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Need a new crowd-pleaser for your next gathering? These spicy-sweet honey chicken sliders will blow your mind! I threw these together while trying to use up some extra rotisserie chicken, and now they're requested at every get-together. Picture this: tender shredded chicken coated in a sweet-spicy honey glaze, topped with gooey cheese, all stuffed into fluffy Hawaiian buns with a creamy slaw on top. They're fantastic for tailgating, entertaining friends, or jazzing up your regular dinner routine!
What Makes These So Incredible
That spicy honey mixture really packs a punch! The combo of sweetness and heat works wonders together. They come together so fast, and they'll feed tons of people without any hassle. The best part? You can tweak them based on whatever's in your fridge - these little sandwiches are totally adaptable.
Grab These Items
- Sweet Buns: The soft Hawaiian ones that come in that orange packaging.
- Melty Cheese: Try provolone for that perfect gooey stretch.
- Ready Chicken: A store-bought rotisserie chicken cuts your prep time!
- Flavor Booster: Hot honey transforms everything it touches.
- Crunchy Slaw: Gives that necessary texture contrast.
- Finishing Touch: Seasoned butter for that crispy, golden top.
Time To Create Greatness
- Prep Those Buns
- Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally while keeping them attached. Place the bottom section in a greased baking dish.
- Create Your Foundation
- Cover the bottom buns completely with provolone slices to form a protective cheese layer that stops sogginess.
- Add The Star
- Toss your pulled chicken thoroughly in the hot honey mixture until every bit gets coated. Spread this evenly across the cheese.
- Initial Heating
- Stick it in a 350°F oven for roughly 15 minutes until you notice the cheese starting to bubble.
- Get That Crunch
- Combine your melted butter with smoked paprika, garlic powder and cayenne. Paint this all over the top buns, then back into the oven until they turn beautifully golden.
- The Grand Finale
- Pull them out and let them sit briefly. Add your creamy slaw, place the tops on, and watch as they vanish before your eyes!
Tasty Sidekicks
These sliders go great with some crunchy potato chips or thick-cut fries. Want something lighter? Throw together a quick fruit mix to cool things down. A simple pasta side works too. And don't skip the pickles - they cut right through all that richness! Make sure you've got cold drinks nearby because these pack some heat!
Nailing The Details
For a crispy bottom, don't wait around before serving. If you're prepping ahead, wait to add the slaw until you're ready to eat. Are the tops browning too quickly? Just throw some foil on top. Want them extra fiery? Dump more cayenne into your butter mixture - it's your call!
Think Ahead
You can assemble these earlier in the day and stick them in the fridge until you're ready to bake - just hold off on the slaw! Any extras will stay good for about 3 days refrigerated. When you want to reheat them, wrap in foil and warm at 350°F for around 10 minutes and they'll taste almost fresh-made!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I get these ready in advance?
Of course! Just hold off on adding the coleslaw until you're ready to eat so the buns don't get soggy.
- → Why cut the rolls all at once?
It makes the process smoother, keeping the buns aligned and ensuring uniform portions.
- → How do I stop them from overcooking?
If they’re browning too much, lightly cover them with foil to slow it down.
- → Can leftover sliders be warmed up?
Absolutely. Reheat them at 220°C for about 10-15 minutes, leaving off the coleslaw while heating.
- → What’s the best dressing to use?
You can go with coleslaw dressing, or even ranch for a creamier option—it’s up to you!