There’s something insanely satisfying about biting into soft, sweet rolls filled with smoky, spicy chicken and melty cheddar – that’s exactly what makes this Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe a total winner in my book. It’s the perfect balance of bold flavors and comfort that’s begging to be whipped up anytime you want a crowd-pleaser or a cozy snack.

The image shows nine small sandwich sliders arranged in a grid on a white marbled surface covered partially with brown parchment. Each slider has a shiny, golden-brown top bun sprinkled with green herbs. Inside the sliders, there is a visible layer of shredded meat mixed with melted orange cheese, and thin slices of purple onions peek out from some sandwiches. Around the sliders, there are wavy, ridged potato chips in golden-yellow color placed on the surface and in a woven basket. A small wooden bowl filled with dark reddish-brown sauce with a wooden spoon rests near the bottom left corner. Thin slices of green pickles and more purple onion rings are scattered around the sliders. At the top right, a clear glass with iced tea and a lemon wedge sits on a woven coaster. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe is one I keep coming back to because it’s so darn easy yet impressive. The interplay of chipotle heat and tangy BBQ sauce plus that creamy chipotle mayo makes every bite a mini flavor explosion. Honestly, it’s like your favorite summer cookout rolled into a handheld treat.

Bold, smoky flavor: The chipotle in adobo peppers adds a smoky spice that gives these sliders a unique kick.
Simple but layered ingredients: The sweet Hawaiian rolls and sharp cheddar balance out the spicy chicken beautifully.
Quick assembly: You can have these sliders on the table in under an hour – perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Super customizable: Easily adjust the heat level or swap cheeses, making it endlessly adaptable to your taste.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this recipe plays its part — from the tender chicken soaking up sweet and smoky BBQ sauce to the luscious chipotle mayo that hugs the sandwich layers with creamy heat. Picking quality Hawaiian rolls makes the biggest difference in texture and sweetness, so I always go for fresh ones. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need and why it’s awesome:

Flat lay of shredded boneless skinless chicken breast, a small white bowl of rich barbecue sauce, a small white bowl of creamy mayonnaise, one whole chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, a small white bowl of sweet paprika powder, one garlic clove, finely minced, a small white bowl of chopped fresh cilantro, a pinch of salt scattered delicately, a small cluster of twelve glossy Hawaiian sweet rolls, six slices of vibrant orange cheddar cheese stacked neatly, a small white bowl of thinly sliced red onion rings, a small white bowl of melted butter, fresh sprigs of parsley, fresh sprigs of chives, all arranged with perfect symmetry in simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Shredded chicken breast: It soaks up the BBQ sauce perfectly while staying tender, which is key for juicy sliders.
Barbecue sauce: Choose a sauce you love – something smoky and slightly sweet works best to complement the chipotle flavor.
Mayonnaise: The mayo base in the chipotle mayo gives a silky richness that rounds out the spices.
Chipotle pepper in adobo sauce: This little powerhouse packs smoky heat and depth — don’t skip it!
Sweet paprika: Adds warmth and a subtle smoky layer that elevates the mayo.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a bright kick that wakes up the mayo and balances smoky notes.
Fresh cilantro: Brings a fresh, herbal brightness to the chipotle mayo that lightens the richness.
Hawaiian sweet rolls: Their pillowy softness and sweetness perfectly counterbalance the spicy chicken.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds a tangy, creamy texture that's irresistible.
Red onion: Thin slices add a fresh crunch and a touch of sharpness to cut through the richness.
Melted butter: Brushed on top of the rolls for a golden, buttery finish that’s pure comfort.
Fresh parsley and chives: A sprinkle adds color and fresh flavor—plus they make it look gorgeous when serving.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe is how easy it is to tweak just a little to fit your own flavor vibe. Feel free to crank up the heat if you’re a spice lover or switch to a milder cheese if cheddar isn’t your jam. I've even swapped out rolls for pretzel buns at parties—they're a hit!

Variation: I sometimes mix in some diced pineapple into the BBQ chicken mixture for a sweet-tart surprise—it adds bright flavor that pairs beautifully with the smoky chipotle.
Dietary switches: For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo in the chipotle sauce, or swap chicken for shredded turkey.
Seasonal twist: Add roasted corn or bell peppers for an extra fresh pop when making these in summer.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe

A close-up of a sandwich with a soft, golden-brown toasted bun topped with chopped green herbs. Inside the sandwich are layers of tender, saucy pulled meat mixed with cooked caramelized onions and a slice of red onion. The sandwich sits on a brown paper surface with crispy ridged potato chips next to it, all placed on a white marbled texture background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Toast the Rolls to Golden Perfection

Start by slicing your Hawaiian sweet rolls in half and arranging them on a baking sheet, cut side up. Pop them under a low broil, but watch them closely—those rolls can go from perfect to burnt in seconds. You’re aiming for a light golden toast that adds texture and flavor depth. When they look toasted, get them out and drop the oven temp to 350°F to prep for baking later.

Step 2: Mix the BBQ Chicken

Grab a bowl and stir together your shredded chicken breast with the barbecue sauce until every bite is nicely coated. This step is where your sliders get their signature sweet-smoky flavor, so give it a good mix. If your chicken is too dry, add a splash more sauce—trust me, you want it saucy, not soggy.

Step 3: Blend the Chipotle Mayo Magic

In a food processor or blender, toss in mayo, chipotle pepper, paprika, garlic, cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Blend until silky smooth—that smoky chipotle mayo is the secret sauce here, so be sure it’s creamy and well combined. If it’s too spicy for you, add a little extra mayo to mellow it out.

Step 4: Assemble the Sliders

Brush the chipotle mayo on both sides of each toasted roll half—that little smear adds serious flavor punch. On the bottom halves, layer half of your cheddar slices, then pile on the BBQ chicken, followed by the sliced red onion and the remaining cheese slices. Cap each with the top halves of the rolls.

Step 5: Bake for Melty, Golden Goodness

Brush melted butter generously over the assembled rolls’ tops, then cover the pan tightly with foil. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes to let the cheese start melting. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling beautifully. It’s that toasty finish that makes these sliders irresistible!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped parsley and chives over the tops. Not only does this add a fresh pop of color, but it also brightens the flavors just enough. Slice into individual sliders and get ready for that perfect handheld bite of smoky, cheesy bliss.

Top Tip

After making these sliders more times than I can count, I’ve learned a few things that really help the final result shine. These simple tricks can make all the difference between a good slider and a great one.

Watch the broiling carefully: Because Hawaiian rolls toast so quickly, keep an eye on them to avoid any burning—they should be golden, not charred.
Adjust the chipotle heat: I usually use one pepper, but if you want milder sliders, start with half a pepper and add more after tasting.
Butter brush makes a difference: Don’t skip brushing the tops with butter before baking—the buttery crispness on top adds incredible flavor and texture.
Make it ahead: You can prep your chicken and chipotle mayo a day in advance to save time on the day you want to serve them.

How to Serve Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe

chipotle BBQ chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple and fresh—chopped parsley and chives are my go-to garnishes. They add just the right touch of herbal brightness and a gorgeous pop of green against the rich and cheesy sliders. Sometimes I toss on a few pickled jalapeños for a vinegary zing that punches up each bite.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I pair these sliders with crunchy coleslaw or a crisp cucumber salad. Roasted sweet potato fries or classic kettle chips also make a great companion for a textural contrast. These sides keep things fresh and add some crunch alongside those soft, saucy sliders.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like arranging the sliders on a big wooden board garnished with fresh herbs and small bowls of extra chipotle mayo for dipping. It makes the whole vibe warm and inviting. I’ve even served them mini-style in muffin tins to keep them neat and portable—perfect for game day snacking!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge. If possible, keep the sliders assembled—just reheat them gently later to keep the buns from drying out. They usually stay good for 2–3 days, and honestly, they often taste even better the next day once all those flavors have melded together.

Freezing

Freezing sliders can work well if you wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store them in freezer-safe containers. When you want to enjoy them again, let them thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly in the oven. This helps preserve texture and melty cheese goodness without getting soggy.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the sliders with foil and pop them in a 325°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is just melted again. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain that signature toasted exterior—it tends to get soggy fast in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the BBQ chicken from scratch?

Absolutely! You can slow cook chicken breasts or thighs with your favorite spices and BBQ sauce, then shred them once tender to use in these sliders. Slow cooking adds even more depth to the flavors.

What if I don’t have a food processor for the chipotle mayo?

No food processor? No problem! Just finely mince the chipotle pepper and garlic, then whisk them into the mayonnaise along with paprika, cilantro, and salt until everything is evenly combined.

What kind of BBQ sauce works best?

Go for a smoky and slightly sweet BBQ sauce—it complements the chipotle’s heat without overpowering. I usually choose a hickory-smoked sauce or a Kansas City style for the perfect balance.

Can I use other cheeses instead of cheddar?

You sure can! Pepper jack adds extra spice, while mozzarella gives a milder creaminess. Just pick a cheese that melts well and matches your flavor preference.

Final Thoughts

This Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe has quickly become a staple for me whenever I want something easy, crowd-pleasing, and packed with bold flavors. Sharing it with friends always leads to compliments and requests for seconds. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s one of those recipes that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat. Grab those sweet rolls, fire up your oven, and get ready for smoky, spicy, cheesy slider bliss!