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

Description

These Wichita Chicken Sliders are the perfect mix of savory, spicy, and cheesy, served on soft King’s Hawaiian slider buns. With tender shredded chicken, melted cheeses, and a kick of pickled jalapenos, these sliders are great for gatherings or a fun family dinner. The crispy fried onions add a delightful crunch, making every bite simply irresistible.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken Filling

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

Sliders

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

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken
Preheat a sauté pan over medium heat with olive oil. Season the chicken breasts with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes on the first side, then flip and reduce the heat. Cook the other side until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Set the chicken aside and shred it after it rests.
Cook the Aromatics
In the same pan, add the diced white onion and minced garlic. Sauté on medium-low heat for 4-6 minutes until the onions soften. Remove the pan from the heat and set it aside.
Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sautéed onion and garlic, diced tomato, chopped jalapenos, jalapeno brine, mayo, and shredded Monterrey jack cheese. Mix thoroughly and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Assemble the Sliders
Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 baking tray. Lay the bottom half of the sliced King’s Hawaiian slider buns on the tray. Layer the buns with sliced cheddar cheese, the prepared chicken mixture, jalapeno slices, and French’s fried onions. Place the top halves of the buns over the filling.
Finish with Butter and Bake
Brush the tops of the sliders with melted butter and sprinkle with ground black pepper. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Use boneless chicken thighs for an even juicier filling if preferred.
For a spicier kick, use hot pickled jalapeno slices instead of mild ones.
If you don’t have jalapeno brine, you can substitute white vinegar with a few drops of hot sauce.
To save time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking it from scratch.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slider
Calories: 290
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 470mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 50mg