Description
These Jalapeno Popper Chicken Sliders are a delicious twist on classic sliders, combining creamy bacon and jalapeno cream cheese spread, tender deli chicken, and sharp cheddar cheese on soft Hawaiian rolls. Perfectly baked with a buttery poppy seed topping, these sliders are flavorful, easy to prepare, and ideal for game day, parties, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Sliders
- 16 oz package Hawaiian rolls
- 1 lb thinly sliced deli chicken
- 6 slices sharp cheddar cheese
Cream Cheese Spread
- 6 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 6 pieces bacon (cooked and chopped)
- â…“ cup diced pickled jalapenos
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 teaspoons minced dried onion
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Other
- Cooking spray (for baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Rolls: Slice the entire package of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, separating the bottom half from the top, and place the bottom half in the prepared baking dish.
- Make Cream Cheese Spread: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cooked and chopped bacon, diced pickled jalapenos, mayonnaise, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Spread Mixture on Rolls: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the bottom layer of Hawaiian rolls in the baking dish.
- Add Chicken Layer: Arrange the thinly sliced deli chicken evenly over the cream cheese spread.
- Add Cheese: Place slices of sharp cheddar cheese evenly atop the chicken layer.
- Top with Rolls: Carefully place the top halves of the Hawaiian rolls back over the cheese layer, completing the sandwich stack.
- Prepare Topping Butter: In a small bowl, mix together the melted unsalted butter, minced dried onion, poppy seeds, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt until well combined.
- Brush Topping: Generously brush the butter mixture over the top of the slider buns to add flavor and help browning.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the sliders are heated through and the cheese has melted.
- Brown the Tops: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 2 to 5 minutes to brown and crisp the tops of the sliders.
- Serve: Remove sliders from the oven, slice if desired, and serve immediately while warm and gooey. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra heat, add more diced jalapenos or substitute fresh jalapenos in the cream cheese mixture.
- Make sure to soften the cream cheese well before mixing for easier spreading.
- Use precooked bacon to save time; bacon can be baked or pan-fried ahead of preparation.
- These sliders are best served hot but can be refrigerated and reheated covered in the oven to retain moisture.
- To reduce sodium, use low-sodium bacon and pickled jalapenos if available.
