The Ultimate Wichita Chicken Sliders Recipe

The Ultimate Wichita Chicken Sliders Recipe: Juicy Bites of Joy

Wichita chicken sliders have become my latest culinary obsession with their irresistible blend of local flavors.

Kansas knows how to craft a seriously delectable sandwich that packs incredible punch.

Small yet mighty, these mini burgers bring serious satisfaction to any gathering.

Packed with zesty seasonings and tender meat, they represent pure midwestern comfort.

Local diners and home cooks alike swear by this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Crispy edges and juicy centers make these sliders impossible to resist.

Ingredients for Wichita Chicken Sliders

For the Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: A lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein for these sliders.
For the Fresh Produce:
  • Onion, Garlic: Provides a savory and aromatic base for the chicken filling.
  • Tomato: Adds a fresh and juicy element to the slider mixture.
  • Jalapenos, Green Onion: Brings a spicy and bright flavor to the dish.
For the Dairy and Condiments:
  • Monterey Jack Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Provides creamy and melty texture to the sliders.
  • Mayonnaise: Creates a rich and smooth binding for the chicken mixture.
  • Jalapeno Brine: Enhances the spicy flavor profile of the sliders.
For the Baking and Topping Ingredients:
  • Slider Buns: Serves as the base for the delicious chicken sliders.
  • Crispy Fried Onions: Adds a crunchy texture to the top of the sliders.
  • Butter: Helps create a golden and flavorful top for the buns.
For the Seasonings:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
  • Olive Oil: Used for cooking and adding moisture to the chicken.

How to Prepare Wichita Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Sear The Chicken

Heat a saute pan over medium heat with olive oil. Sprinkle salt and pepper on chicken breast, then cook for 3-4 minutes on one side.

Flip the chicken, lower heat, and continue cooking until the internal temperature hits 165F. Transfer chicken to a cutting board, let it rest briefly, then shred using two forks.

Step 2: Build The Flavor Base

In the same pan, cook onion and garlic over medium-low heat until soft and translucent. Create the slider filling by combining:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Sauteed onion and garlic
  • Diced tomato
  • Chopped jalapenos
  • Jalapeno brine
  • Mayonnaise
  • Monterey Jack cheese
  • Green onion

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 3: Assemble The Slider Magic

Preheat oven to 350F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Layer the bottom slider buns in the dish. Top with:
  • Cheddar cheese slices
  • Prepared chicken mixture
  • Extra jalapeno slices
  • Crispy fried onions

Place top buns, then brush with melted butter and dust with black pepper.

Step 4: Bake And Devour

Bake for 18-20 minutes until cheese melts and tops turn golden brown. Serve piping hot and savor every delicious bite!

Tips for Best Wichita Chicken Sliders

  • Ensure chicken reaches exactly 165F for juicy, safe meat without overcooking.
  • Reserve some jalapeno brine to add extra tangy kick and enhance overall slider taste.
  • Let cheese sit at room temperature before adding to help it melt smoothly and evenly.
  • Sprinkle crispy fried onions just before baking to maintain their crunch and prevent sogginess.
  • Prepare slider filling up to 24 hours in advance and store in refrigerator to develop deeper flavors.

Variations of Wichita Chicken Sliders

  • Spicy Southwest Fusion: Replace traditional ingredients with chipotle peppers, black beans, and pepper jack cheese for a bold southwestern flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Chicken Remix: Swap jalapeños for feta cheese, add chopped kalamata olives, and sprinkle with dried oregano for a Greek-inspired slider.
  • Ranch Ranch Explosion: Mix ranch seasoning into the chicken filling, top with crispy bacon bits, and use ranch dressing instead of mayo for an extra tangy version.
  • BBQ Smokehouse Edition: Incorporate smoky BBQ sauce into the chicken mixture, add caramelized onions, and top with smoked cheddar cheese for a barbecue-inspired slider.

Pairing Suggestions for Wichita Chicken Sliders

  • Perfect Sip and Savor Companions
  • Crisp Beer Pairing: Light, hoppy craft beer cuts through the rich, spicy chicken slider, balancing heat and creaminess with refreshing carbonation.
  • Cool Citrus Cocktail: Zesty margarita or paloma with tequila, lime, and grapefruit complements the jalapeno's kick and enhances the slider's bold flavors.
  • Smooth White Wine: Chilled Riesling or Gewürztraminer offers subtle sweetness that mellows the spice while highlighting the cheese and chicken's depth.
  • Fresh Herbal Mocktail: Mint-cucumber spritzer provides a cooling counterpoint to the slider's heat, cleansing the palate between bites.

Storing Wichita Chicken Sliders Properly

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and food safety.

Wrap sliders individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing with crispy toppings to maintain texture.

Preheat oven to 350F. Remove from refrigerator 15 minutes before reheating. Wrap sliders in aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Place slider on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and preventing overheating.

FAQs

  • Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breast?

Yes, you can! Shred a rotisserie chicken and skip the cooking step, saving time while maintaining great flavor.

  • How spicy are these sliders?

The spice level depends on the jalapenos. Remove seeds for less heat or add more jalapeno brine and slices for extra kick.

  • What if I can't find Monterey Jack cheese?

Substitute with pepper jack for more spice or mild cheddar for a classic taste. Any melting cheese works well.

  • Are these sliders good for meal prep?

Absolutely! Assemble ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, making them perfect for busy weeknights or game day.

Why Wichita Chicken Sliders Are Great

  • Spice Up Family Dinners: Kick traditional meals to the curb with these zesty chicken sliders that pack a flavor punch for all ages.
  • Master Quick Cooking: Perfect for busy home cooks seeking a delicious meal that comes together without complicated techniques or endless prep work.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Guaranteed to win over guests at game days, potlucks, and casual gatherings with its irresistible cheesy, spicy profile that satisfies diverse taste buds.
  • Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows swapping ingredients or adjusting heat levels, making it simple to personalize according to individual preferences and dietary needs.
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The Ultimate Wichita Chicken Sliders Recipe

The Ultimate Wichita Chicken Sliders Recipe


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4.8 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Wichita chicken sliders bring Kansas-style comfort to your plate with juicy, flavor-packed mini sandwiches. Crispy breaded chicken nestled in buttery rolls creates a simple yet irresistible meal perfect for game day or casual gatherings you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, pounded even

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 3/4 cup (85 grams) Monterey Jack cheese, grated
  • 6 slices cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons (28 grams) salted butter, melted

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 1/2 white onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3/4 cup (120 grams) diced tomato
  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) mild pickled jalapeno slices, chopped
  • 12 whole pickled jalapeno slices for topping
  • 1/2 cup (30 grams) green onion, sliced (green parts only)
  • 3/4 cup (60 grams) French’s fried onions
  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) jalapeno brine
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Other:

  • 1 package Kings Hawaiian slider buns, sliced in half

Instructions

  1. Prepare the protein by searing chicken breast in a skillet over medium heat with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook 3-4 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165F. Allow to rest, then shred into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Create aromatic base by sautéing onions and garlic in the same pan over medium-low heat until translucent, approximately 4-6 minutes.
  3. Craft flavor-packed filling by combining shredded chicken, sautéed aromatics, diced tomatoes, chopped jalapeños, jalapeño brine, mayonnaise, Monterey Jack cheese, and green onions in a mixing bowl. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  4. Preheat oven to 350F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with light greasing.
  5. Layer slider foundation by placing bottom bun halves in the prepared dish, then add cheddar cheese slices as the initial layer.
  6. Distribute prepared chicken mixture evenly over cheese, then garnish with additional jalapeño slices and crispy fried onions.
  7. Crown sliders with top bun halves, brushing surfaces with melted butter and sprinkling freshly ground black pepper.
  8. Bake for 18-20 minutes until cheese melts completely and bun tops turn golden brown.
  9. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the zesty, texture-rich sliders.

Notes

  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect sear and prevent steaming, which helps develop deeper flavor and better texture.
  • Adjust jalapeno quantity based on heat preference; remove seeds for milder version or add extra for more kick.
  • Allow cheese to come to room temperature before adding to help it melt more evenly and create a smoother texture.
  • Prepare chicken mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store in refrigerator to intensify flavors and save preparation time.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 334 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 610 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 21 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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