Irresistible Crack Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

These sliders earned their name for a reason—one bite and you’ll understand why they’re dangerously addictive. Imagine tender shredded chicken enveloped in a creamy ranch-seasoned sauce, studded with crispy bacon bits and melted cheddar, all nestled between buttery Hawaiian rolls. The best part? They come together in just 10 minutes of prep time, making them perfect for game day gatherings, potlucks, or those evenings when you need something crowd-pleasing without the stress.

The magic happens when the sweet Hawaiian rolls meet the savory, rich filling. As they bake, the cheese melts into gooey perfection while the buttered tops turn golden and crispy. Each slider becomes a self-contained flavor bomb that’s impossible to resist.

What You’ll Need

For the Filling:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 packet dry ranch dressing mix
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• ⅓ cup thinly sliced green onions
• 2½ cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
• 12 ounces cooked bacon, crumbled
• 2½ cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded and divided

For Assembly:

• 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls
• 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons fresh chives, finely chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Give a 9×13-inch baking dish a light coating of nonstick spray and set it within easy reach.

Creating the Creamy Base

Place your softened cream cheese in a heavy-bottomed stockpot over medium heat. Stir frequently as it melts into a smooth, velvety consistency. This gentle melting process ensures no lumps remain in your filling.

Once melted, season generously with the ranch mix, onion powder, and cracked black pepper. Stir these seasonings through the cream cheese until fully incorporated, then remove the pot from heat.

Building the Filling

Now comes the fun part—fold in the green onions, shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar. Mix thoroughly until every ingredient is evenly distributed throughout the creamy base. The mixture should be thick, rich, and fragrant.

Assembly

Carefully slice your Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the bottom and top portions intact as single sheets. Place the bottom half in your prepared baking dish.

Spread the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom rolls, reaching all the way to the edges. Sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of cheddar cheese over the filling, then position the top rolls over everything.

The Finishing Touch

Using a pastry brush, paint the melted butter generously over the top rolls. Sprinkle the parmesan cheese evenly across the buttered surface, then finish with a scattering of fresh chives for color and flavor.

Baking

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. This covered baking allows the cheese to melt thoroughly and the flavors to meld together. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-8 minutes, watching as the tops turn a beautiful golden brown.

Let the sliders rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven—this brief pause makes cutting individual portions much cleaner and prevents the filling from spilling out.

Storage and Reheating

These sliders shine when served fresh and warm from the oven. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, cover with foil and warm in the oven, or use the microwave for a quick reheat.

While you can freeze the chicken mixture for up to 3 months, keep the rolls separate in their original packaging for best results.

Pro Tips for Success

The sweet Hawaiian rolls aren’t just a suggestion—they’re what makes these sliders truly special. Their slight sweetness creates an incredible contrast with the savory filling. However, plain brown-and-serve rolls work in a pinch.

Hawaiian rolls have another advantage: they’re easy to slice in half without separating individual buns, creating perfect top and bottom “sheets” for your sliders.

Want to add some heat? Swap the regular ranch mix for a zesty or spicy version. This recipe yields 12 generous sliders, but it doubles beautifully for larger gatherings—and trust me, people will want seconds.

Nutrition Snapshot

Each slider contains approximately 584 calories with 56g fat, 15g protein, and 5g carbohydrates.