Wichita Chicken Sliders
Cheesy and flavorful mini chicken sandwiches made with jalapeños, fried onions, and melty cheese on soft slider buns—perfect for gatherings or comfort food cravings.
12 Servings
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 1 lb chicken breast pounded evenly
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 white onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 3/4 cup diced tomato
- 1/2 cup pickled jalapeño slices chopped
- 3 tablespoons jalapeño brine
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup Monterey Jack cheese grated
- 1/2 cup green onion thinly sliced (green parts only)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For assembly:
- 6 slices cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup crispy fried onions such as French’s
- 1 package King’s Hawaiian slider buns halved horizontally
- 2 tablespoons salted butter melted
- Freshly ground black pepper for topping
- 12 whole pickled jalapeño slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cook the Chicken:
- In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper, then cook for 3–4 minutes on the first side. Flip the chicken, reduce the heat slightly, and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from the pan and let rest for several minutes before shredding.
Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same pan, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook over medium-low heat for 4–6 minutes, or until the onion is soft and fragrant. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the sautéed onion mixture, diced tomato, chopped jalapeños, jalapeño brine, mayonnaise, grated Monterey Jack cheese, and green onion. Stir until evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
Assemble the Sliders:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bottom halves of the slider buns in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer evenly with cheddar cheese slices, followed by the chicken filling. Top with the remaining jalapeño slices and sprinkle generously with crispy fried onions.
Bake and Serve:
- Place the top halves of the buns over the filling. Brush the tops with melted butter and finish with a light sprinkle of black pepper. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the cheese has melted thoroughly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
To make Wichita Chicken Sliders gluten-free:
- Substitute the slider buns with a certified gluten-free alternative.
- Ensure the crispy fried onions are gluten-free—many store-bought varieties contain wheat.
- Verify that all condiments and cheeses are labeled gluten-free, including the mayonnaise and pickled jalapeños.