Extra-Cheesy Chicken Sliders are soft, buttery, and packed with juicy chicken and gooey melted cheese. The garlic butter topping adds a rich, savory flavor that makes them irresistible. These sliders are perfect for quick meals, parties, or game nights. They bake in just 30 minutes and are super easy to make. You can prepare them ahead, pop them in the oven, and serve them fresh. Enjoy them as a snack, lunch, or dinner, and watch them disappear fast!
Benefits of This Recipe
- ✔ Quick and Easy – These Cheesy Chicken Sliders take just 30 minutes from start to finish.
- ✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve them at parties, game nights, family dinners, or potlucks.
- ✔ Great for Meal Prep – Assemble the sliders a day ahead, store them in the fridge, and bake later.
- ✔ Crowd-Pleaser – The cheesy, buttery, and juicy combination makes them a hit with everyone.
- ✔ Customizable – Add BBQ sauce, jalapeños, or extra cheese to match your taste.
- ✔ Mess-Free and Easy to Serve – They are bite-sized and hold together well, making them great for kids and gatherings.
Read more: Creamy Chicken Kale Mushroom Pot Pie Recipe
Cautions
- Don’t Overfill the Sliders – Too much chicken or cheese can make them fall apart while baking.
- Use Fresh Rolls – Stale or dry rolls won’t soak up the flavors properly.
- Cover While Baking – Foil prevents the tops from burning and helps the cheese melt evenly.
- Check Chicken Temperature – If using fresh-cooked chicken, ensure it reaches 75°C (165°F) internally.
- Serve Warm for Best Taste – The cheese is soft and gooey when fresh, but it firms up as it cools.
- Watch the Butter Amount – Too much butter can make the sliders greasy and heavy.
Sliders
As cheese became a popular ingredient in comfort foods, sliders also saw a cheesy twist. People started adding cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, or even cream cheese to boost flavor. The combination of juicy chicken and gooey cheese turned Extra-Cheesy Chicken Sliders into a favorite. The recipe became famous in home kitchens, casual restaurants, and food trucks, thanks to its rich, melty texture and easy preparation.
Why Hawaiian Rolls Became Popular
The choice of Hawaiian sweet rolls made these sliders even better. Their soft, slightly sweet texture absorbs flavors well, making every bite moist and buttery. This shift from standard buns to pull-apart rolls helped the Extra-Cheesy Chicken Sliders become a party favorite and family meal staple.
Cultural Significance of Extra-Cheesy Chicken Sliders
A Must-Have for Gatherings
In the United States, sliders are a top pick for game nights, BBQs, and holiday feasts. Extra-Cheesy Chicken Sliders fit right in because they are quick to make, mess-free, and packed with flavor. Many people serve them at events like Super Bowl parties, potlucks, and birthday celebrations.
A Global Comfort Food
While sliders are an American favorite, small, cheesy sandwiches exist worldwide. In Italy, paninis are filled with melted cheese and meats, while in Asia, bao buns hold similar ingredients. Extra-Cheesy Chicken Sliders bring together soft bread, cheesy goodness, and savory chicken, making them a universal comfort food.
A Staple in Modern Home Cooking
In today’s fast-paced world, home cooks prefer quick, easy, and delicious meals. Extra-Cheesy Chicken Sliders check all the boxes. They are simple, customizable, and great for meal prep. Whether for busy weeknights or casual dinners, they remain a go-to recipe for many families.
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Extra-Cheesy Chicken Sliders
Description
These Extra-Cheesy Chicken Sliders are packed with juicy, shredded chicken, creamy mayonnaise, tangy Dijon mustard, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, all sandwiched between soft Hawaiian rolls. Brushed with garlic butter and baked to golden perfection, these sliders are a must-try for any gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
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Set the oven temperature to 175°C (350°F) and allow it to fully preheat.
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Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the rolls from sticking.
2. Prepare the Hawaiian Rolls
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Keep the Hawaiian sweet rolls connected and do not separate them individually.
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Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully slice the rolls horizontally in one motion.
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Lift the top half and set it aside.
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Place the bottom half inside the greased baking dish with the cut side facing up to create a sturdy base for the filling.
3. Prepare the Cheese Blend
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Take a medium-sized mixing bowl and add 4 ounces of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 4 ounces of shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese.
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Toss the cheese together using a spoon or clean hands to evenly distribute the two types.
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Set the cheese mixture aside for later use.
4. Prepare the Chicken Mixture
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Place 1 pound of shredded cooked chicken in a large mixing bowl.
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Add 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of sour cream, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the bowl.
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Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt.
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Mix thoroughly using a spoon or spatula until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
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Add 4 thinly sliced scallions and stir again to ensure they are well distributed throughout the mixture.
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Set aside for assembly.
5. Assemble the Sliders
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Sprinkle half of the prepared cheese blend evenly over the bottom half of the rolls in the baking dish.
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Spread the chicken mixture over the cheese layer, ensuring it covers the entire surface evenly.
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Sprinkle the remaining cheese blend over the chicken mixture, creating a rich, cheesy layer.
