Featuring crunchy chicken tenders nestled in a soft bun, these Chicken Tender Sliders are nothing short of spectacular! Melty Colby Jack cheese, ripe tomatoes, and crisp lettuce, all enhanced with a rich layer of honey Dijon butter, make these sliders a must-try.
By now, it’s well-known that I’m passionate about sliders! They’re an incredibly simple family meal—everyone loves them, and they’re a breeze to whip up. My collection includes more than a dozen slider recipes, and it’s always growing. Shredded Chicken Sliders, Big Mac Sliders, Italian Grinder Sliders… the variety is endless!
For my most recent slider creation, I was eager to feature chicken tenders. I’m a big fan of chicken tender subs—the combination of crispy breading and juicy meat is just irresistible! So, merging these two ideas into a single delicious dish led to the creation of these Hawaiian Roll Chicken Tender Sliders!
This recipe was an instant hit with my family. Honestly, who can resist crunchy chicken tenders topped with gooey cheese, crisp lettuce, and succulent tomatoes, all nestled in fluffy Hawaiian rolls?
Why I ADORE this recipe!
- 10 minutes of prep – I love how quickly they come together. Just a few minutes of preparation, then 20 minutes in the oven!
- Perfect for game day or any gathering – Sliders are a go-to choice for game day, but these delightful chicken tender sliders are also fantastic for lunches and dinners.
- Incredibly family-friendly – This recipe is especially appealing to kids. After all, it features their favorite—chicken tenders! Plus, the petite size is ideal for little hands.
- Small size, big flavor – These chicken tender sliders, made with Hawaiian rolls, are small but packed with flavor! Crispy chicken pieces, Colby Jack cheese, fresh vegetables, and soft rolls topped with buttery honey mustard—what more could you ask for?!
Recipe Notes
This Chicken Tenders Sliders recipe is as straightforward as it sounds! Just eight ingredients and 30 minutes will yield a meal that everyone in the family will rave about.
In this section, I’ll share a few useful tips and tricks to help ensure your Chicken Tenders Sliders turn out perfectly delicious.
Don’t forget to scroll down for the COMPLETE recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
- Hawaiian rolls – There’s nothing like the sweetness and softness of Hawaiian rolls for sliders! I prefer King’s Hawaiian brand, but any pack of dinner rolls works well too.
- Chicken tenders – You can either make my crispy-baked chicken tenders or grab some from the freezer aisle for quick and easy chicken tender sliders.
- Colby Jack cheese – This is a wonderful blend of Colby and Monterey Jack cheese,Colby Jack boasts a delightful flavor and creamy melt that complements these sliders perfectly, although other cheeses like mild cheddar, provolone, or American cheese can also be utilized if preferred.
**Lettuce** – Soft shreds of iceberg lettuce contribute a refreshing crunch that pairs beautifully with the fried chicken tender sliders. Romaine lettuce is another excellent choice.
**Tomatoes** – Juicy and sweet, tomatoes are an excellent addition to Chicken Tender Sliders! If anyone in your group isn’t keen on tomatoes, it’s simple to set aside a few sliders without them.
**Honey mustard glaze** – A mixture of melted butter, Dijon mustard, and honey brushed onto the sliders adds a great buttery sweetness and savory taste.
Make sure to review the recipe card at the end of this post for the full list of ingredients and their measurements.
### Recipe Variations
If you appreciate this recipe as much as we do and wish to introduce some variation, these straightforward tips will help!
– **Buffalo Chicken Tender Sliders** – Warm 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce with 2 tablespoons of butter, then coat the chopped chicken tenders in this mix before following the recipe instructions. Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.
– **Grilled Chicken Tender Sliders** – Swap in grilled chicken tenders for a different take, or if you want a breading-free option, try my oven-baked chicken tenders that use no breading.
– **BBQ Chicken Tender Sliders** – Drizzle 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce over the chicken tenders before baking. You can substitute the lettuce and tomato for thinly sliced red onion.
– **Hot Honey Chicken Tender Sliders** – In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of honey, 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce. After adding the chopped chicken tenders on the rolls, drizzle this spicy honey mixture on top. You might also want to include thick slices of pickles along with the veggies.
### Recipe Step by Step
I’ll summarize the key steps in the recipe, but remember to **refer to the recipe card for detailed instructions** on crafting the Chicken Tender Sliders.
1. Begin by placing the bottom layer of rolls in a baking dish, followed by a layer of cheese on top.
*Place the bottom layer of buns in a baking dish followed by a layer of cheese.*2. Evenly distribute the chopped chicken tenders over the cheese layer.
