Spicy & Satisfying: Quick Pickle Brined Hot Chicken Sliders (Ready in Under 30 Minutes!)
Juicy, cheesy, and perfectly spicy, these Pickle Brined Hot Chicken Sliders are your new go-to for a delicious, easy meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Ready in less than 30 minutes, these pull-apart sandwiches serve 12 and bring a unique tangy kick to the classic hot chicken experience.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Sprouts Farmers Market. As always, all opinions are my own.
When it comes to my favorite foods, a few stand out from the crowd: creamy avocados, perfectly roasted chicken, decadent chocolate, and, of course, pickles! This past year, in particular, has been the undeniable year of the pickle. We’ve seen all sorts of wild and wonderful pickle creations, from hot dogs stuffed into giant pickles to the more adventurous (and perhaps questionable) pickle ice cream. While some trends might be fleeting, my love for pickles is deeply rooted, and there’s a reason why this briny delight has become a star ingredient in culinary circles.
Pickles offer a vibrant tang, a satisfying crunch, and an unparalleled ability to cut through rich flavors, making them an indispensable component in many dishes. But what if the pickle flavor wasn’t just a topping, but an integral part of the main attraction? That’s exactly what we’re exploring today with these incredible Pickle Brined Hot Chicken Sliders. They deliver a double dose of pickle goodness that will elevate your slider game to a whole new level.
Table of Contents
The Secret Ingredient: Pickle-Brined Chicken
Brining is a culinary technique I often employ for my whole chickens and turkeys. It’s a fantastic way to ensure the meat stays incredibly juicy and flavorful. However, traditional brining can be a time-consuming process – you have to prepare the brine, let the meat soak for hours, and then roast it. As a busy parent, fitting all that into a hectic weeknight schedule with “Babycakes” on my hip is simply not feasible. I adore cooking from scratch, but I’m also a firm believer in smart shortcuts that make life easier without sacrificing taste or quality.
This is where Sprouts Farmers Market comes to the rescue! One of my favorite time-saving hacks is grabbing a whole roasted chicken from their deli. And this month, they’ve introduced a game-changer: a Pickle-Brined Roasted Chicken! This isn’t just a convenience; it’s a revelation. The pickle flavor permeates every fiber of the chicken, delivering an incredible taste with a lovely dill aftertaste that lingers on your tongue, perfectly balanced by a subtle tang. It’s truly my new favorite thing to pick up.
Beyond the amazing flavor, I also feel good about supporting Sprouts because their roasted chickens are raised humanely and contain no added antibiotics – values that are incredibly important to me and my family. This pickle-brined chicken serves as the perfect, flavorful foundation for these hot chicken sliders. If you’ve ever enjoyed a classic Nashville-style hot chicken sandwich, you know that pickles are an absolute essential. This recipe takes that concept and amplifies it, giving you a fantastic “double hit” of pickle goodness!
The journey of flavor begins with the succulent pickle-brined chicken, which then takes a luxurious dip in a seriously tasty spicy butter mixture. This spicy coating adds that iconic “hot chicken” kick. To complete the experience, the sliders are topped with a generous sprinkle of extra chopped pickles, providing a delightful textural crunch and an additional burst of tangy flavor. And, of course, no pull-apart slider is complete without an ample layer of gooey, melted cheese, bringing everything together in a harmonious blend of spice, tang, and savory comfort.
Seriously, make a beeline for Sprouts Farmers Market as soon as you can to experience this delicious roasted chicken. This unique flavor is only available for a limited time, and it’s an absolute must-try in my book!
Why These Hot Chicken Sliders Are a Must-Try
These pickle-brined hot chicken sliders are more than just a quick meal; they’re a culinary experience packed with flavor and convenience. The combination of tender, juicy chicken infused with tangy pickle essence, coated in a fiery butter sauce, and topped with gooey cheese and extra crunchy pickles is simply irresistible. They offer a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and tangy notes that will tantalize your taste buds.
Beyond their incredible taste, these sliders are a dream for busy individuals and hosts alike. With a total preparation and cook time of under 30 minutes, they fit seamlessly into even the most hectic schedules. Whether you need a lightning-fast weeknight dinner that feels special or a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for your next small gathering, these pull-apart sliders deliver. The ease of using a pre-brined, roasted chicken means you skip hours of prep without sacrificing the depth of flavor that brining provides. Plus, their pull-apart nature makes them ideal for sharing and super fun to eat!
Essential Ingredients and Equipment
One of the best aspects of this recipe is how straightforward the ingredient list is, and the convenience of finding everything you need at your local Sprouts Farmers Market. While the Sprouts Pickle-Brined Roasted Chicken is truly a must-have for the authentic flavor experience, if you can’t find it, you can still make these sliders by opting for one of their regular roasted chickens. In that case, consider adding a dash of pickle juice or extra dill to your spicy butter mixture to imbue some of that signature tangy flavor.
Key Ingredients for Flavor and Texture
- Sprouts Pickle-Brined Roasted Chicken: The star of the show. Its pre-brined state ensures maximum flavor and tenderness without the extra effort.
- Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls: Hawaiian rolls or similar soft, slightly sweet dinner rolls work best. Their sweetness beautifully contrasts the spicy and tangy chicken.
- Monterey Jack and Mozzarella Cheese: A blend of these two cheeses provides ultimate meltiness and a mild, creamy counterpoint to the hot chicken. Monterey Jack offers a lovely stretch, while mozzarella contributes to that perfect gooey texture.
- Chopped Dill Pickles: These are essential for that satisfying crunch and an additional burst of tangy, briny flavor that complements the pickle-brined chicken.
- Unsalted Butter: The base for our spicy sauce, providing richness and helping to distribute the heat evenly.
- Hot Sauce (like Frank’s Red Hot Sauce): The quintessential ingredient for that classic hot chicken kick. Adjust the amount to your desired spice level.
Tools for Effortless Assembly
You’ll be pleased to know that the equipment needed for these sliders is minimal and likely already in your kitchen:
- Half Sheet Baking Pan: Essential for toasting the buns and baking the assembled sliders. A good quality, heavy-duty pan ensures even cooking. Using a silicone baking mat can also help with easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
- Small Saucepan: For melting the butter and whisking in the hot sauce to create that irresistible spicy butter.
- Whisk: To ensure your spicy butter is perfectly smooth and emulsified.
- Large Mixing Bowl: For tossing the shredded chicken with the spicy butter, ensuring every piece is evenly coated.
As you can see, this recipe is incredibly low maintenance, promising maximum flavor with minimal fuss!
Crafting Your Yummy Pickle Brined Hot Chicken Sliders: Step-by-Step
Let’s dive into making these incredible sliders. The process is quick and straightforward, perfect for getting a delicious meal on the table in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Buns and Chicken
First, preheat your broiler. Take your pull-apart dinner rolls and carefully slice them in half horizontally, keeping them connected if possible. Arrange both the top and bottom halves, cut-side up, on your half sheet baking pan. Broil them for 1 to 3 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Keep a very close eye on them during this stage, as broilers can quickly turn golden into burnt. Toasting both halves adds a wonderful textural element, providing a slight crispness that holds up well to the juicy filling. Once toasted, remove them from the oven and set the pan aside. Preheat your main oven to 400˚F (200˚C).
Next, it’s time to prepare your Sprouts Pickle-Brined Roasted Chicken. Use your hands to pull all the meat from the bones. Shred the chicken meat into bite-sized pieces and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Don’t discard the chicken carcass and skin! These can be reserved and used to make a flavorful homemade chicken stock, ensuring no deliciousness goes to waste. The pickle-brined bones will create an exceptionally rich and unique broth.
Step 2: Mix the Spicy Butter
In your small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is fully melted and slightly shimmering, remove it from the heat and whisk in the hot sauce until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. This spicy butter is what gives your hot chicken its signature kick and vibrant color. Pour this spicy butter mixture over the shredded chicken in the large bowl, stirring thoroughly until every piece of chicken is generously coated. The aroma alone will be enough to get your mouth watering!
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
Now for the fun part! Place the bottom halves of your toasted dinner rolls back onto the baking sheet. Evenly spread the spicy, pickle-brined chicken mixture over the bottom buns. Next, sprinkle a generous layer of both shredded Monterey Jack and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the chicken. The combination of these two cheeses ensures a perfectly melted, gooey topping. Finally, scatter the chopped dill pickles over the cheese, adding that essential crunch and extra layer of tangy flavor. Gently place the toasted top halves of the buns back onto the sliders.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the baking sheet with your assembled sliders to the preheated 400˚F (200˚C) oven. Bake for approximately 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the tops of the rolls are golden brown. The rolls will pull apart easily once baked, making them perfect for serving. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
Serving Suggestions and Variations
These Pickle Brined Hot Chicken Sliders are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a classic meal, serve them alongside crispy potato chips, a fresh coleslaw to balance the heat, or even extra dill pickle spears for the pickle enthusiasts. For a lighter touch, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette would also be excellent.
Feeling creative? Here are a few variations to try:
- Extra Creamy: Add a thin layer of ranch or blue cheese dressing to the bottom bun before adding the chicken.
- Sweet Heat: Drizzle a little honey over the chicken mixture before adding the cheese for a touch of sweet and spicy.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with other melty cheeses like sharp cheddar or provolone for a different flavor profile.
- Added Crunch: Mix in some thinly sliced red onion or a sprinkle of crispy fried onions with the pickles for even more texture.
- Smoky Flavor: A pinch of smoked paprika in the spicy butter can add depth.
More Appetizer Inspiration
Need some more inspiration for appetizers? Check out my appetizers recipe page for more delicious ideas!
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, shredded
- 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 like Frank’s Red Hot Sauce
Instructions
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Use your hands to remove the meat from the roasted chicken. Shred the meat into a large bowl and set aside. (Optional: Reserve the carcass and skin to make your own flavorful chicken stock!)
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Preheat your broiler. Slice the 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, about 1 to 3 minutes. Keep a close watch to prevent burning. Remove from the oven and set aside. Then, preheat your oven to 400˚F (200˚C).
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In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in the hot sauce until smooth and well combined.
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Pour the spicy butter mixture over the shredded chicken in the large bowl, stirring until all the chicken is thoroughly coated.
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Arrange the bottom halves of the rolls back on the baking sheet. Spread the coated chicken in an even layer over the bottom buns.
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Evenly sprinkle both the Monterey Jack and mozzarella cheeses over the chicken. Then, scatter the chopped dill pickles on top of the cheese. Finally, place the toasted top halves of the buns onto the sliders.
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Bake in the preheated 400˚F (200˚C) oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the bread is golden and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Serve immediately while warm and gooey.