Crack Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
Okay, if you love easy, comforting, and downright addictive recipes, you’re going to want to try this Crack Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls Recipe ASAP. These sliders combine creamy, cheesy chicken with savory bacon on those soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls that just pull everything together perfectly. I honestly think they’re the perfect party food or a fun weeknight dinner that’s both simple and super flavorful.
What makes these sliders stand out is that magical combo of cream cheese and ranch seasoning that makes the chicken filling so rich and irresistible. Plus, using Hawaiian rolls means these sliders come out with a touch of sweetness that balances all the savory layers. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be your go-to whenever you need a crowd-pleaser or a cozy, filling meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays its part in building that familiar “crack chicken” flavor but turned into a fun slider. Keep an eye out for fresh chicken and good-quality bacon to make it extra tasty!
- Cream cheese: Softened is key for smooth mixing and creamy texture in the filling.
- Dry ranch dressing mix: This brings all those herb and spice flavors we love without extra effort.
- Onion powder: Adds depth and a subtle sweetness without overpowering the dish.
- Fresh cracked black pepper: For that nice, slightly spicy bite.
- Green onion: Thinly sliced for a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
- Chicken breast: Cooked and shredded – I prefer poaching for juicy, tender pieces that soak up all the flavors.
- Bacon: Cooked and crumbled for that smoky crunch; don’t skimp here! Your sliders will thank you.
- Cheddar cheese: Mild shredded, divided to melt into the filling and to sprinkle on top for extra cheesy goodness.
- Sweet Hawaiian rolls: Sliced horizontally but kept together; their sweetness balances the savory filling perfectly.
- Salted sweet cream butter: Melted and brushed over the rolls with parmesan to get that golden, flavorful crust.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty kick when melted into the butter brush on top.
- Fresh chives: Finely chopped for garnish – they brighten up the sliders with a mild oniony freshness.
Variations
I love making this Crack Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls Recipe my own by swapping out ingredients or adding a few extras to suit the occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
- Spicy Variation: Add a dash of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños to the filling. I once surprised my friends at game night with a spicy batch, and they devoured them!
- Cheese Variety: Swap cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella to change the flavor profile depending on what you’re craving.
- Healthier Option: Use Greek yogurt mixed with cream cheese or swap out Hawaiian rolls for whole wheat slider buns for a bit more whole grain.
- Seasonal Twist: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers when in season for extra veggies and flavor.
How to Make Crack Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Creamy Base
Start by softening your cream cheese so it’s easy to mix—pop it out of the fridge a bit in advance or give it quick zap in the microwave for 10 seconds. In a large bowl, blend the cream cheese with the dry ranch dressing mix, onion powder, and cracked black pepper until smooth. This is the flavor foundation, so take your time here to get it well combined without lumps.
Step 2: Add Chicken, Bacon, and Cheese
Next, stir in the shredded chicken breast, crumbled bacon, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese along with the sliced green onion. Make sure the chicken is well-coated with the creamy blend to help each bite burst with flavor. If you can, use warm chicken to help the cheese melt a bit as you mix.
Step 3: Layer the Sliders
Slice your Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping all the slider tops and bottoms attached in a full sheet. Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly over the bottom half. Sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese on top of the chicken layer, then place the top half of the rolls back on.
Step 4: Butter and Bake
Mix together the melted butter and grated parmesan cheese, then brush this mixture generously over the top of the sliders. This step is key for that golden, savory crust! Cover the sliders with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. Then, uncover and bake another 5 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and lightly browned.
How to Serve Crack Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

Garnishes
I always sprinkle finely chopped fresh chives over the sliders before serving. They add a lovely touch of color and a subtle onion freshness that balances out the richness of the cheese and bacon. Feel free to add extra sliced green onions or even a few dashes of hot sauce if you like a little kick!
