There’s something downright irresistible about the combination of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors nestled inside soft, sweet rolls. This Spicy Chipotle BBQ Chicken Slider Recipe hits all those notes perfectly — it’s the kind of dish that quickly becomes a crowd favorite at any gathering or casual dinner.

There are nine small square sandwiches with golden brown soft tops sprinkled with chopped green herbs arranged in a 3x3 grid on brown paper. Each sandwich has layers of shredded orange cheese, reddish-brown sauced meat, and thin slices of purple onion peeking out from between the warm, toasted white buns. To the left is a round wooden bowl filled with dark brown sauce and a wooden spoon resting in it. Around the sandwiches, there are ridged golden potato chips scattered on the white marbled surface, along with sliced yellow pickles and some raw purple onion rings. In the top left corner, a basket holds more ridged golden chips, and on the right, a glass-brimmed drink with lemon wedges in a woven holder sits partially in frame. 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 Spicy Chipotle BBQ Chicken Slider Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Chipotle BBQ Chicken Slider Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Chipotle BBQ Chicken Slider Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember the first time I whipped up these sliders — the perfect balance of sweet Hawaiian rolls with spicy chipotle mayo and smoky BBQ chicken totally won me over. They’re super easy to assemble and bake, yet deliver flavor-packed bites that have me making them again and again.

Flavor-packed: The chipotle spice and smoky BBQ sauce create depth without overpowering the chicken’s tenderness.
Simple prep: Shredded chicken and ready-made BBQ sauce keep it quick and fuss-free.
Perfect party food: These sliders are easy to share and loved by both kids and adults.
Customizable: You can easily swap cheeses, sauces, or toppings to suit your taste or occasion.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Spicy Chipotle BBQ Chicken Slider Recipe serves a role — the sweet rolls provide a soft base, the chipotle mayo adds smoky heat, and the cheddar cheese melts beautifully over the BBQ chicken to pull it all together. Here's a quick rundown of what I use and why you’ll want to grab these at the store:

Flat lay of a white ceramic bowl of shredded boneless skinless chicken breast, a small white bowl filled with rich reddish-brown barbecue sauce, a small white bowl containing creamy mayonnaise, one fresh chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, a small heap of bright orange sweet paprika powder, one whole garlic clove with intact skin, a few sprigs of fresh green cilantro, a small pinch of coarse salt crystals, twelve golden Hawaiian sweet rolls with a shiny crust, twelve slices of vivid orange cheddar cheese, a small pile of thinly sliced red onion rings, a small white bowl with melted golden butter, and a few sprigs of vibrant chopped parsley and chives, all arranged symmetrically 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: Tender and neutral, it beautifully absorbs the BBQ sauce flavors.
Barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite — I go for something smoky but not too sweet for contrast.
Mayonnaise: Helps create a creamy chipotle mayo base that’s full-bodied but smooth.
Chipotle pepper in adobo: This is the magic! Adds smoky heat with a hint of sweetness.
Sweet paprika: Brings subtle warmth and color to the mayo.
Garlic: Freshly minced for that punch of flavor.
Cilantro: Adds fresh brightness to balance the richness.
Hawaiian sweet rolls: Their soft, pillowy texture and gentle sweetness are a perfect match.
Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a nice sharp undertone.
Red onion: Thin slices add crunch and mild bite.
Butter: Brushing on the rolls before baking gives that golden, slightly crisp finish.
Parsley and chives: Fresh herbs for garnish that brighten each bite.

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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 making these sliders just like the recipe, but every now and then I switch things up to keep them exciting. You can easily adjust the heat level or swap out proteins — it’s a recipe that plays well with your preferences.

Variation: One time, I swapped shredded chicken for pulled pork — the chipotle BBQ combo still worked like a charm!
Heat adjustment: If you're sensitive to spice, try using fewer chipotle peppers or remove the seeds to tame the heat.
Dairy-free option: Use vegan mayo and dairy-free cheese for a tasty alternative.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Chipotle BBQ Chicken Slider Recipe

A sandwich on a soft, browned bun with a shiny top sprinkled with small green chopped herbs. Inside, there are layers of shredded meat mixed with melted orange cheese and thin slices of purple onion. The sandwich is placed on a white marbled surface with some ridged potato chips nearby, which are orange and have small green herb bits on them. A wicker basket is blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Toasting the Rolls to Golden Perfection

Start by slicing your Hawaiian sweet rolls in half, then lay them cut-side up on a lined baking sheet. Set your oven to low broil and keep a close eye on them — they toast quickly! You're aiming for a lovely golden brown color that adds crunch without drying them out. Once toasted, take them out and lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Toasting the rolls first is a game changer — it keeps them from becoming soggy once you add the juicy chicken and sauces.

