Why You’ll Love This Chicken Sliders Recipe
Let me tell you—this chicken sliders recipe is about to become your new go-to. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just craving something downright delicious, these little sandwiches check all the boxes. And if you’re looking for another crowd-pleaser, check out my chicken spaghetti recipe with Rotel
Here’s why they’re an absolute must-make:
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Super easy to throw together – No fancy steps or complicated ingredients here. This chicken sliders recipe is all about big flavor without the fuss.
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Crazy delicious – Think juicy, seasoned chicken, melty cheese, soft buttery rolls, and a mouthwatering glaze on top. It’s a flavor party.
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Perfect for sharing – Game day? Potluck? Family dinner? These sliders are made for moments like that. And if you’re grilling, be sure to check out this Cornell chicken barbecue sauce and safe chicken barbecues for an extra flavor boost
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Make-ahead friendly – You can prep everything in advance and just bake when you’re ready. That’s what I call dinner magic.
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Total crowd favorite – Trust me, everyone—from toddlers to grandparents—is going to be asking for seconds.
In short, this chicken sliders recipe is simple, satisfying, and so good it might just outshine the main event. Better make a double batch… these babies disappear fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This chicken sliders recipe keeps things simple but oh-so-flavorful. Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up a batch of these irresistible mini sandwiches:
For the Chicken
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2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works like a charm!)
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1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade—go wild)
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Slider Buns and Toppings
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12 Hawaiian rolls (or any soft dinner rolls you love)
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6 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese, halved
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1/4 cup butter, melted
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional, but adds a nice little crunch)
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Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional, but it makes ‘em look fancy)
This chicken sliders recipe is totally customizable—swap the BBQ sauce for buffalo, add pickles, throw in some crispy bacon… basically, follow your cravings!
How to Make Chicken Sliders
Ready to dive into the easiest, tastiest chicken sliders recipe ever? Let’s break it down step-by-step. You’ll be popping these beauties in the oven in no time.
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
If you’re using leftover or rotisserie chicken (bless you), just shred it up and toss it in a bowl. Add the barbecue sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix until everything’s nicely coated and flavorful. Boom—done!
Tip: Want to cook chicken from scratch? Just boil or bake a couple of chicken breasts and shred ‘em. Easy peasy.
Step 2: Assemble the Sliders
Grab your baking dish and slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally—don’t separate them! Place the bottom half of the rolls in the dish, then layer on the BBQ chicken mixture. Top with cheese slices (don’t be shy), then add the top half of the rolls.
Now for the buttery magic: Mix melted butter with Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and poppy seeds. Brush that glorious mixture all over the tops of the rolls.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 5–7 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is ooey-gooey.
Slice, serve, and prepare for compliments.
Seriously, this chicken sliders recipe is comfort food at its finest—perfect for parties, lazy dinners, or whenever you just need something tasty and easy.
Tips for the Best Chicken Sliders
Want to take your chicken sliders recipe from great to can’t-stop-eating-these amazing? Here are a few tried-and-true tips to help you nail it every time:
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Use rotisserie chicken to save time – It’s juicy, flavorful, and perfect for this chicken sliders recipe. Major time-saver, no judgment.
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Don’t skip the butter topping – That buttery glaze on top? It’s what gives the sliders that golden, slightly crisp finish. Totally worth it.
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Toast the bottom buns (if you like ‘em a little firmer) – If you’re not into soft bottoms (hey, no shame), toast the bottom buns for a few minutes before assembling to keep them from getting too soggy.
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Customize to your cravings – Swap BBQ sauce for buffalo, add some ranch or blue cheese, throw in jalapeños for a little kick—this chicken sliders recipe is super flexible.
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Let them rest a minute before slicing – Once baked, give your sliders a minute or two to set before slicing. It helps everything stay together when you serve.
Whether you’re making them for a crowd or just for yourself (no judgment here), these tips will help your chicken sliders recipe come out perfectly every time.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this chicken sliders recipe? It’s super easy to mix things up based on what you’ve got on hand—or what you’re craving. Here are a few fun twists to try:
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Swap the BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce and add a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Spicy, creamy, and totally addictive.
Cheesy Jalapeño Kick
Add pickled jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for a little heat. This version of the chicken sliders recipe brings the flavor and the fire.
Italian Twist
Swap out the barbecue sauce for classic marinara, then add a layer of mozzarella cheese and a dash of Italian herbs. It’s like a mini chicken parmesan, perfect for a slider!
Make it Vegetarian
Swap the chicken for shredded jackfruit or sautéed mushrooms. You’ll still get all the slider goodness—just meat-free.
What to Serve with Chicken Sliders
So you’ve got your delicious chicken sliders fresh out of the oven—now what? Let’s build the ultimate meal around them! Whether you’re keeping it casual or going all-out, here are some tasty sides that pair perfectly with this chicken sliders recipe:
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Crispy French fries or sweet potato fries – Because sliders and fries are a match made in comfort food heaven.
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Coleslaw – A cool, crunchy slaw adds the perfect contrast to the warm, cheesy goodness of your sliders.
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Potato salad or pasta salad – Great for feeding a crowd and easy to make ahead. Bonus: zero stress at mealtime.
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Pickles and chips – Keep it simple and snacky with some crunchy sides. Dill pickles and kettle chips never let you down.
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Roasted veggies – For a little balance (and to convince yourself this meal is healthy), try some roasted broccoli, carrots, or brussels sprouts.
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Mac and cheese – When you’re really going for it, creamy mac and cheese on the side makes this chicken sliders recipe extra indulgent.
Whether you’re serving them at a party, a picnic, or just a cozy night in, these sides round out the meal and make your sliders the star of the show.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
Want to save time or make this chicken sliders recipe ahead of time? You’re in luck! These sliders are perfect for prepping in advance. Here’s how to make your life easier:
Make Ahead
Assemble the sliders completely, but don’t bake them right away. Instead, wrap them securely in foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake them in the oven, and you’re all set!
Freezing
Feel free to freeze these sliders before baking for an easy make-ahead option! Assemble everything as usual, wrap them well in foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, just thaw them overnight in the fridge and follow the normal baking instructions.
Leftovers
If you happen to have any sliders left (doubtful, but let’s be optimistic), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to get that nice crispy top back.
Reheating
To reheat, place the sliders in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–10 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the oven keeps that buttery, crispy topping intact.
Chicken Sliders FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions about this chicken sliders recipe:
1. Can I use ground chicken instead of shredded chicken?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just fine for this chicken sliders recipe. Simply cook the ground chicken with your seasonings and BBQ sauce, then proceed with the recipe as usual. It’s a great alternative if you don’t have shredded chicken on hand!
2. Can I make these chicken sliders spicy?
You bet! If you love a little heat, swap out the BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce, or add some chopped jalapeños into the chicken mixture. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking to give these sliders a fiery kick!
3. How can I make these sliders healthier?
For a lighter version, try swapping the slider buns for whole wheat or lettuce wraps. You can also use a sugar-free BBQ sauce or opt for grilled chicken instead of the shredded version for a leaner option. The beauty of this chicken sliders recipe is that it’s flexible to your health goals!
4. Is it okay to substitute a different type of cheese?
Of course! While I love provolone or mozzarella for their meltiness, you can totally experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or even pepper jack for a little extra zing. The key is to choose a cheese that melts well for that gooey, delicious bite!