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Crack Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you know a good slider makes for the perfect bite-sized party starter or a casual dinner that everyone loves. This Crack Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls recipe nails that sweet and savory balance every single time, with creamy ranch chicken, melted cheddar, and that irresistibly soft Hawaiian roll that just melts in your mouth. I mean, who doesn’t want a handheld sandwich that’s bursting with flavor but quick enough for even a busy weekday meal?

What I love most about these Crack Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls recipe is that it’s both crowd-pleasing and straightforward. Whether you’re making them for game day, a family gathering, or just a fun twist on dinner, these sliders bring comfort and a little wow factor in every bite. Plus, the creamy ranch and bacon combo is a total game-changer — trust me, once you try it, you’ll be coming back to this recipe again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create that creamy, cheesy, and slightly smoky flavor we’re after. Each element plays a part — from the ranch seasoning to the sweet butter drizzle — so I recommend sticking to them for the best results. And don’t skip the Hawaiian rolls; their sweetness is what turns these sliders from good to unforgettable!

  • Cream cheese: Soften it first; it helps blend the flavors and creates that luscious creaminess that holds everything together.
  • Dry ranch dressing mix: The magic seasoning in this recipe—adds tons of savory flavor without extra effort.
  • Onion powder: Adds a subtle punch that complements the ranch perfectly.
  • Fresh cracked black pepper: Freshly cracked is best — it gives a nice pop and avoids that flat store-bought taste.
  • Green onion: Thinly sliced for freshness and a little crunch.
  • Cooked shredded chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken works great if you want to save prep time.
  • Cooked, crumbled bacon: Adds that smoky, salty crunch — don’t skimp here!
  • Mild shredded cheddar cheese: Divided to help melt through and top for that golden finish.
  • Sweet Hawaiian rolls: The key to the “slider” experience with their soft, sweet flavor.
  • Salted sweet cream butter: Melted—it gets brushed on top for a beautiful, flavorful glaze.
  • Grated parmesan cheese: For an added layer of cheesy goodness on top.
  • Fresh chives: Finely chopped and sprinkled for a fresh, slightly oniony finish.

Variations

I love mixing up this recipe based on what I have around or the vibe I’m going for. The beauty of Crack Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls recipe is how easy it is to personalize! Adding or swapping ingredients can turn it into a low-carb dish or bump up the spice level — go with what makes you happy.

  • Spicy version: I sometimes add a few dashes of hot sauce or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes to give it a fun kick. It’s a great way to wake up the flavors.
  • Low-carb twist: Swap Hawaiian rolls for low-carb buns or lettuce wraps if you’re watching carbs, and it’s still super tasty.
  • Cheese swap: Using pepper jack or smoked gouda instead of cheddar adds a new flavor dimension.
  • Vegetarian take: Replace chicken and bacon with sautéed mushrooms and smoked paprika for a satisfying meat-free alternative.

How to Make Crack Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the creamy chicken mixture

First things first, let’s get that creamy chicken ready! In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, dry ranch dressing mix, onion powder, fresh cracked black pepper, and thinly sliced green onions. Mix it until everything is creamy and well blended — using a hand mixer can save you some elbow grease here. Then, fold in the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This mixture is the heart of the sliders, so make sure it’s evenly combined for every delicious bite.

Step 2: Assemble the sliders on Hawaiian rolls

Slice your Hawaiian rolls horizontally so you have a top and bottom layer. Lay the bottom halves in a baking dish — I like a 9×13 inch pan. Evenly spread the creamy chicken mixture over the rolls. Then sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top to get that glorious cheesy melt in the oven. Carefully place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese and press gently to set everything together.

Step 3: Add the butter and cheese topping

In a small bowl, mix the melted salted sweet cream butter with grated parmesan cheese. Using a brush or spoon, generously drizzle this luscious butter mixture over the top of the slider buns. This step adds that irresistible golden finish and a hint of salty nuttiness that takes these sliders to the next level in both flavor and presentation.

Step 4: Bake and serve warm

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the sliders uncovered for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll want to watch closely so the top gets beautifully golden but doesn’t burn. Once out of the oven, let them rest for a couple of minutes before slicing — this helps the cheesy filling set just enough so no one’s fighting melted cheese everywhere. Then, slice into individual sliders and enjoy that perfect meld of creamy, cheesy, smoky, and sweet flavors.

How to Serve Crack Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

Twelve dinner slider buns with golden brown tops, sprinkled with light crumbs and chopped green herbs, arranged in a 3 by 4 pattern in a clear glass baking dish. Between the bun tops and bottom there is a creamy white layer with bits of herbs, mixed with shredded orange cheese that slightly melts and drips down the sides. The dish rests on a white marbled surface with a metal fork visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always finish my Crack Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls recipe with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh chives. They not only add a pop of color but a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness of the creamy chicken filling. Sometimes, I add a few extra sliced green onions on top for crunch and color — it really makes the platter look inviting.

