We are thrilled to share this fantastic recipe for Easy Chicken Sliders with you! These aren’t just any sandwiches; they are the ultimate game-day finger food, perfect party appetizers, or a simple yet satisfying meal using shredded chicken or even your holiday turkey leftovers. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.

If you find yourself with leftover turkey after a big holiday like Thanksgiving, these sliders are an excellent way to give new life to your festive feast. For instance, after making an Herb Butter Roasted Turkey, you can easily whip up these savory sliders the very next day. They transform holiday remnants into something fresh and exciting, saving you from food waste and cooking fatigue.

Beyond holiday leftovers, these shredded chicken sliders are a regular in our kitchen using freshly prepared chicken. We often make Easy Instant Pot Shredded Chicken or Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken during the week. Having shredded chicken ready means these sliders can be on the table in under 30 minutes, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you need a quick and delicious dinner solution.

What truly sets these sliders apart is their incredible versatility. You’ll discover numerous modifications in the ingredient section that allow you to customize the flavors to your liking. Whether you prefer a touch of spice, a different cheese, or added vegetables, these sliders can be adapted to suit any palate.

For those times when a quick, handheld meal is essential, especially for a weeknight dinner, recipes using shredded chicken are a lifesaver. Besides these classic Easy Chicken Sliders, our favorites also include Chicken Enchilada Sliders, which offer a delightful Tex-Mex twist. And for the kids (and adults!), these baked chicken tenders are another simple, beloved choice. If you’re looking to switch up the protein, our easy Taco Sliders, typically made with ground beef, could also be adapted with shredded chicken for a fresh take.

Recipe Ingredients

• Shredded Chicken or Turkey: The foundation of these delightful sliders! Using pre-cooked shredded chicken is key to the “easy” factor. A store-bought rotisserie chicken works beautifully, offering convenience and great flavor. Alternatively, you can easily make your own with our Easy Instant Pot Shredded Chicken or Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken. And don’t forget the ultimate hack: leftover holiday turkey, especially from an Herb Roasted Turkey, is fantastic here. Just ensure your chicken or turkey is finely shredded for even distribution in the sliders.
• Cheese: Cheese adds a wonderful creamy texture and depth of flavor that binds the slider ingredients together. We used shredded mozzarella for its mild taste and excellent melting qualities, but feel free to experiment. Pepper jack will add a subtle kick, sharp cheddar provides a robust flavor, or even provolone for a classic deli-style feel. Almost any good melting cheese will work beautifully in these chicken sliders.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion introduces a crisp texture and a pleasant, slightly pungent bite that contrasts wonderfully with the richness of the chicken and cheese. While a lovely addition, if raw onion isn’t to your taste, you can omit it or swap it for milder sweet onion. For a softer texture and a slightly sweeter flavor that adheres better to the cheese, consider sautéing or even caramelizing the onions beforehand.
• Mustard Sauce: The signature flavor of these chicken sliders comes from a simple yet impactful combination of melted butter and Dijon mustard. This creates a savory, tangy glaze that soaks into the buns and enhances every bite. If Dijon isn’t your preference, don’t worry! You can try a different mustard variety, or opt for a creamy dressing like ranch or blue cheese for a different flavor profile. For a simpler approach, just melted butter is also delicious, or you could even go with a honey mustard sauce for a sweet and savory twist.
• Buns: For the best slider experience, we highly recommend using a package of Hawaiian-style sweet rolls. Their slight sweetness and incredibly soft, fluffy texture are perfect for soaking up the butter sauce and complementing the savory filling. These rolls typically come connected in a sheet, which simplifies assembly. You’ll slice the entire sheet horizontally through the middle, creating a single top and bottom layer for efficiency. Any good quality slider bun will work, but Hawaiian rolls are a game-changer.
• Spices: A simple yet effective blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper seasons the sliders, adding warmth and aromatic depth. Paprika contributes a beautiful color and a subtle smoky note, while garlic and onion powder enhance the savory elements. Feel free to adjust these to your liking or add other complementary spices. A pinch of Italian seasoning, a dash of dried oregano, or a touch of smoked paprika can all elevate the flavor profile of your delicious sliders.

