Why You’ll Love These Hawaiian Chicken Sliders
Why are these Hawaiian Chicken Sliders about to become your family’s new favorite? Let me count the ways.
The sweet-savory balance hits all the right notes—juicy chicken soaked in that umami-rich soy sauce marinade, paired with bright pineapple slices. Pure magic on a bun.
They’re ridiculously simple to make, taking just minutes to assemble. Perfect for busy weeknights when cooking feels like climbing Everest.
The King’s Hawaiian rolls? Non-negotiable. Their pillowy sweetness transforms these sliders from good to can’t-stop-eating territory.
Trust me, even picky eaters can’t resist these tropical treats.
What Ingredients are in Hawaiian Chicken Sliders?
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- 6 chicken tenders, cut in half
- 15 ounces pineapple slices (plus reserved juice)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 package King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 6 chicken tenders, cut in half
Don’t be tempted to substitute regular hamburger buns for the King’s Hawaiian rolls—they’re essential for that authentic sweet backdrop that complements the savory chicken and tangy pineapple. For the pineapple, canned slices work perfectly and give you that juice needed for the marinade, but fresh would work in a pinch if you add a splash of pineapple juice. The cornstarch might seem like an odd addition, but it’s the secret to creating that perfect thickness in the sauce that clings to every piece of chicken. Consider doubling the sauce ingredients if you like your sliders extra saucy, especially if you’re using all the pineapple juice as suggested in the recipe notes.
How to Make These Hawaiian Chicken Sliders
Making these Hawaiian Chicken Sliders is surprisingly simple, and the flavor payoff is absolutely worth it.
Start by creating your sauce – combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon ginger, and about half of the juice from your 15-ounce can of pineapple slices. Many home cooks (myself included) prefer using all the pineapple juice and doubling the other sauce ingredients for extra flavor – trust me, you won’t regret this little tweak.
Once combined, whisk in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until completely smooth. This magical powder transforms your sauce from watery to wonderfully thick.
Next, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and add your 6 halved chicken tenders. Cook them thoroughly until no pink remains and they reach that safe internal temperature of 165°F. If you notice excessive oil, you can briefly drain the chicken on a paper towel.
Now comes the flavor-building step – pour your prepared sauce over the cooked chicken and let it simmer on low heat. This isn’t just about coating the chicken; it’s about letting those pieces drink up all that sweet-savory goodness.
While the chicken simmers, warm your King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls according to the package directions. Who doesn’t love that pillowy softness with just a hint of sweetness?
Finally, assemble your sliders by placing one piece of chicken and a quarter slice of pineapple inside each roll. The contrast between the savory chicken, tangy-sweet pineapple, and soft sweet roll creates little handheld bites of paradise.
Hawaiian Chicken Sliders Substitutions and Variations
While these Hawaiian Chicken Sliders taste fantastic as written, they’re incredibly adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand or dietary needs you’re accommodating.
Don’t have chicken tenders? Try shredded rotisserie chicken or even teriyaki tofu for a vegetarian option. The pineapple can be swapped for mango if you’re feeling extra tropical, or skip it entirely if you’re not a sweet-and-savory fan.
For gluten-free needs, use tamari instead of soy sauce and serve on gluten-free rolls.
Watching carbs? Ditch the buns and serve the chicken and pineapple over cauliflower rice. Trust me, the flavor profile still shines through.
What to Serve with Hawaiian Chicken Sliders
These tasty Hawaiian Chicken Sliders deserve equally delicious sidekicks to round out your meal.
I love pairing them with a crisp tropical coleslaw—just toss shredded cabbage with mango chunks, cilantro, and lime dressing. Divine.
Coconut rice makes a perfect companion too.
The subtle sweetness complements the savory-sweet sliders without overwhelming them.
For something lighter, how about grilled pineapple spears?
They echo the slider’s tropical theme while adding that smoky-sweet contrast I crave.
Need something green?
A simple arugula salad with macadamia nuts and quick citrus vinaigrette ties everything together.
Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Final Thoughts
I’ve fallen head over heels for these Hawaiian Chicken Sliders, and I hope you have too! The sweet-savory combination is truly irresistible—tender chicken coated in that sticky, ginger-infused sauce against juicy pineapple and soft Hawaiian rolls.
Whenever I’m hosting friends, these little beauties disappear faster than I can make them. Who knew something so impressive could be so simple?
The recipe’s flexibility means you can adjust the sauce to your preference, just as I do with extra pineapple juice. Perfect for game days, casual gatherings, or honestly, just a regular Tuesday dinner when you need a little taste of the tropics.
Tropical Paradise Hawaiian Chicken Sliders
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ginger, and half of the pineapple juice from the can. For extra flavor, consider using all the pineapple juice and doubling the sauce ingredients.
- Whisk cornstarch into the sauce mixture until completely smooth.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the halved chicken tenders and cook thoroughly until no pink remains and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked chicken and reduce heat to low. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce, absorbing the flavors.
- While the chicken simmers, warm the King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls according to package directions.
- Assemble the sliders by placing one piece of chicken and a quarter slice of pineapple inside each roll.
