Appetizers & Party
Chicken Sliders
These sliders bake all together on one tray, with shredded chicken and melted cheese sandwiched between soft dinner rolls, brushed with a savory garlic butter that crisps the tops as they bake. It's an easy, hands-off way to feed a crowd.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Bake all the sliders at once, no individual assembly
- Garlic butter topping crisps the tops as it bakes
- Great use for leftover cooked chicken
- Easy to double for a bigger crowd
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Slice the entire slab of rolls in half horizontally, keeping the rolls connected, and place the bottom half in the baking dish.
- Toss the shredded chicken with the BBQ or buffalo sauce.
- Spread the chicken evenly over the bottom half of the rolls and top with the cheese.
- Place the top half of the rolls back on and press down gently.
- Whisk together the melted butter, garlic powder and parsley, then brush generously over the tops. Sprinkle with poppy seeds if using.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake 5 more minutes until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted.
- Slice into individual sliders and serve warm.
How to tell it's done
Since the chicken is already cooked, bake until the cheese is fully melted and the filling is hot in the center sliders (165°F). That's usually 15 minutes covered, then 5 uncovered. The tops should be golden and slightly crisp from the garlic butter. If they brown too quickly, put the foil back on.
Tips for success
- Keeping the rolls connected and slicing the whole slab in half at once makes assembly much faster than building individual sliders.
- Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for the filling.
- The garlic butter topping is what gives these sliders their crisp, flavorful tops — don't skip it.
- These reheat well, making them good for making ahead of a party and rewarming.
Ingredient notes & swaps
- Rolls: Hawaiian sweet rolls are the most popular choice and go well with BBQ sauce. Plain dinner rolls or brioche slider buns work for buffalo chicken.
- Sauce choice: BBQ sauce with cheddar, or buffalo sauce with pepper jack and a drizzle of ranch, are the two classic versions.
- Moisture: drain any extra liquid from the sauced chicken, or the bottom buns can turn soggy.
- Add-ins: pickles, caramelized onions, coleslaw (added after baking) or crisp bacon add more texture.
Storage & reheating
Refrigerate leftovers, covered, for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 10-15 minutes. The microwave makes the rolls chewy.
Make ahead & freezing
Assemble the sliders (without the butter topping) up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly and refrigerate. Brush on the garlic butter right before baking, and add about 5 minutes to the covered baking time. Assembled, unbaked sliders can be frozen for up to 1 month, wrapped well.
What to serve with it
Chips, a veggie tray with dip, coleslaw or pasta salad for a party spread. For dinner, serve with sweet potato fries or a green salad.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make chicken sliders ahead of time?
Assemble them fully, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking, or bake ahead and reheat covered in a low oven.
What sauce works best for chicken sliders?
BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or a simple honey mustard all work well depending on your preference.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option.
What rolls work best for sliders?
Soft, connected dinner rolls like Hawaiian rolls or slider buns hold together well and have the right size and texture.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 312 |
| Protein | 20g |
| Carbs | 28g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Sodium | 560mg |
| Sugar | 8g |
Nutrition values are estimates calculated from the ingredient list and will vary with the exact brands and portion sizes you use.
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