Description
These BBQ Deli Chicken Sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer featuring thinly sliced deli chicken layered with sharp cheddar, crispy fried onions, and tangy BBQ sauce, all nestled inside soft Hawaiian rolls and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for parties, game days, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Sliders
- 16 oz package Hawaiian rolls
- 1 lb deli chicken, thinly sliced
- 6 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup french fried onions
Topping Mixture
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons minced dried onion
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
Garnish
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh minced parsley
Other
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Slice and Arrange Rolls: Slice the entire sheet of Hawaiian rolls horizontally in half to separate the top and bottom buns. Place the bottom half evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating the base layer for your sliders.
- Layer Chicken and Cheese: Arrange the thinly sliced deli chicken evenly over the bottom buns. Then lay the sharp cheddar cheese slices over the chicken layer, ensuring coverage for every slider.
- Add Toppings and Sauce: Sprinkle the french fried onions evenly over the cheese, then evenly drizzle or spread the BBQ sauce on top to infuse bold flavor into every bite.
- Replace Top Buns: Carefully place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls back onto the layered ingredients, covering the sliders completely.
- Prepare Topping Mixture and Apply: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, maple syrup, minced dried onion, smoked paprika, and poppy seeds. Generously brush this mixture over the tops of the slider buns to add a flavorful, golden crust during baking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing the sliders to warm through and the cheese to melt completely.
- Uncover and Brown Tops: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes so the tops of the buns can turn golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle fresh minced parsley over the warm sliders for a pop of color and mild herbal flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy these flavorful BBQ deli chicken sliders.
Notes
- Using a package of Hawaiian rolls makes assembling these sliders quick and easy.
- Feel free to substitute deli chicken with smoked turkey or ham for variation.
- Maple syrup in the butter topping adds a subtle sweetness complementing the smoky BBQ flavors.
- French fried onions provide a delightful crunch but can be omitted for a softer texture.
- These sliders are best served fresh but can be reheated covered with foil to retain moisture.