Step 2: Mixing the BBQ Chicken Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken with barbecue sauce until every bit is well coated. I like to use a smoky, medium-sweet BBQ sauce for just the right punch of flavor, but feel free to pick your favorite. This part is simple but essential — don’t skimp on the sauce or the sliders might turn out dry.

Step 3: Whip Up the Chipotle Mayo Magic

For that signature spicy kick, blend together mayonnaise, chipotle pepper in adobo, sweet paprika, garlic, cilantro, and a pinch of salt. I use a small food processor or blender to get everything smooth and creamy. This chipotle mayo is what sets these sliders apart and adds such great depth — you’ll want to brush it liberally on both halves of the rolls.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake with Love

Brush the chipotle mayo on both the top and bottom toasted rolls. Layer six slices of cheddar cheese on the bottom halves, then pile on the BBQ chicken. Add thinly sliced red onions for some sharp crunch, then top with the remaining cheese slices. Cover it all with the top half of each roll, brush with melted butter, and cover your baking sheet with foil.

Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes covered so the flavors meld and the cheese starts to melt. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted and the tops are golden and toasty. This slow bake with foil keeps the sliders moist but ensures a gorgeous finish on top.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh chives and parsley before slicing the sliders apart. These fresh herbs add a beautiful pop of color and bright flavor that lightens the rich, smoky meat and mayo. Then dive in and enjoy!

Top Tip

From my experience cooking these sliders several times, a few small things make all the difference between good and absolutely crave-worthy.

Toast rolls first: This keeps them from absorbing too much moisture and getting soggy — seriously, it’s a game changer.
Don’t skimp on chipotle mayo: It’s the flavor bomb of this recipe — spread it generously for the best results.
Cover with foil while baking: It lets the cheese melt perfectly before crisping the top without drying out the sliders.
Fresh herbs at the end: They brighten up the whole slider, making every bite taste fresh and balanced.

How to Serve Spicy Chipotle BBQ Chicken Slider Recipe

Spicy Chipotle BBQ Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m partial to topping these sliders with plenty of fresh chives and parsley — they add a lovely fresh herbaceous note that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I like to add a few slices of pickled jalapeños for an extra zip of heat and acidity. If you like cool, creamy balance, a dollop more of chipotle mayo on the side is always a winner.

Side Dishes

These sliders pair beautifully with classic sides like crunchy coleslaw, crispy sweet potato fries, or a fresh corn salad on the side. At one family get-together, I whipped up a tangy black bean salsa as a side, and it was a fantastic match—the creaminess of the sliders with the brightness of the salsa really balanced out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve set these sliders on mini wooden boards garnished with extra herbs and a small ramekin of chipotle mayo for dipping. It makes the experience feel a little more elevated and festive. Pairing with colorful side bowls or fun beverage pairings like a smoky margarita or a crisp craft beer always amps up the party vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pop leftover sliders into an airtight container and refrigerate them. They stay moist and tasty for 2-3 days, perfect for quick lunches or snacks. Just cover tightly so the rolls don’t dry out.

Freezing

Freezing is definitely doable! I wrap individual sliders in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When I want them again, I thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. The flavor holds up well, though the texture is best fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, I like to cover the sliders with foil and warm them in a 325°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This keeps the rolls soft and melts the cheese nicely without drying out the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the BBQ chicken and chipotle mayo in advance and refrigerate them separately. The sliders themselves are best assembled and baked fresh for optimal texture, but you can assemble them fully, cover tightly, and bake within 24 hours.

How spicy is the chipotle mayo?

The chipotle mayo has a medium heat with smoky undertones from the chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. You can control the spice level by adjusting the amount of chipotle pepper used or removing the seeds for a milder flavor.

What can I substitute for Hawaiian sweet rolls?

You can use other soft slider buns or dinner rolls, but Hawaiian sweet rolls give a unique sweet contrast that complements the spicy-sweet chicken. If you can’t find them, try brioche buns or potato rolls for a similar soft, slightly sweet texture.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make the sliders gluten-free, you'll want to use gluten-free slider rolls and ensure your barbecue sauce and other condiments are certified gluten-free. The filling and chipotle mayo themselves are naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Chipotle BBQ Chicken Slider Recipe has become my go-to for casual get-togethers and even simple dinners on busy nights. Its layers of smoky, spicy, sweet, and creamy flavors always win over my family and friends. I really encourage you to try it out, experiment with your own twists, and savor every melty, flavorful bite like you’re sharing a warm meal with good company — because that’s exactly what it feels like in my kitchen.