Description
These BBQ Deli Chicken Sliders are an easy and flavorful party appetizer featuring tender deli chicken, sharp cheddar, tangy BBQ sauce, and crispy fried onions layered on soft Hawaiian rolls. Topped with a buttery maple glaze and roasted to golden perfection, these sliders are sure to be a crowd-pleaser for game days, gatherings, or casual dinners.
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
Glaze
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons minced dried onion
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
Garnish
- ½ tablespoon fresh minced parsley
Other
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Slice the rolls: Cut the entire sheet of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, separating the top and bottom halves. Place the bottom half into the prepared baking dish, ensuring it fits snugly.
- Add chicken and cheese layers: Evenly layer the thinly sliced deli chicken over the bottom rolls, then top with the sharp cheddar cheese slices to cover the chicken layer.
- Top with onions and BBQ sauce: Sprinkle the french fried onions evenly over the cheese, then drizzle the BBQ sauce evenly across the onions.
- Replace the top bun layer: Carefully place the top half of the Hawaiian roll sheet back over the assembled layers to form the sliders.
- Prepare and apply glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the melted unsalted butter, maple syrup, minced dried onion, smoked paprika, and poppy seeds. Generously brush this mixture over the tops of the slider buns to add flavor and help browning.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing the sliders to warm through and the cheese to melt.
- Bake uncovered to brown: Remove the foil and bake the sliders uncovered for an additional 5 minutes. This step browns and crisps the tops for a delicious golden finish.
- Garnish and serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle the tops of the warm sliders with fresh minced parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful BBQ deli chicken sliders!
Notes
- Using thinly sliced deli chicken makes assembly quick and easy, but you can substitute with cooked shredded chicken if preferred.
- Feel free to swap the cheddar cheese with your favorite cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different flavor note.
- Adjust BBQ sauce amount based on your desired tanginess and moisture.
- Make sure to brush the maple butter glaze thoroughly to get a nice golden crust after baking.
- These sliders are best served fresh but can be wrapped and refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat covered in the oven before serving.
