Grilled barbecue chicken is a summertime favorite, and these smoky-sweet flavors shine in handheld BBQ Chicken Sliders topped with ranch, crispy bacon, Colby Jack cheese, fresh crunchy lettuce, and red onion.
This recipe is built for summer—easy to make poolside, at the beach, on a boat, or around the campsite. Aside from slicing onions and grilling chicken and bacon, there’s minimal prep. These barbecue ranch chicken sliders are low maintenance and travel well.
Enjoy them warm straight from the grill or chilled. You can prepare the sliders ahead of time and pack them in the original King’s Hawaiian tray and bag for outdoor picnics or outings.
If you love sliders, check out other recipes on the site for inspiration.
Why You’ll Love BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Serve Warm or Chilled – enjoy them fresh off the grill or prepare ahead and serve cold.
- Perfect for Outdoors – easy to take to the beach, pool, or campsite; no complicated prep or homemade sauces required.
- Great for Large Groups – simple to scale up for parties; slice and serve to feed a crowd.
- Bold, Balanced Flavor – sweet barbecue pairs beautifully with tender chicken, smoky bacon, creamy mayo, crisp lettuce, and tangy red onion on sweet Hawaiian rolls.
Key Ingredients
This BBQ Chicken Sliders recipe keeps things simple—no homemade spice blends or sauces required—so you can spend more time outside and less time in the kitchen.
Chicken Breasts – boneless, skinless breasts work well; tenderloins or boneless thighs can be used instead.
Hawaiian Rolls – sweet rolls, such as King’s Hawaiian Original, are ideal.
Bacon – cook until crispy for a crunchy, smoky topping.
Barbecue Sauce – use your favorite bottled BBQ sauce; a hickory brown sugar style is excellent.
Mayonnaise – spread on the bottom buns for creaminess.
Ranch Dressing – drizzle over lettuce for a herby finish; add right before serving if making ahead.
Shredded Lettuce – pre-shredded lettuce keeps the recipe quick and tidy.
Red Onion – thin slices add a bright, sharp contrast to the smoky flavors.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Sliders
Step 1: Marinate chicken in a zip-top bag or bowl with 1 cup barbecue sauce and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally up to 4 hours. Preheat the grill to medium and cook the chicken about 3 minutes per side, basting with the remaining 1/2 cup barbecue sauce while grilling. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 2: Slice the Hawaiian buns horizontally. Spread mayonnaise on the bottom buns, place the grilled chicken on top, and add a little extra barbecue sauce. Layer with a square of Colby Jack cheese, crispy bacon, red onion slices, and shredded lettuce. Drizzle ranch over the lettuce. If serving later, wait to add ranch until just before slicing and serving.
Looking for More Slider Recipes?
Honey Mustard Chicken BLT Sliders
Barbecue Potato Chip Chicken Sliders
Beef Birria Sliders
Alabama White Chicken Sliders
I hope you enjoy this BBQ Chicken Slider recipe. Leave a comment with questions or feedback!
If you make these sliders, tag me on Instagram @BadBatchBaking to be featured—seeing your recreations makes my day!
Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders
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Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cut into 4-inch pieces
- 1 pack Hawaiian rolls, 12 count
- 8 slices bacon
- 2 cups barbecue sauce, divided
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1/4 red onion, sliced
- 12 squares Colby Jack cheese cracker-cut size works well
Instructions
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Marinate chicken in a zip-top bag or bowl with 1 cup barbecue sauce and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 4 hours or overnight.
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While the chicken marinates, cook the bacon in a skillet over low heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
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Preheat a grill to medium. Grill the chicken about 3 minutes per side, basting with the remaining 1/2 cup barbecue sauce as it cooks. Chicken is done at 165°F (74°C).
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Slice the Hawaiian buns horizontally. Spread mayonnaise on the bottom buns and place the grilled chicken on top. Add a little extra barbecue sauce if desired.
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Top each chicken piece with a square of cheese, then add bacon, red onion, and shredded lettuce. Drizzle ranch over the lettuce. If preparing ahead, add ranch just before serving.
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Place the top buns on, slice the loaf into individual sliders, and serve.