Name: Crack Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh chives; 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); 12 count package sweet Hawaiian rolls, sliced in half; 6 tablespoons salted sweet cream butter, melted; 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

If you’ve never tried making Crack Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls, you’re in for a real treat! This recipe combines creamy, cheesy chicken with that irresistible sweet and soft Hawaiian roll, creating little bites of heaven. Whenever I need an easy crowd-pleaser for game day or a casual get-together, these sliders are my go-to—you just can’t go wrong with that kind of flavor and convenience.

What makes these Crack Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls Recipe truly special is how the savory ranch seasoning and smoky bacon come together with tender shredded chicken and melted cheese. Plus, the sweet rolls add that perfect contrast, making each slider indulgently delicious. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to keep a stash of Hawaiian rolls in the freezer just for these sliders!

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Crack Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls Recipe work in harmony to create a rich and flavorful filling balanced by the soft sweetness of the rolls. Here’s a little shopping advice: use good quality cream cheese and freshly cooked chicken to lift the whole dish, and don’t skip the bacon—it’s key!

Cream cheese: Soften it ahead of time for easy mixing and a smooth, creamy texture.
Dry ranch dressing mix: Adds that classic tangy, herby flavor that makes ‘crack chicken’ so addictive.
Onion powder: Enhances depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Fresh cracked black pepper: Gives a little bite and freshness—don’t skimp here!
Green onion: Fresh and mild, it adds color and that subtle onion kick.
Cooked shredded chicken breast: I like to use leftover rotisserie chicken—super easy and flavorful.
Cooked crumbled bacon: Use thick-cut if possible for better texture and smokiness.
Mild shredded cheddar cheese: Creamy and melty, cheddar is a natural match for this filling.
Sweet Hawaiian rolls: The star of the show, they bring that soft, buttery sweetness everyone loves.
Salted sweet cream butter: Melted and brushed on top for that golden, buttery crust.
Grated parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a little salty complexity and a golden finish.
Finely chopped fresh chives: For a bright, fresh finish—you’ll want to sprinkle these just before serving.

Variations

I’m all about making this recipe your own! Over time, I’ve tweaked it to suit whatever we have on hand or the occasion. Feel free to swap ingredients or spice it up—you’ll find these sliders seriously adaptable.

Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños for a fiery twist—I love this for game nights when everyone wants a little extra zing.
Cheese swap: Try pepper jack for a mild heat or mozzarella for extra gooeyness if cheddar’s not your fave.
Healthy twist: Use Greek yogurt in place of cream cheese for a lighter creamy base, and whole wheat Hawaiian rolls if you can find them.
Make it vegetarian: Swap out chicken for cooked mushrooms or shredded jackfruit and skip the bacon; it’s surprisingly delicious!
Seasonal additions: Add diced roasted red peppers or even a handful of spinach for color and nutrients.

How to Make Crack Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, mix the softened cream cheese with the dry ranch seasoning, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth. Having the cream cheese softened really helps the mixture come together without any lumps, so don’t skip letting it sit on the counter for a bit before mixing.

Step 2: Combine the Chicken Filling

Next, stir in your shredded chicken, cooked bacon, 1 cup of shredded cheddar, and green onions into the cream cheese mixture. Make sure everything is well combined—this is the perfect filling that brings all the flavors together. I like to taste it here and adjust seasoning if needed, adding a pinch more ranch or pepper for an extra flavor punch.

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

Grab your Hawaiian rolls sliced in half horizontally and carefully separate the top and bottom halves. Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the bottom half, then top with the remaining 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Pop the top halves of the rolls back on—and don’t press too hard, you want the filling to be visible and the cheese to melt beautifully.

Step 4: Butter and Bake to Perfection

Mix melted butter with parmesan cheese and brush it generously over the tops of the rolls. This step is a game changer for getting that golden, crispy finish. Bake the sliders in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden. Keep an eye on them after 15 minutes to avoid burning—the butter and cheese create a quick crust.

How to Serve Crack Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

There are twelve soft golden-brown bread rolls arranged tightly in a 3 by 4 pattern in a clear glass baking dish on a white marbled surface. Each roll has a topping of light brown crumbs and small green herbs scattered on top. The sandwiches have two layers of bread, with the bottom half holding a creamy white chicken salad mixed with visible herbs and pieces of chicken. On top of the chicken salad, there is a layer of melted bright orange cheddar cheese spilling slightly over the edges. The rolls are shiny and slightly textured, giving a fresh-baked look. The overall image is bright and clear, showing a close-up view from the front left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always sprinkle these sliders with freshly chopped chives just before serving—it adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh, mild onion flavor that balances all the richness. Sometimes I’ll add a few extra green onions for crunch too. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of hot sauce can elevate them nicely.

Side Dishes

These sliders pair perfectly with simple side dishes like crisp dill pickles, crunchy coleslaw, or a fresh green salad to cut through the cheesy richness. I’ve also served them alongside sweet potato fries or kettle chips for a fun, casual meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to arrange the sliders on a wooden board lined with parchment paper and sprinkle some extra chopped chives and crumbled bacon on top. Adding a bowl of ranch dressing on the side for dipping always goes over well! If it’s a holiday or special occasion, garnish with finely sliced radishes or edible flowers for that wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover Crack Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the rolls from getting soggy, I sometimes wrap each slider individually in foil, which helps maintain their softness and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze these sliders before baking—assemble them as usual, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed. I’ve found this makes for a super convenient make-ahead meal!

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes. This warms them evenly and helps restore that crisp buttery top. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the bread from becoming too soggy or chewy.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully because it’s already cooked and flavorful, saving you prep time. Just shred it well before mixing with your other ingredients.
What if I don’t have Hawaiian rolls?

If Hawaiian rolls aren’t available, soft dinner rolls or slider buns with some sweetness will work, but the unique flavor of Hawaiian rolls really takes these sliders up a notch. You might consider adding a tiny bit of honey butter on whatever roll you choose to mimic that sweetness.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

This recipe relies heavily on cream cheese and cheddar, so dairy-free versions would require specialty vegan cheeses and cream cheese substitutes. It’s doable but expect some differences in flavor and texture.
How do I prevent the sliders from getting soggy?

To avoid soggy sliders, don’t overfill the rolls and assemble them right before baking. Also, brushing the tops with melted butter and baking helps create a protective crust that seals moisture inside.
Is it possible to prepare these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders the night before and refrigerate them covered. Just add the butter and parmesan topping right before baking to ensure a crispy finish.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, these Crack Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls have become a staple at my house, especially when friends come over or we’re relaxing on the weekend. They’re comforting without being complicated, and you get to share that effortless “wow” factor with your guests. I hope you give this recipe a whirl—it’s one of those dishes that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, and I’m confident it’ll become a favorite in your recipe rotation too!