Please see the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and detailed instructions.

How Do You Make These Pulled Chicken Sliders?

Creating these scrumptious chicken sliders is incredibly straightforward, even for novice cooks. Follow these simple steps for perfectly baked, flavorful sliders every time.

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, lightly grease and line a 9″ x 13″ casserole dish or a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Carefully slice your sheet of slider buns (preferably Hawaiian sweet rolls) horizontally through the middle, separating the top from the bottom. Place the entire bottom half of the buns into your prepared dish, ensuring they form an even layer.

2. Layer on the Shredded Chicken: Evenly distribute the shredded chicken (or turkey) over the bottom half of the buns. Make sure to cover the surface as much as possible so every slider gets a generous helping of delicious protein.

3. Add the Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously and evenly over the chicken layer. As it bakes, the cheese will melt into a gooey, savory layer, helping to hold the sliders together and adding a rich flavor.

4. Add the Sliced Red Onions: Layer the thinly sliced red onions over the cheese. This adds a beautiful pop of color and a fresh, zesty flavor. Remember to slice them as thin as possible for the best texture in the finished slider.

5. Prepare Spices and Cover: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir these spices well to ensure they are evenly mixed. This blend will be sprinkled over the top later. Once your fillings are layered, carefully place the top half of the slider buns over the ingredients, completing your sandwiches.

6. Create the Butter-Dijon Glaze: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the Dijon mustard and whisk thoroughly until the butter and mustard are well emulsified into a smooth, fragrant mixture. This will be your flavor-packed glaze. Pour the melted butter mixture evenly over the top of the assembled rolls. Use a pastry brush to gently spread the sauce, ensuring every bun is coated for maximum flavor and golden-brown deliciousness. Then, sprinkle the prepared spice mixture over the buttered tops.

7. Bake and Serve: Cover the casserole dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the butter is fully absorbed, the cheese is gloriously melted, and the sweet Hawaiian rolls begin to turn golden brown. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the tops of the buns to lightly brown and crisp up. Keep a close eye on them during this uncovered period to prevent burning. Once done, remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then slice into individual sliders and serve immediately. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Ways to Modify These Chicken Sliders

One of the best aspects of these easy chicken sliders is how effortlessly you can customize them to your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here are some fantastic ideas to get your creativity flowing:

• Add Some Spice: If you love a little heat, these sliders are a perfect canvas. Drizzle some hot sauce or buffalo sauce over the chicken layer, sprinkle in more crushed red pepper flakes, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. For an extra kick, finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of chipotle powder can add a smoky heat.
• BBQ Chicken Sliders: Transform these into savory BBQ chicken sliders by tossing your shredded chicken with your favorite barbecue sauce before layering it onto the buns. A smoky, sweet, or tangy BBQ sauce will completely change the flavor profile, making them perfect for backyard gatherings or summer events.
• Change the Cheese: While mozzarella is a great choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Sharp cheddar offers a bolder taste, Swiss cheese provides a nutty, slightly sweet note, and provolone melts beautifully for a classic deli-inspired flavor. For a creamy and savory option, try a blend of Parmesan cheese with your main cheese. Pepper jack cheese is also a popular choice for those who enjoy a little spice.
• Incorporate More Vegetables: Boost the freshness and nutrition by adding more vegetables. Thinly sliced green onions, roasted red peppers, or a layer of fresh spinach can add color and flavor. Sun-dried tomatoes offer a concentrated, sweet-tart taste, while thinly sliced banana peppers or pepperoncinis can introduce a pleasant tang. Even a few thinly sliced cherry tomatoes can add a burst of juiciness. For a softer texture, you can sauté many of these vegetables lightly before adding them.
• Alternate Sauces: Beyond Dijon mustard, consider a honey mustard for a sweet and savory contrast, a creamy ranch dressing for a comforting flavor, or even a pesto spread for an herbaceous twist.