Marry Me Chicken Sliders

by
Plate of Marry Me Chicken Sliders garnished with herbs and served with dipping sauce

WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE

Marry Me Chicken Sliders are the perfect blend of flavors that can make anyone fall in love with them. If you want a dish that is easy to prepare, delicious, and guaranteed to please a crowd, then look no further. These sliders are filled with rotisserie chicken, a creamy sauce, and topped with cheese, all nestled in soft, sweet rolls. They are not just tasty but also quick to make, making them ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner, game day, or a celebration. With this dish, you can have a meal that brings everyone together around the table.

HOW TO MAKE Marry Me Chicken Sliders

Making Marry Me Chicken Sliders is an exciting adventure in the kitchen. The process involves gathering your ingredients, preparing the sauce, assembling the sliders, and popping them in the oven. Here’s how you can create this crowd-pleasing dish step by step.

Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup (178.5 g) heavy whipping cream
  • ½ cup (8-10 whole) sun-dried tomatoes (soaked in hot water, drained, and chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • ⅓ cup (33 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups rotisserie chicken (shredded)
  • 1 package (12 count) King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls
  • ½ cup (15 g) fresh baby spinach
  • 1 cup (113 g) Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
  • ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your sliders will bake evenly.

  2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Spray a 7×11-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This will help prevent the sliders from sticking.

  3. Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese. Stir well until everything is combined.

  4. Add Chicken: Add the shredded rotisserie chicken to the mixing bowl. Make sure the chicken is well-coated with the creamy mixture.

  5. Assemble the Sliders: Slice the King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half of the rolls into the prepared baking dish. Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the rolls. Top with fresh baby spinach and sprinkle Monterey Jack cheese on top.

  6. Add the Top Half: Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese layer.

  7. Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Brush this mixture generously over the top of the rolls.

  8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tops of the rolls are golden brown.

  9. Serve: Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool slightly before slicing into individual sliders.

HOW TO SERVE Marry Me Chicken Sliders

These sliders are best served warm right out of the oven. You can place them on a large platter or serving dish for everyone to enjoy. Pair them with a side of crispy potato wedges, a refreshing salad, or a bowl of soup for a complete meal. They also make for great appetizers, perfect for game days, parties, or casual gatherings. For an extra touch, you can serve them with some marinara sauce or ranch dressing on the side for dipping.

HOW TO STORE Marry Me Chicken Sliders

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Be sure to let them cool completely before sealing them to maintain their texture. They will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat the sliders in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for a quicker option, though this may make the rolls a bit soft.

TIPS TO MAKE Marry Me Chicken Sliders

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients, especially the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Customize the Spice Level: If you like a little heat, feel free to add more crushed red pepper flakes or even some diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture.
  • Check the Rolls: Be careful not to overbake the sliders. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to ensure they don’t get too brown or dry out.
  • Personalize Your Sliders: You can switch up the cheeses or add additional toppings like sliced olives or roasted peppers for a unique touch.

VARIATIONS

There are plenty of ways to customize Marry Me Chicken Sliders to suit your taste or dietary needs:

  • BBQ Chicken Sliders: Replace the creamy sauce with your favorite barbecue sauce for a tangy twist. Shred some rotisserie chicken and mix it with the BBQ sauce before assembling the sliders.
  • Vegetarian Version: You can make a vegetarian version by using chickpeas or grilled vegetables instead of chicken. Make sure to enhance the sauce with more spices for added flavor.
  • Cheesy Garlic Slider: Add extra layers of cheese like mozzarella or provolone for a cheesier experience. You can also sprinkle some garlic powder on top for extra garlicky goodness.
  • Herb-Infused: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or oregano into the chicken mixture for a flavorful boost.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can use canned chicken if you are short on time. Just ensure to drain it well before mixing it into the creamy sauce.

2. How spicy are these sliders?
The sliders have a moderate level of heat due to the crushed red pepper flakes. You can adjust the amount to suit your preference or omit it altogether for a milder taste.

3. Can I prepare the sliders in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders ahead of time and refrigerate them. When ready to bake, you can add a little extra time in the oven since they will be cold from the fridge.

4. Are these sliders kid-friendly?
Yes, Marry Me Chicken Sliders are typically a hit with kids due to their cheesy and flavorful nature. You can make them less spicy by omitting red pepper flakes to suit younger palates.

This simple yet flavorful recipe will surely win hearts at your next gathering or family meal. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and soft rolls makes for a delightful bite that’s hard to resist. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and start creating a dish that will leave everyone saying, "Marry me!"