Side Dishes

These sliders pair wonderfully with simple sides. I love serving them with crispy oven-baked fries, a light cucumber salad, or even some crunchy coleslaw for contrast. For game day, chip and dip combo like classic guacamole or hummus also works well — the sliders hold their own with virtually any snack or salad!

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I like placing the fully assembled sliders on a large wooden cutting board with garnishes of extra green onions, chives, and small bowls of ranch dressing for dipping. You can also pull the slider buns apart before baking and serve them as “slider cups” scooped with the creamy chicken mixture to highlight the gooey filling. It’s always a crowd-pleaser when guests get a little something special to savor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftover Crack Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls recipe wrapped tightly in foil or sealed in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days, and I love reheating them just enough so the cheese melts again without drying out the rolls. You can save yourself a quick snack or a second meal this way.

Freezing

Freezing is great if you want to prep ahead for a big event. I recommend assembling the sliders but holding off on baking. Wrap the whole dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil before popping it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then brush the butter mixture and bake as directed for fresh-from-the-oven flavor.

Reheating

Reheating your leftover Crack Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls recipe works best in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes. Cover them loosely with foil to keep the rolls soft and avoid drying out that creamy chicken filling. You can also pop individual sliders in the microwave for a quick fix, but make sure to watch closely to prevent sogginess or rubbery textures.

FAQs

  1. Can I make Crack Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls recipe ahead of time?

    Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Just wait to brush the butter mixture and bake until you’re ready to serve for maximum freshness and that golden topping.

  2. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

    Yes, rotisserie chicken is actually one of the easiest options. Just shred the meat and you’re good to go—this shortcut saves a ton of time without sacrificing flavor.

  3. How spicy is Crack Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls recipe?

    The base recipe is mild and kid-friendly. You can easily add spice by mixing in hot sauce or red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

  4. Do I have to use Hawaiian rolls?

    While you can swap rolls, I highly recommend Hawaiian rolls for their sweet flavor and soft texture, which perfectly complement the savory chicken mixture.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Crack Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls recipe feels like a warm hug in food form — creamy, cheesy, a little smoky, and totally addictive. I’ve made these for everything from casual family dinners to birthday parties, and they never disappoint. If you’re looking for an easy but impressive dish that’ll have folks coming back for seconds (and thirds), this one’s a winner. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear what you think!

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Crack Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

  • Author: Isabella
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 sliders 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Crack Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls are an irresistibly creamy, cheesy, and savory treat perfect for game day, parties, or a delicious snack. Featuring tender shredded chicken, smoky bacon, ranch seasoning, and melty cheddar cheese all piled on sweet Hawaiian rolls, these sliders are easy to assemble and bursting with flavor.


Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 16 ounces (2 8-ounce packages) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 ounce packet dry ranch dressing mix
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
  • ⅓ cup thinly sliced green onion
  • 2½ cups cooked, shredded boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 12-ounce package cooked, crumbled bacon
  • 2½ cups mild shredded cheddar cheese (divided: 1 cup and 1½ cups)

Sliders Assembly and Topping

  • 12 count package sweet Hawaiian rolls, sliced in half
  • 6 tablespoons salted sweet cream butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh chives

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, dry ranch dressing mix, onion powder, cracked black pepper, and thinly sliced green onions. Mix well until the mixture is creamy and evenly blended.
  2. Add Chicken and Bacon: Fold in the shredded cooked chicken and crumbled cooked bacon into the cream cheese mixture. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
  3. Incorporate Cheese: Add 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese into the filling mixture and mix until combined. Set aside the remaining 1½ cups for topping later.
  4. Assemble Sliders: Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally to create a top and bottom layer. Place the bottom halves on a baking sheet or pan. Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls, then sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the filling. Place the top halves of the rolls back on to form sliders.
  5. Prepare Butter Topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted salted sweet cream butter, grated parmesan cheese, and finely chopped fresh chives until well combined.
  6. Brush the Sliders: Generously brush the butter mixture over the top halves of the slider rolls to add flavor and help them brown nicely when baking.
  7. Bake the Sliders: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled sliders on the middle rack for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, the filling is hot, and the tops are golden brown.
  8. Serve: Remove sliders from the oven and let cool slightly before serving warm. Enjoy these creamy, cheesy Crack Chicken Sliders as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.

Notes

  • You can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator to save time on assembly day.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture.
  • Leftover sliders can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes before serving.
  • For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheese, and turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.

Keywords: Crack Chicken Sliders, Hawaiian Rolls, Cream Cheese Chicken, Bacon Cheddar Sliders, Party Appetizer

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