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If you’re craving a snack that’s bursting with bold flavor, melty cheese, and a perfect touch of sweetness, the Hot Chicken Salad Sliders Recipe is exactly what you need. These sliders bring together tender chopped chicken mixed with crisp celery and creamy mayonnaise, all nestled in soft Hawaiian rolls and finished with a dreamy brown sugar butter glaze. Whether you’re preparing for a casual family gathering or just want a fun dinner that everyone will love, this dish manages to be comforting, exciting, and downright addictive all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role. From tender chunks of chicken providing hearty protein, to the burst of freshness from the diced celery, every component contributes to the perfect texture and flavor harmony.
- 2 cups cooked chopped chicken: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or freshly cooked to save time and add juicy protein.
- 1 cup diced celery: Adds crunch and a refreshing contrast to the creamy filling.
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Offers a subtle tangy depth that lifts the chicken salad flavor.
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste): Enhances all the ingredients and balances the sweetness in the glaze.
- ¼ tsp pepper (or to taste): Provides just the right hint of spice to keep things lively.
- ¾ cup mayonnaise: The creamy binder that brings everything together with smooth richness.
- 8 slices shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly over the chicken salad, adding sharpness.
- 1 (12-count) package Hawaiian dinner rolls: Soft, slightly sweet rolls that cradle the filling effortlessly.
- ½ cup butter: The base for the baking glaze that creates a golden, crispy top.
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar: Adds a sweet, caramelized note to the buttery topping.
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard: Cuts through the richness with a zesty kick.
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce: (Second addition) Intensifies the glaze’s depth for amazing flavor layers.
- 1½ tsp sesame seeds: Sprinkle on top for a toasty, nutty finish that’s visually inviting.
How to Make Hot Chicken Salad Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Chicken Salad
Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF, so it’s ready for baking. While it warms, mix together the cooked chopped chicken, diced celery, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and mayonnaise in a bowl. This blend forms the flavorful heart of your sliders, marrying creamy, tangy, and crunchy elements into every bite.
Step 2: Assemble the Sliders
Carefully split each Hawaiian roll in half and place the bottom halves in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the chicken salad mixture evenly over the roll bottoms, then layer with slices of shredded cheddar cheese. Finish by placing the roll tops over the cheese, creating a perfect slider stack that’s ready for its buttery bath.
Step 3: Make the Sweet and Savory Butter Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and sesame seeds. Bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the sugars to dissolve and the flavors to meld beautifully. This glossy glaze is key to giving the sliders that irresistible golden crust and a wonderfully sticky finish.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Pour the hot butter glaze evenly over the assembled sliders. Bake them for 20 to 30 minutes or until the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown and become lightly crispy. The baking process melds all the flavors together while transforming the rolls into soft, buttery pillows with a crispy, caramelized topping.
How to Serve Hot Chicken Salad Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Hot Chicken Salad Sliders Recipe, add some fresh garnishes like finely chopped green onions or a sprinkle of fresh parsley. These little touches bring a pop of color and an extra layer of freshness that brightens every bite. For those who love a bit of heat, a few dashes of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños make fantastic toppings.
Side Dishes
Pairing these sliders with light sides creates a well-rounded meal. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness while some crunchy pickles cut through the buttery sweetness. Veggie sticks with a tangy ranch dip or even a bowl of classic potato chips can add that satisfying crunch to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting a party or family night? Try arranging the sliders on a large wooden board surrounded by small bowls of various dipping sauces like spicy mayo or honey mustard. You can also separate the sliders and serve them as individual appetizers on mini plates for a fun finger-food experience that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be tough because they are so good), store the sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, preserving the flavors and texture nicely for a quick snack or meal later.
Freezing
These sliders freeze best before baking. Assemble them completely and then wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. This is a fantastic way to enjoy your Hot Chicken Salad Sliders Recipe whenever a craving hits.
Reheating
Reheat leftover sliders in the oven at 350ºF for about 10 to 15 minutes to restore their crispness and warm the chicken salad evenly. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can cause the rolls to become soggy and the cheese to melt unevenly.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds flavor and saves time. Just chop it finely and mix it right into the chicken salad.
Is it possible to make these sliders spicy?
Definitely. You can mix some hot sauce into the chicken salad or add sliced jalapeños on top before baking for a spicy kick that balances the sweetness of the glaze.
What if I don’t have Hawaiian rolls?
While Hawaiian rolls have that perfect softness and hint of sweetness, you can use slider buns or soft dinner rolls as a substitute. Just keep in mind it might slightly alter the overall taste.
Can I prepare the chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the chicken salad filling a day ahead and refrigerate it. This actually gives the flavors time to meld beautifully, making your sliders even tastier.
Do I need to use sesame seeds in the butter glaze?
The sesame seeds add a lovely nutty flavor and a bit of texture, but they can be omitted if you prefer or have an allergy without drastically changing the final taste.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Chicken Salad Sliders Recipe is the kind of crowd-pleaser that feels special but never complicated. Each bite combines creamy, tangy, sweet, and savory notes wrapped in pillowy soft rolls, making it a go-to for gatherings or an indulgent weeknight treat. Give it a try and watch how quickly these sliders disappear—they just might become your new favorite!
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Hot Chicken Salad Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
- Total Time: 30-40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Hot Chicken Salad Sliders combine tender cooked chicken, creamy mayonnaise, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce, layered with cheddar cheese on sweet Hawaiian rolls. Topped with a buttery, brown sugar glaze and baked to crispy perfection, they’re the perfect savory and sweet snack or party appetizer.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad
- 2 cups cooked chopped chicken
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp pepper, or to taste
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
Assembly and Topping
- 8 slices shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (12-count) package Hawaiian dinner rolls
- ½ cup butter
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1½ tsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to prepare for baking the sliders.
- Prepare Chicken Salad: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chopped chicken, diced celery, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and mayonnaise. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed. Set aside or refrigerate if you plan to use crescents later.
- Assemble Sliders: Slice each Hawaiian roll in half horizontally. Arrange the bottom halves in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the prepared chicken salad evenly over the bottoms, then layer with shredded cheddar cheese slices. Top with the remaining roll halves.
- Make Glaze and Pour: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and sesame seeds. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. Once boiling, carefully pour the glaze evenly over the assembled sandwiches in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes until the tops of the sliders are browned and crispy, and the cheese melting inside.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken salad mix.
- To keep sliders warm longer after baking, cover loosely with foil.
- These sliders can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated; just bake before serving.
- Substitute cheddar with pepper jack cheese for extra flavor.
- Use crescent rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls for a different dough texture.
