Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken works perfectly in this recipe. You'll need about 2-3 cups of shredded chicken. Just skip the chicken cooking step and go straight to sautéing the onions and garlic before combining with your shredded chicken.

How spicy are these sliders?

Using mild pickled jalapeños creates a moderate heat level that most people enjoy. The spiciness is tempered by the creamy mayo and melty cheese. If you're sensitive to heat, you can reduce the amount of jalapeños or substitute with mild green chiles.

Can I make these sliders ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! You can assemble everything up to 24 hours ahead and keep covered in the refrigerator. Just add 3-5 minutes to the baking time if you're cooking them straight from the fridge. They're perfect for make-ahead party planning!

What can I substitute for King's Hawaiian rolls?

While Hawaiian rolls provide that perfect sweet-savory balance, any slider buns or dinner rolls will work. Brioche slider buns make an excellent substitute with their buttery, slightly sweet flavor. In a pinch, you could even cut regular hamburger buns into quarters.

Wichita Chicken Sliders Recipe

Name: Wichita Chicken Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb. chicken breast, pounded even; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1/2 white onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 3/4 cup diced tomato; 1/2 cup mild pickled jalapeno slices, chopped; 3 tablespoons jalapeno brine; 1/2 cup mayo; 3/4 cups Monterrey jack cheese, grated; 1/2 cup green onion, green parts sliced thin; 6 slices cheddar cheese; 3/4 cup French’s fried onions; 1 package King’s Hawaiian slider buns, sliced in half; 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted; 12 whole pickled jalapeno slices; Ground black pepper, to sprinkle

These Wichita Chicken Sliders are a game-changer for your next gathering or weeknight dinner! Tender shredded chicken mixed with zesty jalapeños, melty cheese, and crunchy fried onions, all nestled between soft Hawaiian slider buns. The combination of flavors and textures creates an irresistible bite that’s ready in under an hour. Perfect for feeding a crowd or treating your family to something special without spending hours in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Approachable: From start to finish, these sliders take less than an hour to make—perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious without the wait.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory chicken, spicy jalapeños, creamy mayo, and two types of cheese creates layers of flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Crowd-Pleaser: These sliders are perfect for game days, parties, or family dinners. They’re substantial enough to satisfy hungry guests but small enough that everyone can enjoy multiple flavors.
Versatile: Easy to adapt based on your heat preference or available ingredients, making them a reliable go-to recipe for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken breast: The star protein that becomes tender and flavorful when shredded and mixed with other ingredients. Pounding it even ensures consistent cooking.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the chicken and vegetables, adding a subtle richness to the dish.
White onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base that mellows as it cooks and complements the spicier elements.
Garlic cloves: Adds that essential savory depth that makes everything taste better.
Diced tomato: Brings freshness and acidity to balance the rich ingredients.
Pickled jalapeños and brine: The secret ingredient that gives these sliders their distinctive tangy heat. The brine infuses everything with flavor.
Mayo: Creates creaminess and binds all the filling ingredients together beautifully.
Monterrey jack cheese: Melts perfectly into the filling, adding creaminess and a mild, buttery flavor.
Green onion: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and pretty color contrast.
Cheddar cheese slices: Creates that perfect melty layer between the bun and filling.
French’s fried onions: Brings incredible texture and savory crunch that elevates these sliders to addictive status.
King’s Hawaiian slider buns: Their slight sweetness perfectly complements the savory, spicy filling.
Butter: Brushed on top for that golden, flavorful finish that takes these sliders over the top.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Heat Level Adjustments

Customize the spiciness by adjusting the jalapeños. Use mild pickled jalapeños for a family-friendly version, or substitute with hotter peppers like serranos for heat lovers.

Protein Swap

Try using rotisserie chicken to save time, or substitute with pulled pork or shredded beef for a different flavor profile.

Cheese Options

Experiment with pepper jack for extra heat, smoked gouda for depth, or a Mexican cheese blend for variety.

Vegetable Add-Ins

Add sautéed bell peppers, corn, or black beans to the mixture for extra texture and nutrition.

How to Make Wichita Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Preheat a sauté pan over medium heat with olive oil. Season your chicken breast with salt and pepper, then add to the hot pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side until golden, then flip, reduce heat, and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Set aside to rest before shredding into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Prepare the Flavor Base

In the same pan, add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 4-6 minutes on medium-low heat until the onions soften and become translucent. Their sweetness will develop as they cook. Remove the pan from heat once done.

Step 3: Create the Filling Mixture

Combine the sautéed onions and garlic with diced tomatoes, chopped jalapeños, jalapeño brine, mayo, your shredded chicken, and Monterrey jack cheese. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Sliders

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Arrange the bottom halves of the Hawaiian slider buns in a 9×13 baking dish. Layer with cheddar cheese slices, followed by the chicken mixture. Top with jalapeño slices and a generous sprinkle of fried onions for that perfect crunch.

Step 5: Finish and Bake

Place the top buns over the assembled sliders. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly, and the tops are golden brown.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook: Check the sliders at the 15-minute mark to ensure they don’t dry out—you want them hot and melty, not tough.
Prep Ahead: The chicken mixture can be made a day ahead and refrigerated, making assembly quick and easy when you’re ready to bake.
Keep It Juicy: The jalapeño brine and mayo are key to keeping the chicken mixture moist—don’t skimp on these ingredients.
Even Distribution: When spreading the chicken mixture, ensure it reaches all the way to the edges for consistent flavor in every bite.
Let Them Rest: Allow the sliders to rest for 5 minutes after baking before serving—this helps the flavors settle and makes them easier to cut.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

These sliders pair beautifully with crispy potato chips, a fresh green salad, or homemade coleslaw. For a heartier meal, serve alongside sweet potato fries or a cup of tomato soup.

Serving Suggestions

Cut the slider sheet into individual portions or serve them connected for guests to pull apart themselves. Offer extra jalapeños on the side for those who want to turn up the heat.

Garnish Ideas

Top with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or sliced avocado for an extra dimension of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover sliders (though unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, keep the assembled but unbaked sliders covered in the refrigerator, then bake when ready to serve.

Freezing

You can freeze the chicken mixture separately for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before assembling and baking your sliders.

Reheating

Reheat leftover sliders in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning. For a quicker option, microwave individual sliders for 30-45 seconds, though this may make the buns slightly softer.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken works perfectly in this recipe. You’ll need about 2-3 cups of shredded chicken. Just skip the chicken cooking step and go straight to sautéing the onions and garlic before combining with your shredded chicken.
How spicy are these sliders?

Using mild pickled jalapeños creates a moderate heat level that most people enjoy. The spiciness is tempered by the creamy mayo and melty cheese. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can reduce the amount of jalapeños or substitute with mild green chiles.
Can I make these sliders ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! You can assemble everything up to 24 hours ahead and keep covered in the refrigerator. Just add 3-5 minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking them straight from the fridge. They’re perfect for make-ahead party planning!
What can I substitute for King’s Hawaiian rolls?

While Hawaiian rolls provide that perfect sweet-savory balance, any slider buns or dinner rolls will work. Brioche slider buns make an excellent substitute with their buttery, slightly sweet flavor. In a pinch, you could even cut regular hamburger buns into quarters.

Final Thoughts

These Wichita Chicken Sliders are the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and incredible flavor. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, or a fun lunch option, these sliders deliver every time. The combination of tender chicken, zesty jalapeños, and that irresistible fried onion crunch creates something truly special that’ll have everyone asking for your recipe. Give them a try—your taste buds (and your dinner guests) will thank you!