There’s something undeniably irresistible about bite-sized, flavor-packed sandwiches, and this Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe hits that mark perfectly. The smoky, spicy chipotle mixed with tangy barbecue chicken makes these sliders not just tasty but downright memorable.

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

I’m always on the hunt for a slider recipe that’s both simple and packed with layers of flavor, and this Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe never disappoints. Whether it’s game day, a casual get-together, or just a cozy meal at home, these sliders always bring smiles.

Flavor Explosion: The combination of smoky chipotle mayo and tangy BBQ chicken creates a mouthwatering harmony you’ll crave again and again.
Quick and Easy Prep: Ready in about 40 minutes, these sliders come together faster than you’d expect for such a restaurant-worthy bite.
Perfect Party Food: They’re bite-sized and easy to serve, making them a hit for crowds, from family dinners to parties.
Customizable: From adding extra heat to swapping cheeses, you can tweak these sliders to perfectly fit your taste buds.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of these sliders is in how the ingredients balance each other — the smoky BBQ chicken pairs beautifully with the creamy, spicy chipotle mayo, while the sweet Hawaiian rolls and sharp cheddar add the perfect finish. Below, I break down each key ingredient and why it’s essential.

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 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Lean and tender, it soaks up the BBQ sauce beautifully while keeping the sliders juicy.
Barbecue Sauce: I prefer a smoky, slightly sweet style to complement the chipotle heat without overpowering it.
Mayonnaise: This forms the creamy base of the chipotle mayo, smoothing out the heat while adding richness.
Chipotle Pepper in Adobo Sauce: The heart of the spice here—a smoky, slightly spicy pepper that gives the mayo a fantastic depth.
Sweet Paprika: Adds a subtle sweetness and a hint of color to the mayo, boosting the smoky vibe.
Garlic: Fresh garlic amps up the flavor, making the mayo more robust and aromatic.
Chopped Cilantro: Just a bit brings freshness to the creamy mayo and lightens the overall flavor profile.
Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: Their buttery sweetness perfectly balances the spicy and tangy fillings while staying soft enough to bite into easily.
Cheddar Cheese: I like a sharp orange cheddar because it melts beautifully and adds a nice tang to the sliders.
Thinly Sliced Red Onion: Adds a crisp bite and a touch of sharpness that cuts through the richness.
Melted Butter: Brushing the rolls before baking gives you that gorgeous golden crust and adds a buttery note.
Chopped Parsley and Chives: Fresh herbs sprinkled on top brighten the final presentation and flavor.

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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 my favorite parts about the Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I often change up the level of heat or switch out ingredients based on what I have on hand or the occasion.

Spice It Up: When I want extra kick, I add a second chipotle pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mayo.
Cheese Swap: Been known to use pepper jack for a little extra heat or mozzarella for a milder, gooey melt.
Make It Lighter: For a lighter version, swapping regular mayo for avocado mayo gives a fresh twist without losing creaminess.
Vegetarian-Friendly: I’ve tried using shredded jackfruit instead of chicken for a smoky, meat-free option that's surprisingly satisfying.

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 Perfection

Start by slicing the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally and placing them cut side up on a lined baking sheet. Turn your oven to low broil and watch closely as they toast until golden brown — this usually takes just a few minutes. Toasting brings a nice crunch and caramelizes the sweetness, which contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken filling. Be sure not to walk away; those rolls can go from toasted to burnt in seconds!

Step 2: Mix Up the BBQ Chicken

In a bowl, combine shredded chicken with your favorite barbecue sauce. I prefer using leftover roasted chicken here—it saves time and adds that homemade touch. Stir everything well until the chicken is thoroughly coated. You want every bite to have that smoky, tangy BBQ flavor.

Step 3: Whip Up the Chipotle Mayo

This is where the magic happens. Blend together mayonnaise, a chipotle pepper in adobo, sweet paprika, garlic, cilantro, and a dash of salt until smooth and creamy. This spicy, smoky spread takes your sliders from good to unforgettable. Pro tip: If you want it milder, start with half a pepper and add more after tasting.

Step 4: Assemble & Bake

Brush the chipotle mayo on both the bottom and top halves of the toasted rolls. Layer six bottom halves with cheddar cheese, then spoon on the BBQ chicken, a few slices of red onion for crunch, and top with more cheddar. Place the remaining top halves of the rolls over the fillings. Don’t skip brushing the tops with melted butter—that golden finish is worth it!

Cover the pan with foil and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to gently melt and flavors to meld. Then take off the foil and bake another 10-15 minutes so the tops toast beautifully. Watch them closely—the smell alone will have you rushing to the oven!

Top Tip

After making these sliders dozens of times, I’ve learned a few handy tricks that really make a difference in taste and texture.

Don’t Skip Toasting The Rolls: This gives your sliders that perfect crunch on the outside and a nice sturdiness so they don’t get soggy.
Blend The Chipotle Mayo Well: Make sure to mince or blend the garlic very finely so no harsh bites interrupt the creamy texture.
Layer Cheese Strategically: Placing cheese both below and above the chicken melts everything together into a gooey, satisfying bite.
Watch The Oven Time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye especially during broiling to avoid burnt rolls.

How to Serve Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe

chipotle BBQ chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping mine with fresh chopped parsley and chives—it adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note right on top of those rich, spicy flavors. Some crushed red pepper flakes can also be fun if you want an extra punch.

Side Dishes

Pair these sliders with classic coleslaw or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. Sweet potato fries are a crowd-pleaser here, and a simple pickle on the side always adds a nice acidic crunch that you’ll appreciate.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve served these sliders on a large wooden board lined with parchment, garnished with fresh herbs, and placed mini skewers or toothpicks to keep everything neat and easy for guests to grab. You can even serve them buffet style with little bowls of extra chipotle mayo on the side for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I wrap the sliders tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container, then refrigerate. They keep well for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep the rolls soft and the cheese melty.

Freezing

These sliders freeze surprisingly well. I assemble everything except for baking, then wrap them tightly, and freeze. When I’m ready, I thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. This way, you can prep in advance for parties or busy weeknights without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

I find reheating wrapped in foil at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes works best to warm them through without drying out the chicken or toughening the rolls. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to make the bread soggy and the cheese rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that’s already cooked and full of flavor. Just shred it and mix with your favorite barbecue sauce.

How spicy are these sliders?

They have a mild-to-medium heat level thanks to the chipotle pepper. You can easily adjust the spice by using less chipotle or adding more if you like it hot. The mayo base also helps mellow the intensity.

Can I make the chipotle mayo ahead of time?

Yes! The chipotle mayo actually tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight as the flavors meld. Just keep it in a sealed container.

What’s the best way to melt the cheese evenly?

Layering cheese both underneath and on top of the chicken helps create an even melt throughout the slider. Covering the sliders with foil for the first part of baking traps the heat and allows the cheese to melt slowly without burning.

Final Thoughts

This Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe truly feels like a little celebration in every bite—it’s the kind of dish I love to serve when friends come over or when I want to treat my family to something special but quick. Between the smoky sauce, spicy mayo, and melty cheddar, you’re guaranteed a winner every time. Give it a try, and I’d bet it quickly becomes one of your go-to recipes too!