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Carefully place the top half of the rolls back over the filling, aligning them properly.
6. Prepare the Garlic Butter Topping
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In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in 10-second intervals until fully liquefied.
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Add 1 minced garlic clove to the melted butter and let it sit for 1 minute to infuse the garlic flavor.
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Stir the butter mixture gently using a spoon or pastry brush to distribute the garlic evenly.
7. Apply the Garlic Butter and Add Sesame Seeds
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Using a pastry brush, apply half of the garlic butter mixture to the cut side of the top half of the rolls before placing them on the sliders.
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Once the top half is in place, brush the remaining garlic butter evenly over the tops of the sliders.
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If desired, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of white sesame seeds over the buttered rolls for extra texture and flavor.
8. Bake the Sliders
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Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent the tops from burning while allowing the cheese to melt properly.
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Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
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After 20 minutes, remove the aluminum foil and continue baking for 5 more minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
9. Rest and Serve the Sliders
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Remove the baking dish from the oven and place it on a heat-safe surface.
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Let the sliders rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle and the cheese to set slightly.
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Using a sharp knife or spatula, carefully cut the sliders apart along the natural divisions of the rolls.
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Serve warm and enjoy these cheesy, buttery, and flavorful sliders!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 320kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18g28%
- Saturated Fat 9g45%
- Cholesterol 60mg20%
- Total Carbohydrate 25g9%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 18g36%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
1. The Secret to Juicy and Flavorful Chicken Sliders
The key to achieving moist and flavorful sliders lies in using shredded rotisserie chicken or freshly cooked chicken breast. The addition of mayonnaise and sour cream helps retain moisture, preventing the chicken from drying out while baking.
- Rotisserie Chicken Option: This is a quick and easy way to get tender, pre-seasoned chicken. Make sure it's halal-certified if needed.
- Homemade Shredded Chicken: If making from scratch, boil, bake, or pressure cook boneless, skinless chicken breasts until fully cooked. Then shred them using two forks or a hand mixer.
2. Choosing the Right Cheese for the Best Melt
This recipe combines sharp cheddar and low-moisture mozzarella for the perfect balance of flavor and meltability.
- Sharp Cheddar: Adds a rich, tangy taste that complements the chicken.
- Mozzarella: Provides that gooey, stretchy texture that makes each bite irresistible.
- Other Cheese Options: If you want a bolder flavor, try adding Pepper Jack for heat or Gouda for a smoky touch.
3. Why Hawaiian Sweet Rolls Work Best
Hawaiian rolls are soft, slightly sweet, and perfectly structured for sliders. They absorb the garlic butter without getting soggy, ensuring a crisp top with a soft, flavorful inside.
- If Hawaiian rolls are unavailable, substitute with dinner rolls, brioche buns, or slider buns.
- Avoid using crusty bread like baguettes, as they don’t absorb flavors as well.
4. The Role of Garlic Butter in Elevating Flavor
The garlic butter topping adds a rich, savory depth to the sliders. It also helps in crisping up the tops while infusing a delicious aroma.
- Fresh Garlic vs. Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used if needed.
- Adding Herbs: Mixing in finely chopped parsley or thyme enhances the flavor even more.
5. Tips for Evenly Baking the Sliders
To ensure even cooking and the perfect cheese melt, follow these baking techniques:
- Covering with Foil: This prevents the tops from over-browning while allowing the cheese to melt inside.
- Removing the Foil at the End: The last 5 minutes without foil allow the rolls to turn golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Using the Right Dish: A 9x13-inch baking dish ensures the sliders fit snugly, keeping them moist and preventing them from spreading apart.
6. How to Make This Recipe Ahead of Time
These sliders are perfect for meal prep, parties, and game days. You can assemble them in advance and store them before baking.
- Make-Ahead Method: Assemble the sliders, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add 5 extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Freezing Option: Freeze the assembled, unbaked sliders for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
7. The Best Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken Sliders
These sliders pair well with light and crunchy sides to balance out the richness. Here are a few ideas:
- Crispy French fries or sweet potato fries for a classic pairing.
- Coleslaw for a refreshing, tangy contrast.
- A fresh side salad with a vinaigrette dressing to cut through the cheesiness.
- Pickles or jalapeños to add a punch of acidity.
8. Customization Ideas for Different Flavors
Want to switch things up? Here are some creative variations:
- Buffalo Chicken Sliders: Mix Buffalo sauce into the chicken filling and top with crumbled blue cheese.
- BBQ Chicken Sliders: Add BBQ sauce to the chicken mixture and use smoked cheddar for a barbecue-inspired twist.
- Spicy Jalapeño Sliders: Toss in chopped pickled jalapeños for extra heat.
- Mediterranean Style: Use feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired take.
9. How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftover sliders, you can store and reheat them without losing their texture.
- Refrigeration: Place in an airtight container and store for up to 3 days.
- Reheating in the Oven: Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 10 minutes to restore crispness.
- Reheating in the Microwave: Heat for 30-40 seconds, but the rolls might become softer.
- Freezing Cooked Sliders: Wrap them individually and store for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for 15 minutes.
