you can top them with anything from cheese to pickles, customizing to any palate.
I love how these barbecue chicken sliders illustrate the evolution of American cuisine, blending history with modern culinary trends. Whether at tailgates or lounging on the couch, they're simply perfect for any occasion. Enjoy these little bites of history at your next game day!
Conclusion
There you have it—a straightforward recipe for barbecue chicken sliders that's bound to be a hit at your gatherings. It's easy to whip up, and I dare say your friends will love them as much as their favorite game. A simple mix of shredded chicken and cheese can bring a lot of joy to the table, and these sliders are perfect for sharing. So, roll up your sleeves and get to it. I reckon you'll have quite the crowd-pleaser on your hands. Happy cooking!