Creating Easy Chicken Sliders at home is one of the simplest ways to feed a crowd while still delivering big, satisfying flavor. These baked pull-apart sandwiches combine tender chicken, melted cheese, and a buttery seasoning glaze that turns basic rolls into a golden, irresistible appetizer. Whether you’re preparing for game day, a potluck, or a quick family meal, this recipe offers convenience without sacrificing taste.
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Easy Chicken Sliders
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
Description
These baked pull-apart chicken sliders combine tender shredded chicken, mozzarella, red onion, and a Dijon butter glaze for the perfect party appetizer.
Ingredients
1 sheet slider rolls, sliced horizontally
3 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1/3 cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place bottom half of rolls inside.
2. Spread chicken evenly over the rolls, then top with mozzarella and sliced red onion.
3. Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Place the top half of the rolls over the filling.
5. Melt butter with Dijon mustard in a saucepan until smooth.
6. Pour butter mixture over the rolls and brush to coat evenly. Sprinkle seasoning mix over the top.
7. Cover with foil and bake 15–20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 3–5 minutes more to brown.
8. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for faster prep. These sliders can be assembled ahead and baked before serving. Adjust heat by increasing or reducing crushed red pepper.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers & Snacks
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
The Best Sliders for Any Occasion
What Makes These Sliders Stand Out
The appeal of these pulled chicken sandwiches comes from the balance of texture and flavor. Soft rolls cradle seasoned chicken and mozzarella, while a Dijon-butter mixture infuses the tops with savory depth. Each bite blends a tender interior with a lightly crisp surface, making them perfect for parties or weeknight dinners.
Flavor Boosters That Enhance This Recipe
A mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional crushed red pepper creates a warm, aromatic profile. These seasonings meld into the butter glaze, giving the bread a lightly toasted, flavorful finish. For even greater richness, brush a little extra butter on the edges before baking.
When to Serve These Crowd-Pleasers
Their pull-apart format makes them ideal for gatherings. They travel well, stay warm for a long time, and are easy to portion. Pair them with simple sides like salads or fries, or serve them alongside appetizers such as these cheesy baked stuffed mushrooms for a complete spread.
Ingredients and Prep Guide for These Sliders
Core Ingredients That Build Flavor
The foundation of this recipe is shredded chicken, soft slider rolls, mozzarella cheese, and red onion. Butter and Dijon mustard form the glaze that soaks into the bread as the sliders bake. Pantry spices bring everything together, shaping a comforting yet vibrant flavor profile.
Tips for Prepping Chicken
Use cooked, shredded chicken from a store-bought rotisserie or leftover roasted meat. If preparing chicken from scratch, simmer breast meat in lightly salted water for 12–15 minutes, then shred with forks. The chicken should be soft enough to blend with the cheese without drying out.
Choosing the Best Slider Buns
Soft Hawaiian-style rolls work beautifully because they hold their shape while staying tender. Any sheet of pull-apart rolls will work, but avoid overly crusty varieties. Slice the rolls horizontally in one piece to create a stable bottom layer for the filling.
How to Make the Sliders Step by Step
Building the Layered Filling
Spread the bottom half of the rolls in a baking dish, then distribute the shredded chicken across the surface. Sprinkle mozzarella on top so it melts into the meat. Red onion gives a gentle crunch and a fresh note that lifts the rich filling.
Preparing the Butter and Seasoning Mix
Mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Melt butter and Dijon mustard in a saucepan until smooth and warm. This buttery glaze helps brown the buns and carry the seasonings across every piece.
Baking Tips for Even Browning
Once the seasoned butter coats the rolls, cover the dish with foil to help everything meld. After 15–20 minutes, remove the foil and let the tops toast. The final bake creates the perfect crisp-tender texture that makes these sliders irresistible.
Serving Ideas for These Chicken Sliders
Favorite Sides and Pairings
These handheld sandwiches complement crisp salads, roasted vegetables, and warm appetizers. For a lighter companion, serve with a fresh slaw or seasonal greens. For a heartier pairing, add a batch of baked Parmesan zucchini fries to turn the dish into an easy, shareable meal.
Creative Topping Options
Add sliced pickles, a drizzle of barbecue sauce, or a spoonful of tangy coleslaw to change the flavor profile. Even a light brush of garlic butter on the cut side of the buns can elevate each bite.
How to Keep Them Warm for Parties
Cover the dish with foil and set it in a warm oven (around 200°F) until serving time. This keeps the cheese soft and the bread tender without drying out the sandwich layers.
Variations and Types of Chicken Sliders
Different Styles to Try
There are many ways to transform this base recipe. Buffalo-style versions use hot sauce and blue cheese. Barbecue versions pair shredded meat with smoked seasonings and cheddar. Creamy ranch-inspired sliders add herbs and an extra cheesy layer.
Simple Ingredient Swaps
Use pepper jack cheese for mild heat, smoked paprika for a deeper profile, or caramelized onions in place of raw. If you want a tangy finish, add a thin layer of pickled jalapeños.
Dietary Adjustments
Gluten-free rolls work well as long as they are soft enough to absorb the butter glaze. For a lower-fat version, reduce the butter slightly or use part-skim mozzarella. High-protein diets benefit from keeping the chicken-to-bread ratio generous.
Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Tips
Storing Leftovers
Place cooled sliders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The butter glaze helps maintain moisture, so leftovers reheat nicely.
Freezing Instructions
Wrap the cooled baked sliders tightly in foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Without Drying Out
Warm sliders in a covered baking dish at 300°F for 10–12 minutes. Covering them during reheating preserves their soft texture while ensuring the centers heat through evenly.
FAQs About Easy Chicken Sliders
What are the different types of chicken sliders?
There are classic, barbecue, Buffalo, ranch, and cheesy variations, each customizable with different sauces and toppings. The base remains shredded chicken paired with cheese on soft rolls.
What goes into a great chicken sliders recipe?
Balanced flavors, a tender meat layer, melted cheese, and a seasoned butter topping are the essentials. This combination ensures the rolls bake to a golden finish.
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes—assemble them fully, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to one day. Wait to add the butter glaze until just before baking.
How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?
Avoid adding wet ingredients directly to the bread. Keeping the butter glaze on top, rather than underneath, helps the rolls stay crisp on the bottom.
Conclusion
These pulled chicken sandwiches deliver comfort, convenience, and big flavor in every bite. Their versatility makes them ideal for parties, potlucks, or family dinners, and the simple baking method ensures consistent results every time. With minimal prep and reliable flavor, these sliders deserve a spot in your weekly rotation.
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