*Spread the chopped chicken tenders uniformly across the cheese layer.*Make sure to chop the chicken tenders into small pieces to ensure even distribution.
Mix the melted butter, Dijon mustard, and honey by whisking together until they are fully incorporated.
Place the top layer of rolls atop the chicken and cheese. Brush on the honey-Dijon glaze and then bake until everything is hot and ready.
After baking, remove the top part of the buns and evenly distribute the lettuce over the sliders. Follow that by adding layers of tomato.
Recipe Tips
- Place cheese above the chicken – This will help prevent moisture from the chicken from soaking into the rolls, keeping your sliders from getting soggy.
- Choose to cover based on your preference – If you favor softer sliders, cover them with foil before baking. On the other hand, if you enjoy a crispier top, leave them uncovered and extend the baking time slightly.
Recipe Short Cuts
If time is tight but you want to make this recipe, consider these tips for a faster preparation!
- Choose pre-shredded lettuce – You can often find ready-to-use shredded lettuce in the salad section of your supermarket, saving you the hassle of washing and cutting it.
- Utilize frozen chicken tenders – Check your local grocery store for frozen chicken tenders; simply follow the baking instructions and then incorporate them into your sliders.
- Grab fried chicken tenders from the deli! – Purchasing chicken tenders from the deli can significantly decrease your prep time for these sliders.
- Make them in advance – If you’re preparing crispy chicken tenders for a different meal, consider making a larger batch to reserve for these sliders later on. Cooked chicken tenders can be refrigerated for up to three days.
What to Serve with Chicken Tenders Sliders
This protein-rich meal showcases the delectable flavors of crispy breaded chicken, making it a great match for numerous classic side dishes you adore.
You can choose one or several of these sides to create a complete and enjoyable dinner. Options include traditional favorites as well as healthier choices for a lighter meal.
### Side Dish Suggestions
#### Storing Leftovers from Chicken Tenders Sliders
If you end up with leftovers after making this dish…
To keep the leftovers fresh, portion them into meal-sized servings, then place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator:
– Enjoy them for up to 3-4 days.
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#### Recipe FAQs
How many sliders should each person have for dinner?
For an appetizer, it’s best to plan for one or two per person, but for a main course, I usually suggest up to three per individual. This Chicken Tender Sliders recipe provides enough to satisfy a family of four for dinner.
What is the chicken tender cut?
A chicken tender is the thin strip found on the underside of the chicken breast.
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#### More Simple Chicken Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, take some time to check out more effortless dishes for those busy evenings!
You can explore all my **simple chicken recipes here** or browse through a selection of our readers’ favorites mentioned below.
Chicken Tender Sliders
This is the ultimate slider for families! Soft Hawaiian rolls are filled with crispy chicken tenders and melted cheese. A drizzle of buttery honey mustard glaze on top completes this delicious dish! Perfect as an appetizer or a simple lunch or dinner option.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes
servings
Ingredients
For the Honey Mustard Glaze
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350˚F.
In a bowl, combine melted butter, mustard, and honey, whisking until thoroughly blended to create the glaze.
Chop the chicken tenders into bite-sized pieces on a cutting board.
Cut the Hawaiian rolls in half. Arrange the bottom halves in a baking dish. Layer with cheese, followed by an even spread of the chopped chicken tenders. Place the tops of the rolls back on and brush with the honey mustard glaze.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through and the cheese melts. *see note
Once baked, use a spatula to remove the tops, add shredded lettuce and sliced Roma tomato, and then put the tops back on to serve right away.
Recipe Notes
- If you prefer a crispier top, bake uncovered. For softer sandwiches, cover while baking and extend the cooking time by a few minutes.
Substitutions:
- Hawaiian rolls: You might use a slab of dinner rolls or slider rolls instead.
- Cheese: Consider substituting with Cheddar, American, Provolone, or Monterey Jack.
How to Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
How to Reheat: Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, or cover with foil and heat in the oven.
How to Scale: This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings or halved for fewer servings.Nutrition Information
Serving:
2
sliders
,
Calories:
431
kcal
(22%)
,
Carbohydrates:
36
g
Calories: 320 (12%), Protein: 30g (60%), Fat: 19g (29%), Saturated Fat: 10g (63%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 104mg (35%), Sodium: 496mg (22%), Potassium: 520 mg (15%), Fiber: 1 g (4%), Sugar: 11 g (12%), Vitamin A: 6430 IU (129%), Vitamin C: 18 mg (22%), Calcium: 228 mg (23%), Iron: 1 mg (6%)
