Featuring crispy chicken tenders nestled in a fluffy bun, these Chicken Tenders Sliders are absolutely amazing! Gooey Colby Jack cheese, succulent tomatoes, fresh lettuce, all enhanced with a generous layer of honey Dijon butter make this a must-try.
By now, it’s no secret that I’m a slider lover! They make for an incredibly straightforward family meal—everyone enjoys them, and they’re really easy to prepare. My collection boasts more than a dozen slider recipes, and it’s constantly expanding. Shredded Chicken Sliders, Big Mac Sliders, Italian Grinder Sliders… the list goes on!
For my latest slider creation, I was eager to utilize chicken tenders. I’m a huge fan of chicken tender subs—the balance of crispy coating and tender meat is simply delightful! Thus, it was a natural progression to combine these two concepts into a single tasty dish, resulting in the birth of these Hawaiian Roll Chicken Tender Sliders!
This recipe was an instant success with my family. Honestly, who could resist crispy chicken tenders layered with gooey cheese, fresh lettuce, and – juicy tomatoes, all within soft Hawaiian rolls?
Why I ADORE this recipe!
- 10 minutes of preparation – I appreciate how quickly they come together. Just a few minutes of prep followed by 20 minutes in the oven!
- Ideal for game day or any occasion – Sliders are a classic choice for game day, but these simple chicken tender sliders also make a popular option for lunches and dinners around here.
- Extremely family-friendly – This recipe is particularly appealing to kids. After all, it features their favorite—chicken tenders! Plus, the smaller size is perfect for little hands.
- Small size, huge flavor – These chicken tender sliders made with Hawaiian rolls are compact, making them enjoyable to eat, yet they’re bursting with flavor! Crispy chicken bites, Colby Jack cheese, fresh veggies, and soft rolls topped with buttery honey mustard—what could be better?!
Recipe Notes
This Chicken Tenders Sliders recipe is just as easy as it sounds! Only eight ingredients and 30 minutes are needed for a meal that the whole family will enjoy.
In this section, I’ll cover a few helpful tips and tricks to ensure that your Chicken Tenders Sliders turn out absolutely delicious.
Don’t forget to scroll down to the bottom for the COMPLETE recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
- Hawaiian rolls – There’s nothing quite like the sweetness and softness of Hawaiian rolls for sliders! I prefer King’s Hawaiian brand, but a pack of dinner rolls will also do the trick.
- Chicken tenders – You can prepare my crispy-baked chicken tenders, or for a quicker option, pick up some from the freezer aisle for easy chicken tender sliders.
- Colby Jack cheese – A blend of Colby and Monterey Jack cheese, Colby Jack offers a delicious flavor and creamy meltiness that is perfect. Other cheeses can also be used if desired.
that work well: Mild cheddar, provolone, or American cheese.
Be sure to check the recipe card at the end of this post for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.
Recipe Variations
If you enjoy this recipe as much as we do and are looking to switch things up for some variety, these simple tips are just what you need!
- Buffalo Chicken Tender Sliders – Heat 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce with 2 tablespoons of butter, then toss the chopped chicken tenders in the mixture before following the recipe as instructed. Pair with blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.
- Grilled Chicken Tender Sliders – Substitute grilled chicken tenders for the classic version, or if you’re interested in a breading-free alternative, consider my oven-baked chicken tenders that use no breading.
- BBQ Chicken Tender Sliders – Before baking, drizzle 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce over the chicken tenders. You can also replace the lettuce and tomato with thinly sliced red onion.
- Hot Honey Chicken Tender Sliders – In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of honey, 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon of your preferred hot sauce. After topping the rolls with chopped chicken tenders, drizzle the spicy honey mixture on top. Consider adding thick pickle slices along with the veggies.
Recipe Step by Step
Here, I’ll outline some essential steps in the recipe, but be sure to refer to the recipe card for detailed instructions on preparing the Chicken Tenders Sliders.
Begin by placing the bottom layer of rolls in a baking dish. Follow with a layer of cheese on top.
Next, spread the chopped chicken tenders evenly over the cheese layer.
Cut the chicken tenders into small pieces and distribute them evenly on top.
Combine the melted butter, Dijon mustard, and honey by whisking them together until fully blended.
Cover the cheese and chicken with the top layer of rolls. Apply the honey-mustard glaze with a brush, then bake until everything is thoroughly heated.
Once baked, take off the top layer of buns and distribute the lettuce evenly over the surface. Then, layer on the tomatoes.
Afterward, replace the top layer of buns, cut or separate them, and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Layer cheese above the chicken – This prevents moisture from the chicken from seeping into the rolls, ensuring no soggy sliders.
- Decide on covering based on your preference – If you prefer softer sliders, cover them with foil before baking. Conversely, if you like a toastier top, leave them uncovered and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Recipe Short Cuts
If you’re short on time but want to whip up this recipe, consider the following tips for a quicker preparation!
- Opt for pre-shredded lettuce – You’ll often find ready-to-use shredded lettuce in the grocery store’s salad section, cutting down on washing and cutting time.
- Use frozen chicken tenders – Look for frozen chicken tenders at your local grocery store; simply bake them according to the instructions and add them to your sliders.
- Or snag fried chicken tenders from the deli! – Deli chicken tenders can drastically reduce your prep time for these sliders.
- Prepare in advance – If you’re cooking crispy chicken tenders for another meal, consider making a larger batch to set aside for these sliders later. You can refrigerate leftover chicken tenders for up to three days.
What to Pair with Chicken Tenders Sliders
This protein-packed meal boasts the delightful flavors of crispy breaded chicken, making it compatible with many classic side dishes you love.
Select one or a variety of these sides to craft a well-rounded, satisfying dinner. You’ll find both traditional options and healthier selections to keep it light.
Side Dish Suggestions
Storing Chicken Tenders Sliders Leftovers
If you have any leftovers after preparing this dish…
To preserve leftovers, divide them into meal-sized portions, then transfer them into an airtight container and refrigerate:
- for 3-4 days
Recipe FAQs
How many sliders should each person have for dinner?
As an appetizer, I suggest planning for one or two per person, but for dinner, I typically recommend up to three per individual. This Chicken Tender Sliders recipe yields enough to satisfy a family of four for dinner.
What is the chicken tender cut?
A chicken tender refers to the thin strip found on the underside of the chicken breast.
More Simple Chicken Recipes
You can browse all of my simple chicken recipes here, or check out a few of our readers’ favorite dishes 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 for an appetizer or an effortless lunch or dinner option.
Ingredients
For the Honey Mustard Glaze
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350˚F.
For the glaze, combine the melted butter, mustard, and honey in a bowl and whisk until fully blended.
On a cutting board, chop the chicken tenders into bite-sized pieces.
Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half. Position the bottom halves in a baking dish. Layer cheese over the rolls, followed by an even distribution of chopped chicken tenders. Place the tops of the rolls back on and brush with a honey mustard glaze.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted. *refer to note
After baking, use a spatula to remove the tops, add shredded lettuce and slices of Roma tomato, then replace the tops and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
- If you prefer a slightly toasted top, bake uncovered. For softer sandwiches, cover while baking and extend the time by a couple of minutes.
Substitutions:
- Hawaiian rolls: Consider using a slab of dinner rolls or slider rolls instead.
- Cheese: You can substitute with Cheddar, American, Provolone, or Monterey Jack.
How to Store: Divide leftovers into meal-sized portions and keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
How to Reheat: Reheat in the microwave in increments of 30 seconds, or cover with foil and heat in the oven.
How to Scale: This recipe can be easily doubled for a larger group or halved for smaller servings.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 2sliders, Calories: 431kcal (22%), Carbohydrates: 36g (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%)
