When I need a dinner that feels like a “treat” but actually takes little effort, these Hawaiian Chicken Sliders are my go-to recipe. They are the perfect blend of sweet and savory, making them an instant hit with the kids and adults, plus you can easily make them gluten-free too.

Whether you are hosting a backyard bash or just trying to survive a busy Tuesday afternoon, these sliders are incredibly reliable. They use simple ingredients, likely in your pantry, and can be prepped and prepared in minutes. With the smell of that sweet pineapple wafting through your kitchen, everyone will come running to the table.

What are Hawaiian Chicken Sliders?
Why you’ll love this recipe
Ingredient Notes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Tips for the Best Hawaiian Chicken Sliders
Variations and Substitutions
Frequently Asked Questions
What to serve with Hawaiian Chicken Sliders
Storage Tips
More Summer Recipes

What are Hawaiian Chicken Sliders?

Hawaiian Chicken Sliders are small, oven-baked sandwiches that are made with soft rolls (typically King’s Hawaiian or Gluten-Free Canyon Bakehouse Hawaiian Rolls), chicken tenderloin, and a tangy homemade sauce. They are finished with sliced pineapple, and if you want to get creative, add Swiss cheese too.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Perfect balance of sweet and tangy with the pineapple and sauce.
Easy prep, very simple to make on the stovetop all in one-pan!
Uses what you have on hand, making it very budget-friendly.
These are crowd-pleasers for the entire family.
Gluten-Free option using gluten-free buns and gluten-free soy sauce.

Ingredient Notes

Vegetable Oil or Olive Oil – Added to the pan before cooking to get it ready to sear the chicken.
Chicken Tenderloins – Use fresh boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins for the best juicy flavor. These are perfect for sliders due to their small size. They’ll be cut in half to fit each one, so 1 tenderloin will make 2 sliders.
Sliced Pineapples and Juice – The star of the show with the sliders, the juice will be used to create the homemade sauce.
Soy Sauce or Gluten-Free Soy Sauce – This provides the salty depth in the sauce. Use gluten-free soy sauce for the gluten-free option.
Worcestershire Sauce – Combined with soy sauce for the depth to the sauce, if making gluten-free, be sure to use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce. I use Lea & Perrins, found at the local grocery store.
Ground Ginger – Adds a fresh, zesty kick to the sauce.
Corn Starch – Thickens the sauce before pouring it over the chicken.
Hawaiian Rolls or Gluten-Free Hawaiian Rolls – Soft, sweet rolls to serve the chicken on. For gluten-free, use Canyon Bakehouse Hawaiian Rolls.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Begin by pouring enough oil to slightly cover the bottom of the skillet, then cook the chicken thoroughly until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
While the chicken is cooking, in a small bowl, combine all the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ginger, and 1/2 cup of pineapple juice. Mix this well, then add in the corn starch and continue to stir or whisk. If preferred, make a slurry first with the corn starch and about 2 tablespoons of liquid from the bowl, combine it, then whisk it into the remaining ingredients.
Once the chicken is cooked, pour the mixture onto the chicken. Let this simmer until it is completely soaked into the chicken about 2-3 minutes.
Cut each tenderloin and pineapple in half and build the slider with Hawaiian Buns.
Serve.

Tips for the Best Hawaiian Chicken Sliders

Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165 degrees F, this is best checked with a meat thermometer.
If preferred, take about 2 tablespoons of the cold sauce and mix with the corn starch, then whisk back into the sauce mixture, this will help prevent clumps.
If you want to make the sliders cheesy, add provolone or Swiss cheese to each slider.
For gluten-free, be sure to use gluten-free Hawaiian rolls, gluten-free soy sauce, and gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap the chicken out for pulled pork!
Use leftover chicken and simply reheat with the sauce.
Add spice with sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
Make it gluten-free with the adaptations mentioned in the recipe card.
Add Swiss or provolone cheese to the sliders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

The chicken can be made in advance and warmed up just before adding to the sliders.

How do I make these gluten-free?

I’ve found that Canyon Bakehouse Hawaiian Bread is a great option for the sliders. Along with this, use Gluten-Free Soy Sauce and Gluten-Free Worcestershire Sauce. I use Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce.

Can I use chicken breast instead of tenderloins?

If you use chicken breast, slice them in small strips similar to tenderloins. Chicken thighs will work as well. Make sure whichever cut of chicken is boneless, skinless, and easy to cut to size for the sliders.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce isn’t thickened enough, let it simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes on low.

What to serve with Hawaiian Chicken Sliders

Easy Homemade Coleslaw

Broccoli Salad

Potato Salad

Cucumber Salad

Storage Tips

Store the sliders in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the chicken, pineapple, and bread separated and assemble just before serving. The chicken could then be heated in the microwave on a microwave-safe plate for 1 minute. If the slider is fully assembled, reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 2-3 minutes.

These Hawaiian Chicken Sliders will be the best 30-minute shortcut dinner that you’ve ever made, perfect for busy weeknights or summer evenings. This meal will end up being a reliable, family-favorite!