Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Using a rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred about 2-3 cups of meat from the rotisserie chicken and proceed with the recipe from the point of mixing the filling ingredients. This shortcut makes these sliders even more weeknight-friendly.

How can I make these sliders ahead of time for a party?

You can prepare the chicken mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply assemble the sliders as directed and bake. Alternatively, you can fully assemble the sliders, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking, adding about 5 minutes to the baking time.

Are these sliders too spicy for kids?

These sliders have a moderate heat level that most people, including older children, can handle. For a more kid-friendly version, reduce the amount of jalapeños by half and make sure to remove all seeds before chopping. You can always serve extra jalapeños on the side for adults who want more heat.

Can I use a different type of bun?

While you can technically use other buns, King's Hawaiian slider buns are strongly recommended for their signature sweetness that perfectly balances the savory, spicy filling. If you substitute, try to find buns with a similar soft texture and slight sweetness, like brioche slider buns.

Wichita Chicken Sliders Recipe

Name: Wichita Chicken Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 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 jalapeño slices, chopped; 3 tablespoons jalapeño brine; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 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; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

These Wichita Chicken Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines tender shredded chicken, gooey cheese, and a perfect kick of jalapeño heat, all nestled between soft Hawaiian slider buns. They’re incredibly easy to prepare and guaranteed to disappear fast at your next gathering! Whether you’re hosting game day, need a quick weeknight dinner, or planning a casual get-together, these sliders deliver big flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Party Food: These sliders are hand-held, portable, and incredibly satisfying – perfect for feeding a crowd without fuss.
Balanced Flavors: The combination of creamy mayo, melty cheese, spicy jalapeños, and crispy fried onions creates an irresistible flavor profile that hits all the right notes.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and simply assemble and bake when needed, making entertaining stress-free.
Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters love these sliders! The heat level is customizable, so you can make them as mild or spicy as you prefer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken breast: The star protein that gets pounded, cooked, and shredded for the perfect tender texture in every bite.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing and adding a subtle richness to the chicken and vegetables.
White onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic foundation that mellows beautifully when cooked.
Garlic: Adds that essential savory punch that brings depth to the filling.
Diced tomato: Contributes freshness, acidity, and a pop of color to balance the rich ingredients.
Pickled jalapeños and brine: The secret weapon of this recipe! They add the perfect amount of heat and tanginess that makes these sliders special.
Mayo: Creates a creamy binding for all the filling ingredients and adds richness.
Monterrey jack cheese: Melts beautifully into the mixture, creating pockets of gooey goodness throughout.
Green onion: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant color contrast.
Cheddar cheese slices: Forms a melty layer at the bottom that helps hold everything together.
French’s fried onions: Provides incredible texture and a savory crunch that elevates these sliders.
King’s Hawaiian slider buns: Their slight sweetness is the perfect counterpoint to the savory filling – don’t substitute!
Butter: Brushed on top for that golden, slightly crisp finish that takes these sliders over the top.
Salt and pepper: The fundamental seasonings that bring all the flavors together.

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

Spice Level Adjustments

Want more heat? Double the jalapeños and add a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. Prefer milder sliders? Reduce the jalapeños by half and rinse them before chopping to remove some of the heat.

Protein Swaps

Try using leftover rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even pulled pork as an alternative to chicken breast. Each brings its own unique flavor to the sliders.

Cheese Choices

Experiment with pepper jack for extra spice, Swiss for a nutty flavor, or a Mexican blend for a different twist on these sliders.

BBQ Version

Add 1/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce to the chicken mixture for smoky, sweet BBQ chicken sliders that everyone will love.

How to Make Wichita Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for consistent cooking. Season with salt and pepper, then cook in olive oil over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on the first side. 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 Filling

In the same pan, sauté diced onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, about 4-6 minutes over medium-low heat. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix the Filling Ingredients

Combine the onion-garlic mixture with diced tomatoes, chopped jalapeños, jalapeño brine, mayo, 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, covering all the bun bottoms. Spread the chicken mixture evenly on top. Add jalapeño slices and sprinkle with crispy fried onions.

Step 5: Finish and Bake

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

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip Pounding the Chicken: This ensures even cooking and more tender meat that shreds easily.
Cook Low and Slow: After the initial sear, reducing the heat helps prevent the chicken from drying out.
Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest before shredding helps retain moisture for juicier sliders.
Taste Before Assembly: Always taste your chicken mixture and adjust seasonings before assembling the sliders.
Cover While Baking: If you notice the tops browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the remainder of the bake time.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

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

Presentation Ideas

Serve these sliders on a large platter with extra jalapeños on the side for those who want more heat. You can also set out small bowls of ranch dressing or sour cream for dipping.

Drink Pairings

Cold beer, especially a light lager or pale ale, complements these sliders perfectly. For non-alcoholic options, try lemonade or iced tea with a squeeze of lime.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I find they taste even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together!

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled but unbaked sliders for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual sliders, but the buns won’t be as crisp.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Using a rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred about 2-3 cups of meat from the rotisserie chicken and proceed with the recipe from the point of mixing the filling ingredients. This shortcut makes these sliders even more weeknight-friendly.
How can I make these sliders ahead of time for a party?

You can prepare the chicken mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply assemble the sliders as directed and bake. Alternatively, you can fully assemble the sliders, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking, adding about 5 minutes to the baking time.
Are these sliders too spicy for kids?

These sliders have a moderate heat level that most people, including older children, can handle. For a more kid-friendly version, reduce the amount of jalapeños by half and make sure to remove all seeds before chopping. You can always serve extra jalapeños on the side for adults who want more heat.
Can I use a different type of bun?

While you can technically use other buns, King’s Hawaiian slider buns are strongly recommended for their signature sweetness that perfectly balances the savory, spicy filling. If you substitute, try to find buns with a similar soft texture and slight sweetness, like brioche slider buns.

Final Thoughts

These Wichita Chicken Sliders are truly a game-changer when it comes to easy, crowd-pleasing food. The combination of tender chicken, spicy jalapeños, and melty cheese on soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls creates an irresistible bite that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or entertaining friends during the big game, these sliders deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. Give them a try – I guarantee they’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation!