Irresistible Pickle Brined Hot Chicken Sliders: Spicy, Cheesy, and Ready in Under 30 Minutes!
Get ready to elevate your mealtime with these sensational Pickle Brined Hot Chicken Sliders! Imagine succulent, perfectly spiced chicken, rich melted cheese, and a delightful tang, all nestled within soft, toasted pull-apart buns. These flavor-packed mini sandwiches are not just incredibly juicy, cheesy, and spicy, but also surprisingly easy to prepare, making them a dream come true for busy weeknights or a show-stopping appetizer for your next gathering. With a total prep and cook time of under 30 minutes, you can have 12 delicious sliders ready to devour in no time.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Sprouts Farmers Market. As always, all opinions are my own.
As an avid food enthusiast, my list of culinary passions runs long, but a few stand out from the crowd. Among these cherished favorites are creamy avocados, a perfectly roasted chicken, decadent chocolate, and, of course, the unparalleled delight of PICKLES.
It feels like the past year has truly been the golden age of pickles. We’ve witnessed an explosion of pickle-inspired creations, from the adventurous hot dogs ingeniously stuffed into pickles to the surprisingly controversial pickle ice cream (a daring culinary frontier I’m still gathering courage to explore!). Pickles are undeniably a hot item, enjoying a well-deserved moment in the spotlight. While my affection for pickles has always been steadfast, there’s a particular quality they possess that truly captivates me, especially when it comes to enhancing savory dishes.
Their signature tartness, crisp texture, and aromatic dill notes don’t just add flavor; they transform a dish, cutting through richness and adding a vibrant, unforgettable zest. This is especially true in the realm of fried or hot chicken, where pickles serve as the perfect foil to the savory, spicy, and often rich profile of the meat. They aren’t just a garnish; they’re an essential component, offering a refreshing counterpoint that cleanses the palate and keeps you coming back for more.
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The Secret to Succulent Flavor: The Pickle Brine
Brining is a culinary technique I swear by for achieving incredibly tender and flavorful chickens and turkeys. However, traditional brining can be quite a time commitment. It involves preparing the brine mixture, allowing the meat to soak for an extended period, and then finally roasting it. While the results are always worth it, finding that extra time during a busy week, especially with little ones, can be a challenge.
I absolutely adore cooking from scratch, but I’m also a firm believer in smart shortcuts that make life easier without compromising on taste. One of my absolute favorite go-to options for a quick, high-quality meal starter is picking up a whole roasted chicken from Sprouts Farmers Market. They consistently offer delicious, perfectly cooked birds that save me a significant amount of time in the kitchen.
And now, there’s even more reason to celebrate! This month, Sprouts has introduced a game-changing new flavor: PICKLE BRINED roasted chicken. This has instantly become my new obsession. The flavor is truly incredible. The distinctive pickle essence shines through beautifully, leaving a delightful dill aftertaste that lingers on your tongue, perfectly complemented by a subtle, refreshing tang. It’s an ingenious shortcut that brings gourmet flavor right to your dinner table.
What makes this even better is the peace of mind that comes with Sprouts’ commitment to quality. Their roasted chickens are raised humanely and contain no added antibiotics, which are factors that are extremely important to me when selecting food for my family. This commitment to ethical sourcing and natural ingredients ensures that you’re not just getting a convenient product, but a wholesome one too.
This exceptional pickle-brined chicken forms the killer filling for these hot chicken sliders! If you’ve ever savored a classic Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich, you know that pickles aren’t just an option—they’re an absolute essential. This recipe takes that appreciation to the next level, giving you a double dose of delightful pickle flavor.
First, you have the tender, flavor-infused pickle-brined chicken, which then takes a glorious dip in some seriously tasty, perfectly spiced butter. To complete this symphony of flavors and textures, it’s generously topped off with even more fresh, chopped dill pickles for that crucial crisp crunch. And of course, no pull-apart slider experience is complete without an abundance of rich, gooey melted cheese, bringing everything together in a harmonious bite.
Don’t miss out on this incredible culinary gem! Make sure to head over to Sprouts Farmers Market as soon as you can to pick up this fantastic roasted chicken. This special pickle-brined flavor is only available for a limited time, and in my book, it’s an absolute must-try that will transform your slider game!
More Irresistible Slider Recipes to Explore
If you’re a fan of the convenient and delicious slider format, you’ll love exploring these other fantastic recipes. Sliders are incredibly versatile, perfect for tailoring to any flavor profile or occasion. Be sure to check out these other crowd-pleasing options from my kitchen:
Jamaican Jerk Chicken Sliders | Carne Asada Torta Sliders | Hatch Green Chile Chicken Sliders
Essential Ingredients & Equipment for Perfect Sliders
Crafting these wonderfully easy sliders couldn’t be simpler, especially since all the key ingredients are readily available at your local Sprouts Farmers Market. The star of the show, of course, is the unique Pickle-Brined Roasted Chicken from Sprouts. Its pre-infused flavor saves you a significant step and truly sets these sliders apart. However, if the special pickle-brined flavor isn’t available, don’t worry! You can absolutely use one of Sprouts’ regular, delicious roasted chickens and still create fantastic sliders, perhaps adding a touch more pickle juice or chopped pickles to the chicken mixture for an extra zing.
Beyond the fantastic chicken, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools to bring these sliders to life. A sturdy half-sheet baking pan is essential for toasting the buns and baking the assembled sliders, ensuring even cooking and a golden finish. For preparing the irresistible spicy butter, a small saucepan and a whisk will do the trick. That’s really it! This recipe truly is low-maintenance, proving that you don’t need a pantry full of exotic ingredients or complex equipment to create something incredibly flavorful and satisfying.
Let’s Craft These Yummy Pickle Brined Hot Chicken Sliders!
Step 1: Prep Your Buns and Chicken for Assembly
Begin by preparing your slider buns. Carefully cut the entire pack of pull-apart dinner rolls horizontally in half, creating a top and bottom layer for all 12 sliders. Place both the bottom and top halves, cut side up, onto your baking sheet. Pop them under the broiler for just a few minutes until they achieve a lovely golden-brown toast. Toasting both halves isn’t just for appearance; it creates a much better texture, preventing the buns from becoming soggy under the juicy chicken and melted cheese, and adding a delightful subtle crunch to each bite. Keep a close eye on them as broilers can toast quickly!
Next, turn your attention to the star ingredient: the Sprouts Pickle-Brined Roasted Chicken. Using your hands, efficiently remove all the meat from the bones. Shred the chicken meat into bite-sized pieces and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. A useful tip: don’t discard the bones, skin, or any small bits of meat still clinging to the carcass! These are perfect for making a quick, flavorful homemade chicken stock later, adding depth to future soups or sauces.
Now, for the spicy butter that brings the “hot” to these sliders. In a small saucepan, gently melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once fully melted, whisk in your favorite hot sauce – Frank’s Red Hot is a classic choice for its balanced heat and tangy flavor. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Pour this vibrant, spicy butter over the shredded chicken in the large bowl and toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring every piece of chicken is beautifully coated. This step is crucial for infusing that signature hot chicken flavor throughout your sliders.
Step 2: Expertly Assemble Your Sliders
With your prepped buns and coated chicken ready, it’s time to build these flavorful sliders. Carefully spread the spicy chicken mixture in an even layer over the bottom halves of your toasted dinner rolls. Ensure each roll receives a generous portion, promising a satisfying bite every time.
Next, generously spread both the shredded Monterey Jack and mozzarella cheeses over the chicken layer, distributing them evenly across all the sliders. The combination of these two cheeses provides both creamy texture and excellent meltability, creating that irresistible gooey factor. For that signature pickle crunch and extra tang, sprinkle the chopped dill pickles liberally over the cheese layer. Finally, gently place the toasted top halves of the buns back onto their corresponding bottoms, completing your slider assembly.
Step 3: Bake to Golden, Cheesy Perfection
Once assembled, your sliders are ready for their final transformation in the oven. Bake them in the preheated 400˚F oven until the cheese is wonderfully melted and bubbly, and the rolls have turned a beautiful golden brown. This usually takes approximately 12 to 15 minutes, but keep an eye on them as oven temperatures can vary. The aroma filling your kitchen will be a delicious indicator that they’re almost ready!
As soon as they emerge from the oven, golden and fragrant, serve them immediately. These pull-apart sliders are best enjoyed hot, allowing the melted cheese and warm, spicy chicken to shine. They’re perfect on their own, or you can pair them with a simple side like potato chips, a crisp green salad, or even some creamy coleslaw to complement the heat.
Seeking More Appetizer Inspiration?
If you’ve enjoyed these sliders and are on the hunt for more exciting small bites to impress your guests or simply delight your family, my comprehensive appetizer recipe page is your go-to resource. It’s packed with creative and delicious ideas for every occasion.
Check out my appetizers recipe page!
Pickle Brined Hot Chicken Sliders
equipment
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Silicone Baking Mats
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Half Sheet Pan
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Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
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French Wire Whisk
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saucepan
ingredients
- One 1 1/2 to 2 lbs Sprouts Pickle-Brined Roasted Chicken (or regular roasted chicken)
- One 12-pack pull-apart dinner rolls
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups chopped dill pickles
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
- 2/3 cup hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s Red Hot Sauce)
instructions
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Carefully remove all the meat from the Sprouts roasted chicken bones. Shred the chicken meat using your hands and place it in a large bowl. (Tip: Don’t discard the carcass and skin; they make excellent homemade chicken stock!)
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Preheat your broiler. Slice the entire pack of pull-apart dinner rolls horizontally in half. Place both the top and bottom halves, cut side up, on a baking sheet. Toast under the broiler until lightly browned, typically 1 to 3 minutes. Watch them carefully to prevent burning.
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Remove the toasted rolls from the oven and set the pan aside. Preheat your oven to 400˚F (200˚C).
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In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, whisk in the hot sauce until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
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Pour the spicy butter mixture over the shredded chicken in the large bowl. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring all the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the delicious spicy butter.
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Arrange the spicy chicken mixture in an even layer over the bottom halves of the toasted rolls on the baking sheet.
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Evenly sprinkle both the shredded Monterey Jack and mozzarella cheeses over the chicken layer. Then, generously scatter the chopped dill pickles on top of the cheese. Finally, place the toasted top halves of the rolls over the filling to complete the sliders.
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Bake in the preheated 400˚F oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. Serve these irresistible sliders immediately and enjoy!