These FAST and EASY sliders are made with shredded chicken, smothered in tangy barbecue sauce, sandwiched between soft slider buns with cheese, and baked until warm! These pull-apart sandwiches are perfect for parties, game days, or any casual gathering where a simple appetizer or snack is needed!
12count package King's Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls
3cupsshredded chickenrotisserie chicken is recommended
¾cupbarbecue sauce
8slicesHavarti cheesesliced mozzarella, Monterrey Jack, Pepper Jack, gouda, or smoked gouda may be substituted
¼cupbuttermelted (I use salted but if using unsalted, you may want to add a pinch of salt)
1tablespoonfresh thymefinely minced (about 1 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme may be substituted)
1tablespoondried onion flakes
2 to 3clovesgarlicfinely minced OR 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350F and spray a 9 x 13" baking dish or baking pan with cooking spray. Tip - If you're using a metal baking pan, I like to line my pan with nonstick foil for easier cleanup.
Either slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally so you will have a bottom "slab" and then a top "slab" OR separate the rolls and slice each one and a half horizontally. Note - I find the first "slab" method easier because you don't have to be as precise about the placement of the remaining ingredients. However, slicing the final baked sliders is a bit easier with the second method.
To a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, barbecue sauce, and stir to combine.
Evenly distribute the mixture over the bottom of all the Hawaiian rolls in the baking dish.
Evenly top with cheese.
Place the tops of the rolls over the cheese; set aside momentarily.
To a small microwave-safe bowl, add the butter and heat on high to melt, about 1 minute.
Stir in the thyme, onion flakes, garlic, and brush the mixture evenly over the tops of the buns.
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
Remove the pan from the oven, take off the foil, and bake for about 5 minutes more, or until the tops of the buns are as lightly golden browned as desired. Tip - Hawaiian bread is soft and has a fair amount of sugar in it so it will be more prone to burning. Watch the tops of the buns closely so they don't get too done or burn.
Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Sliders are best fresh but will keep airtight in the fridge for about 3 days, noting that the buns will become soggier as they sit.
Notes
*Chicken - I use and recommend rotisserie chicken for ease and convenience. Pick one of from your local grocery store and shred it. However, any shredded chicken works such as leftover Grilled BBQ Chicken, Poached Chicken, Perfect 20-Minute Baked Chicken, or make your own skinless chicken breasts or thighs quickly in the Instant Pot and shred.