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close up of a tower of 4 stacked chicken sliders with cheese oozing out and soft bread

Chicken Sliders

Chicken sliders are small, flavor packed sandwiches that have become a staple for game days, family dinners, parties, and casual meals. They're SO easy to make, endlessly customizable, and irresistible to both kids and adults. From classic shredded chicken (or grilled) to spicy buffalo, crispy fried, or BBQ, it's about juicy chicken, soft slider buns, delicious sauces, and balance of textures.
Course Appetizer, main, Main Course, Main Dish, party, Party Food, Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken slider, slider recipe, sliders
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 398 kcal
Author Mahy

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 Chicken Breasts cut in half, you can also use boneless chicken thighs
  • 1 Tablespoons Seasoning Italian, Ancho Ranch or your favorite
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil

Mix in Chicken Mixture

  • 2 tabelspoons Cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup Salsa
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 2 Tablespoons herbs cilantro or your favorite

Assemble the Sliders

  • 1 slider bread
  • 3 cups cheese shredded
  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing

Herb Butter

  • 3 tabelspoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
  • 1 Tablespoons herbs

Instructions

  1. This is a from scratch chicken slider which starts with the chicken prep. You can skip this section if using precooked or rotisserie.
    chicken breasts sliced in half to cook
  2. Slice the chicken breast or thighs in half to cook easier. Season them with your favorite seasoning blend. We used an ancho ranch blend, however you can use cajun, Italian or any other.
    Seasoned chicken breasts on both sides
  3. Now cook the chicken breasts for 3-5 minutes per side until cooked through.
    cooking the chicken in a cast iron from scratch to make chicken sliders if you don't have rotisserie
  4. Remove the chicken on to a board to cool down slightly.
    chicken cooked and removed on a to board to cool down
  5. Slice the chicken thinly to fit into the sliders without clumping the delicate bread.
    thinly sliced chicken ready to make chicken sliders now
  6. Now the chicken is ready if you've made it from scratch. If using rotisserie, leftover chicken or even Chicken Fingers, start here.
  7. Mix in a large plate some ranch seasoning, cream cheese and salsa. Add in some garlic and herbs.
    seasoning and herbs in a shallow plate ready to blend in with the chicken to flavor it up
  8. Now add the chicken pieces into the mixture and mix well.
    shredded chicken mixed with the flavoring herbs and sauce in a shallow plate
  9. Now prepare the other ingredients if using any fillings, cheeses and more.
  10. Spread sauce or dressing on the bottom bun. We used ranch, homemade or storebought.
    bottom of the slider bread spread with ranch to assemble chicken sliders
  11. Then add a layer of cheese to hold the bottom layer to the filling.
    layer of cheese added over the ranch at the bottom of the slider bread
  12. Now spread the chicken filling evenly, pressing it down over the cheese.
    An extra layer of cheese is added over the chicken filling in the chicken sliders
  13. Top with another layer of cheese, which will hold the filling to the top layer.
  14. Finish with the top layer of slider bread.
    Ingredients for the garlic butter in small bowls
  15. Melt some butter with the spice blend and herbs in a small bowl.
    A brush used to brush the melted garlic herb butter over the tops of the slider bread evenly before baking
  16. Brush the top of the slider bread generously with the melted butter mixture.
  17. Cover with foil and bake the chicken sliders until the cheese has melted and the bread is slightly toasted.
    A hand pulling away one chicken slider from the sliders pan
  18. Arrange sliders on a platter and enjoy!

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Chicken Sliders Recipe Tips

  1. Use soft buns: Hawaiian rolls or slider buns balance flavors without overpowering the filling.
  2. Pick your chicken style: Rotisserie chicken speeds prep,  grilled chicken adds smoky depth,  fried gives crunchy indulgence.
  3. Warm the chicken: If using pre cooked chicken, make sure to keep it warm before filling the bread. Warm fillings help the cheese melt and make sliders more cohesive.
  4. Customize sauces: Mix sauces like buffalo and ranch, or BBQ and honey for unique flavor profiles.
  5. Serve fresh: Sliders are best eaten right after assembly so buns stay soft and fillings stay juicy.
  6. Don’t overfill the bread, even though it's tempting! This is to prevent messiness
  7. Bake covered for moisture retention so the buns don't become too crisp.
  8. Add the herb garlic butter topping for flavoring the bread and for a golden glossy look.

Variations

What makes a good chicken slider?

A good chicken slider balances juicy chicken, soft bun, savory sauce, melting cheese, and texture from toppings for an enjoyable bite sized experience.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes! Any leftover roasted or shredded chicken is perfect for quick sliders and pairs well with the sauce of your choice.

What cheese melts best on sliders?

Cheddar, provolone, Swiss, or pepper jack all melt nicely and add creamy richness.

How do I keep chicken sliders from getting soggy?

The best way is to avoid a wet filling and runny sauces spread over the bread. Also you can lightly toast the buns before assembling.

Can I make these ahead?

Prepare the chicken and toppings ahead, then assemble right before serving so buns stay soft.

What bread works best for chicken sliders?

The most popular choices include Hawaiian sweet rolls, mini brioche buns, dinner rolls and pretzel slider buns.

How do you keep sliders warm for a party?

To keep sliders warm, you can cover loosely with foil after baking or use a warming tray or slow cooker (on warm setting). It's best not to leave them uncovered as they dry out.

Can chicken sliders be frozen?

Yes you can freeze them, but make sure to freeze the sliders assembled and unbaked. The assembled sliders should not have fresh ingredients like coleslaw, tomatoes etc. Freeze for 2-3 months then thaw lightly before baking. Bake wrapped in foil until warm and crispy.

How many sliders per person for a party?

  • Appetizer portion: 2–3 sliders per person
  • Main dish: 3–4 sliders per person

What sides go well with chicken sliders?

Nutrition Facts
Chicken Sliders
Amount Per Serving
Calories 398 Calories from Fat 243
% Daily Value*
Fat 27g42%
Saturated Fat 13g81%
Trans Fat 0.03g
Polyunsaturated Fat 4g
Monounsaturated Fat 6g
Cholesterol 110mg37%
Sodium 730mg32%
Potassium 422mg12%
Carbohydrates 7g2%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 30g60%
Vitamin A 1167IU23%
Vitamin C 2mg2%
Calcium 426mg43%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.