Mini Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sliders

These Mini Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sliders are the perfect sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy bite-sized sandwiches. Featuring tender shredded chicken tossed in a pineapple-infused BBQ sauce, these sliders pack big tropical flavor into a soft, fluffy Hawaiian roll.

Perfect for game days, summer cookouts, or quick family dinners, these easy-to-make sliders bring together the irresistible combination of BBQ, pineapple, and spice in one delicious bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet, smoky, and tangy – The pineapple BBQ sauce adds a tropical twist.
• Perfect party food – Small, handheld, and easy to serve.
• Quick & easy – Uses shredded rotisserie chicken or slow-cooked chicken for convenience.
• Soft Hawaiian rolls – A slightly sweet bun that complements the BBQ flavors.
• Pairs beautifully with a tropical mocktail – A coconut or pineapple spritz balances the smoky BBQ sauce.

Ingredients

For the Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or slow-cooked)
• ¾ cup BBQ sauce (hickory or smoky BBQ works best)
• ½ cup crushed pineapple (with juice) (adds natural sweetness)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (for umami depth)
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (balances sweetness)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (enhances the smoky BBQ flavor)
• ½ tsp chili flakes or cayenne (optional, for heat)

For the Sliders

• 12 Hawaiian rolls (lightly toasted for texture)
• ½ cup coleslaw mix (adds crunch)
• ¼ cup mayonnaise (for a creamy slaw)
• 1 tbsp lime juice (for freshness)
• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)

Helpful Tool: A slow cooker or Instant Pot makes the shredded chicken extra tender if cooking from scratch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine BBQ sauce, crushed pineapple, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and chili flakes.
2. Stir well and let simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
3. Add shredded chicken and toss to coat evenly. Let simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Make the Coleslaw

1. In a bowl, combine coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.
2. Toss until evenly coated and let sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

3. Assemble the Sliders

1. Slice Hawaiian rolls in half and toast lightly for extra texture.
2. Layer shredded Hawaiian BBQ chicken on the bottom half of each roll.
3. Top with Monterey Jack cheese (if using) and a spoonful of coleslaw.
4. Cover with the top bun and secure with a toothpick if serving at a party.

Tip: Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Mocktail Pairing: Coconut Pineapple Mojito

A refreshing Coconut Pineapple Mojito is the perfect complement to these sliders. The light, tropical flavors of coconut and pineapple balance the smoky-sweet BBQ sauce beautifully.

[Get the full mocktail recipe here!]

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• To Make Ahead: Prepare the BBQ chicken up to 2 days in advance and store in the fridge.
• To Store Leftovers: Keep sliders wrapped in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• To Reheat: Warm the BBQ chicken in a saucepan or microwave before assembling fresh sliders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pulled pork instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe works just as well with shredded pork or beef.

What can I use instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Soft brioche buns or dinner rolls are great alternatives.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add chicken breasts, BBQ sauce, pineapple, soy sauce, vinegar, and seasonings to a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, then shred the chicken.

Can I make this less sweet?
Reduce or omit the crushed pineapple and use a vinegar-based BBQ sauce for a more savory version.

Final Thoughts

These Mini Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sliders bring together sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors in a soft, bite-sized sandwich. Whether for parties, family dinners, or casual gatherings, they’re easy to make and always a crowd favorite.

Pair them with a Coconut Pineapple Spritzer for the ultimate tropical-inspired meal!

For more appetizer ideas, check out [these easy party recipes!]

📌 Save this recipe on Pinterest so you always have a go-to Hawaiian slider recipe!