Side Dishes
These sliders are quite filling on their own, but I love pairing them with simple sides like crunchy coleslaw, a crisp green salad, or some roasted veggies for a bit of balance. If it’s game day, offer chips and salsa or even some classic potato wedges—easy favorites that people love to dunk and munch alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
One time I made a big platter of these Crack Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls Recipe for a birthday party and arranged them in a fun circular pattern with fresh herbs scattered around. It’s a great way to make sliders feel more festive and inviting. You can also cut the full sheet into individual sliders for easy grab-and-go serving—perfect for potlucks or buffet-style meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover sliders keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually gently wrap them in foil or plastic wrap to keep the rolls from drying out. When you’re ready to eat, they still taste great chilled or reheated.
Freezing
If you want to freeze them, I recommend assembling the sliders but skipping the baking step. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed for a fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.
Reheating
I like reheating leftovers in the oven to keep the rolls soft but slightly toasted on top. Cover with foil for about 10 minutes at 350°F to warm through, then remove the foil the last few minutes to crisp the top a bit. Microwaving works too, but you might lose that delightful crispness on the buttery top layer.
FAQs
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Can I use rotisserie chicken for the Crack Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and makes assembling these sliders super quick. Just shred up the chicken and mix it in—it adds extra flavor too since it’s already seasoned.
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What can I substitute for the dry ranch dressing mix?
If you can’t find ranch seasoning, you can make your own combo with dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, and salt. It won’t be exactly the same but will still give that herby, tangy vibe the sliders need.
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Can these sliders be made ahead for a party?
Yes! Prepare the sliders up to the baking step then cover and refrigerate a few hours before baking. This makes prep easy and you can bake them fresh just before guests arrive for best taste.
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Are Hawaiian rolls essential for this recipe?
While Hawaiian rolls add a sweet, soft texture that really complements the filling, you can use any slider buns you like. Just know that the flavor profile will be a bit different without that signature sweetness.
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How many sliders does this recipe make?
This recipe uses a 12-count package of Hawaiian rolls, so it will make 12 delicious sliders—perfect for sharing or meal prepping.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Crack Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls Recipe has become a staple in my house for good reason. It’s super easy but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, and everyone always asks for seconds. I love how you can whip it up quickly on busy nights or bring it to gatherings where it’s guaranteed to disappear fast. If you want a crowd-pleaser that’s full of cozy flavors and simple to make, give these sliders a try—I promise they won’t disappoint!
Print
Crack Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
- 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 a deliciously creamy, cheesy, and savory treat featuring shredded chicken mixed with cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and bacon, served on sweet, soft Hawaiian rolls. Perfect for game days, parties, or casual gatherings, they combine the flavors of ranch, bacon, cheddar, and fresh herbs for an irresistible slider experience.
Ingredients
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 ounces cooked, crumbled bacon
- 2½ cups mild shredded cheddar cheese, divided (1 cup and 1½ cups)
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh chives
Assembly
- 12 count package sweet Hawaiian rolls, sliced in half horizontally
- 6 tablespoons salted sweet cream butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the dry ranch dressing mix, onion powder, and fresh cracked black pepper. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- Add chicken and toppings: Fold in the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, thinly sliced green onions, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped fresh chives. Stir until everything is evenly combined to create the crack chicken filling.
- Prepare the Hawaiian rolls: Carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom sections intact. Place the bottom half on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Assemble sliders: Evenly spread the crack chicken filling over the bottom half of the rolls. Then sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the filling. Place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls back on top, pressing down gently to compact the sliders.
- Prepare butter topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted salted sweet cream butter with the grated Parmesan cheese. Brush this butter mixture generously over the tops of the Hawaiian rolls to create a flavorful, golden crust.
- Bake the sliders: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled sliders for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, the filling is hot, and the tops are golden brown.
- Serve warm: Remove the sliders from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing between each roll to separate. Serve the sliders warm for the best creamy, cheesy experience.
Notes
- You can prepare the crack chicken filling a day ahead and refrigerate to save time on assembly day.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the filling mixture.
- Use cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven wrapped in foil to prevent drying out.
- For a crispier top, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes watching carefully to avoid burning.
Keywords: crack chicken sliders, Hawaiian rolls, chicken sliders, creamy chicken, bacon cheddar sliders, ranch chicken recipe, party sliders
