There’s something incredibly irresistible about these Spicy Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe. The smoky chipotle mingling with tangy barbecue and melty cheddar on soft Hawaiian rolls is pure magic. Trust me, once you make these once, they'll become your go-to crowd-pleaser.

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 Spicy Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

It’s hard not to get excited about this recipe. I love how it blends smoky, sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors all at once without feeling complicated. These sliders are proof that sometimes, the simplest recipes make the biggest impact.

Balanced Heat and Sweetness: The chipotle adds just the right kick without overpowering the luscious barbecue sauce and cheddar cheese.
Easy to Make in Batches: Perfect for parties or family dinners since you can prepare a big batch quickly.
Soft and Buttery Rolls: Using Hawaiian sweet rolls gives the sliders that pillowy texture everyone adores.
Customizable Flavors: You can easily tweak the spice level or swap in ingredients to suit your tastes.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a star role. From smoky chipotle in the mayo to the sweet tang of barbecue sauce, they harmonize to create a bold yet approachable slider. I always suggest grabbing quality BBQ sauce and fresh peppers for maximum flavor.

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 protein that easily absorbs the BBQ sauce, making each bite juicy and flavorful.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite style—sweet, smoky, or spicy—to complement the chipotle heat perfectly.
Mayonnaise: Creates that creamy, smooth base for the chipotle mayo, balancing the heat.
Chipotle Pepper in Adobo Sauce: Adds smoky depth and moderate spice, essential for that signature kick.
Sweet Paprika: A subtle sweetness to round out the smoky chipotle.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic boosts savory notes for complexity.
Cilantro: Brightens the chipotle mayo with fresh herbal fragrance.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, so don’t skip it.
Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: Soft and slightly sweet, perfect for holding all the fillings while adding extra flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese contrasts beautifully against the smoky chicken and chipotle mayo.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a crisp, slightly tart counterpoint to the rich flavors.
Melted Butter: Brushed on top for golden, toasted rolls with buttery goodness.
Chopped Parsley and Chives: Fresh herbs for garnish that brighten and add a pop of color.

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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 mixing things up depending on the occasion. The beauty of this Spicy Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe is how easy it is to tweak: add more chipotle for heat or swap in turkey for the chicken if you want a lighter option.

Variation: Once, I stirred in a bit of diced pineapple to the BBQ chicken mixture for a tropical twist—surprisingly tasty and a fun surprise to guests!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy 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

Preheat your oven to low broil and slice those Hawaiian rolls in half. Place them cut side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil. Keep a close eye here—broil just until the edges turn golden and nicely toasted. This gives the perfect texture that holds up to all the fillings without getting soggy.

Step 2: Mix the BBQ Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken breast with your favorite barbecue sauce. Stir thoroughly so every bite is infused with that tangy smoky flavor. I prefer a sauce that’s a little on the sweet side but balanced with smokiness.

Step 3: Whip Up the Chipotle Mayo

Into your blender or food processor, toss mayo, chipotle pepper in adobo, sweet paprika, garlic, cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Blend until silky smooth. This mayo brings the smoky spice and creamy coolness that elevates the sliders.

Step 4: Assemble Your Sliders

Brush chipotle mayo generously on both cut sides of the toasted rolls. On the bottom half, layer half of the cheddar slices, followed by the BBQ chicken, then red onion, and top with the rest of the cheese slices. Cap them with the top halves of the rolls.

Step 5: Get Them Golden

Brush melted butter over the assembled slider tops, cover the pan tightly with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown and irresistibly toasted.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped chives and parsley over the hot sliders for a pop of color and fresh aroma. Slice them apart carefully and serve warm.

Top Tip

After making these sliders a few times, I found some tweaks that really take the Spicy Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe from great to unforgettable. These tips are little tricks that make big flavor and texture differences.

Toast Smart: Don't walk away while broiling the rolls. They can go from golden to burnt in seconds, so stay close and watch their color carefully.
Blend the Mayo Thoroughly: Blending the chipotle mayo until perfectly smooth ensures every bite gets that smoky, creamy flavor instead of uneven chunks.
Butter the Top Rolls: This creates a beautiful shiny golden crust once baked and adds a lovely richness to the sliders.
Don’t Overcrowd: When assembling, make sure each slider has enough space on the pan so cheese melts evenly without sticking them together.

How to Serve Spicy Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe

chipotle BBQ chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always go for fresh herbs like chopped chives and parsley—these brighten the rich, smoky flavors and add a fresh, vibrant touch that's visually inviting. Sometimes I add a little extra sliced pickled jalapeños on the side for guests who crave more heat.

Side Dishes

These sliders pair beautifully with crisp coleslaw, classic potato chips, or even a fresh cucumber salad. I also love serving them with corn on the cob for a laid-back summer vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For game day or parties, I arrange sliders on a large wooden board surrounded by small bowls of extra chipotle mayo and BBQ sauce for dipping. Adding pickled vegetables or colorful roasted peppers on the side makes the whole spread feel festive and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually wrap leftover sliders tightly in foil or plastic wrap and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay moist and tasty for up to 3 days when stored this way.

Freezing

Freezing these sliders works well too! I separate them individually and wrap each in plastic wrap, then place all in a freezer-safe bag. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, I find baking them uncovered in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes brings back that crispy top and melted cheese beautifully—just like fresh. Microwaving can make the rolls soggy, so I tend to avoid that.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Spicy Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the BBQ chicken and chipotle mayo a day before, then assemble right before baking. This saves time on busy days.

How spicy are these sliders?

The spice mainly comes from the chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, which adds a smoky heat that's moderate. You can adjust by adding more or less chipotle depending on your heat preference.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! While cheddar adds a sharp, melty goodness, you can swap in Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack for extra heat, or even smoked gouda for a deeper smoky flavor.

What’s the best way to shred chicken for this recipe?

I usually poach chicken breasts until cooked through, then shred using two forks or by pulsing briefly in a food processor to get that perfect texture without turning it into chicken mush.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe has become such a favorite in my kitchen, mostly because it’s simple yet bursting with layers of smoky, spicy, and cheesy goodness. I hope you fall in love with them as much as I have. They’re perfect to make any meal feel special and bring everyone to the table with smiles!