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

Description

These Wichita Chicken Sliders are the ultimate finger food for any gathering! Juicy shredded chicken is paired with a flavorful, cheesy jalapeño mixture, layered with cheddar cheese, crispy fried onions, and baked to perfection inside soft, buttery slider buns. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these sliders pack a bold combination of spice, creaminess, and crunch that will tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the 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 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

For Assembly:

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

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Instructions

Cook the Chicken
Preheat a sauté pan over medium heat and add olive oil. Season the chicken breast with salt and black pepper, then cook for about 3-4 minutes on the first side. Flip the chicken, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Set the chicken aside to rest, then shred it.
Prepare the Filling
In the same pan, add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook over medium-low heat for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened. Remove from the heat, then mix in diced tomato, jalapeños, jalapeño brine, mayonnaise, shredded chicken, Monterrey jack cheese, and sliced green onions until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Assemble the Sliders
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the bottom halves of the slider buns in a prepared 9×13 baking tray. Layer the cheddar cheese slices, chicken mixture, jalapeño slices, and crispy fried onions on top. Place the top halves of the buns over the filling.
Butter and Bake
Brush the tops of the slider buns 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 and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven and serve them warm. Enjoy the cheesy, spicy goodness with family and friends!

Notes

For a spicier version, use hot pickled jalapeños instead of mild.
You can toast the buns slightly before assembling for extra texture.
King’s Hawaiian slider buns are recommended for their sweetness, but any soft slider buns will work.
Leftover filling can be refrigerated and used in sandwiches, wraps, or as a dip.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slider
Calories: 260
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1
Protein: 11g
Cholesterol: 45mg