There’s something irresistible about sinking your teeth into tender, smoky chicken layered with melty cheddar and a spicy kick of chipotle mayo all nestled inside a soft, sweet Hawaiian roll. That’s exactly what the Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe delivers—a perfect blend of smoky, spicy, and sweet that keeps everyone coming back for more.

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 quickly became a favorite in my house because it’s simple to make but feels totally special. It’s the kind of recipe you want in your back pocket for parties, casual dinners, or when you just want to impress without fuss.

Flavor Explosion: The combination of smoky chipotle, tangy barbecue sauce, and sharp cheddar hits all the right notes in every bite.
Easy Assembly: Prep comes together quickly, making it a perfect weeknight crowd-pleaser or game day snack.
Sweet & Spicy Balance: The Hawaiian rolls add a subtle sweetness that balances the heat, making these sliders approachable for all taste buds.
Versatile Serving: These sliders can easily be dressed up or down with simple garnishes and side dishes to fit the occasion.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe plays a role in creating the layers of flavor and texture that make these sliders irresistible. When shopping, look for quality BBQ sauce and fresh Hawaiian rolls to really elevate the final results.

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: Lean and tender, shredded chicken soaks up the barbecue sauce beautifully for juicy, flavorful bites.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce—something smoky or sweet works great to complement the chipotle heat.
Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy base for the chipotle mayo that adds richness and moisture.
Chipotle Pepper in Adobo Sauce: This packs smoky heat and depth into the mayo, the star of the spicy kick.
Sweet Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic brightens the chipotle mayo with its pungent aroma and flavor.
Chopped Cilantro: Adds a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness.
Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: Soft, slightly sweet rolls that contrast perfectly with the smoky, spicy fillings.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty, cheddar gives a creamy, rich layer to balance the tangy BBQ chicken.
Thinly Sliced Red Onion: Brings a mild crunch and mild bite that adds freshness.
Melted Butter: Brushed on rolls before baking for a golden, crispy finish.
Chopped Parsley and Chives (for garnish): Fresh herbs add a pop of color and bright flavor that complement the dish beautifully.

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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

I love playing with the heat level in this recipe—sometimes I add extra chipotle peppers if I’m craving more spice, or swap in smoked gouda instead of cheddar for a creamier twist. Feel free to customize depending on what flavors you enjoy most or what ingredients you have at home.

Variation: For a lighter version, switch to shredded rotisserie chicken and low-fat mayo — it's just as tasty and quicker to prep.
Dietary Mod: Use gluten-free rolls and dairy-free cheese slices to make this recipe allergy-friendly without losing any flavor.
Seasonal Touch: Add sliced avocado or fresh tomato in warmer months for a burst of freshness and color.

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 Your Rolls Just Right

First things first, slice the Hawaiian rolls in half and lay them cut side up on a lined baking sheet. Pop them under a low broil and watch carefully—toast them until they’re golden brown but not burned. This adds a wonderful crunch that keeps your sliders from getting soggy when you add those juicy layers later. After toasting, lower your oven temperature to 350°F to prepare for baking the assembled sliders.

Step 2: Mix Your Smoky BBQ Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce and stir until every bit of chicken is coated in that smoky, tangy goodness. I like using store-bought BBQ sauce for convenience, but homemade will absolutely take this up a notch if you have it on hand.

Step 3: Blend the Creamy Chipotle Mayo

In a food processor or blender, add the mayo, chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, sweet paprika, crushed garlic, cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy—that chipotle mayo adds a nice spicy kick with smoky undertones that cozy up perfectly with the BBQ chicken. This step is my favorite because that smell filling the kitchen means you're almost there!

Step 4: Layer and Bake to Perfection

Brush chipotle mayo on both the toasted top and bottom halves of your rolls—that ensures every bite is rich and flavorful. On the bottom halves, place six slices of cheddar cheese, then heap on the BBQ chicken mixture. Top the chicken with thin slices of red onion and finish with the remaining cheddar slices. Place the toasted roll tops over the assembly, brush with melted butter, and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes to melt that cheese, then remove the foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Top Tip

I’ve made these sliders countless times, and I’ve learned how each little step matters when it comes to nailing that perfect texture and flavor. Here are my best tips to help your sliders turn out amazing every time.

Watch the Toasting Closely: Hawaiian rolls toast quickly under broil—don't wander off or you could end up with burnt edges.
Blend the Mayo Thoroughly: Blending the chipotle ingredients well ensures the heat is evenly distributed, so no unexpected spicy bursts.
Butter Makes the Difference: Brushing melted butter on top before baking creates that irresistible golden crust that I always look forward to.
Don’t Skip the Foil Cover: Covering while baking melts the cheese nicely without drying out the rolls, keep the sliders moist and melty.

How to Serve Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe

chipotle BBQ chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped chives and parsley on top right before serving—the herbs add a pop of color and a light freshness that’s a nice contrast to the rich, smoky meats and cheese. Sometimes I toss on a few extra red onion slices as well for that bit of crunch and brightness.

Side Dishes

These sliders pair wonderfully with classic sides like crispy sweet potato fries, a simple coleslaw, or even baked beans. For something fresh, a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can really balance the richness of the sliders.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged these sliders on a large platter lined with parchment paper and added small toothpicks for easy grabbing. You can also serve them in mini cast iron skillets to keep them warm and a little rustic-chic. I once layered them on a tiered tray for a game day spread and it was a huge hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling the sliders to room temperature, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for about 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight. Just keep in mind the rolls soften a bit, so reheating properly is key.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover sliders individually wrapped in foil, then placed in a freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. This way, you can enjoy these delicious sliders without rushing.

Reheating

To reheat and keep the best texture, I wrap the sliders in foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. This keeps the rolls from getting dried out or tough like the microwave sometimes does.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time and tastes great. Just shred it and mix with the BBQ sauce as directed.

What if I don't have chipotle peppers in adobo sauce?

You can substitute smoked paprika with a pinch of cayenne pepper and a dash of tomato paste to mimic the smoky, spicy flavor. Or try adding a bit of hot sauce and smoked paprika to the mayo for some heat.

Can these sliders be made vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the shredded chicken with shredded jackfruit or pulled mushrooms, and use vegetarian BBQ sauce. The chipotle mayo and cheese make the sliders flavorful and satisfying without meat.

How far in advance can I assemble the sliders?

You can assemble the sliders a few hours ahead, then cover and refrigerate. Just bring them back to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking and melting.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe is one of those dishes I reach for when I want something comforting but exciting. The spicy, smoky layers combined with sweet rolls and melty cheese make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a recipe that feels like a hug in slider form. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s easy enough for busy days but special enough for entertaining, and I’m sure it’ll become a family favorite like it did in mine!