Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Sliders Recipe

July 13, 2025Maria

Introduction To Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Sliders

When game day rolls around, finger foods reign supreme—and these Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Sliders are a showstopper! Combining tender, juicy chicken with a tropical pineapple glaze, soft slider buns, and a touch of savory balance, these mini sandwiches bring the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a party, feeding a hungry crowd, or craving a fun dinner with island vibes, these sliders deliver big flavor without the fuss.

The sweet Hawaiian twist on classic chicken sliders is a crowd favorite because it’s vibrant, easy to eat, and loaded with bold island-inspired tastes. The juicy chicken coated in a sticky pineapple glaze pairs beautifully with the soft buns and optional crunchy toppings like coleslaw or pickled onions. You’ll be serving up tropical sunshine with every slider!

Why Is This Recipe So Popular?

This recipe has become a favorite for many reasons:

Perfect Game Day Snack: Easy to hold, share, and enjoy during sports or parties.
Balanced Sweet & Savory: The pineapple glaze gives a bright tropical sweetness balanced by savory chicken.
Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples and fresh pineapple juice or canned pineapple juice.
Quick & Easy Prep: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy hosts.
Customizable Toppings: Add coleslaw, pickled onions, or spicy mayo to suit your taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

✅ Juicy Chicken with a Tropical Kick – The sweet pineapple glaze caramelizes beautifully.
✅ Soft Slider Buns – Mini buns hold all the flavors perfectly for easy eating.
✅ Versatile – Use grilled, baked, or shredded chicken to fit your schedule.
✅ Great for Crowd-Pleasing – Serve a platter and watch them disappear fast!
✅ Easy to Customize – Add fresh herbs, spicy sauces, or crunchy slaw for extra texture.
✅ Make Ahead Friendly – Prepare chicken and glaze ahead for quick assembly.

Ingredients:

These ingredients come together to form a powerhouse of flavor:

🍗 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
🍍 ½ cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
🍯 ¼ cup honey
🧂 2 tbsp soy sauce
🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
🥄 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
🥨 12 slider buns
🥬 Optional toppings: shredded cabbage or coleslaw, pickled red onions, sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro
🧈 Butter for toasting buns

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple Glaze 🍍🍯

In a small saucepan, combine pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce until slightly thickened, about 7–10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken 🍗🔥

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Grill, bake (at 400°F/200°C for 20-25 minutes), or pan-sear chicken until cooked through and juicy. Let rest, then shred or slice the chicken.

Step 3: Toss Chicken in Glaze 🍍

Place shredded or sliced chicken in a bowl. Pour the pineapple glaze over it and toss to coat evenly.

Step 4: Prepare Slider Buns 🥨🧈

Lightly butter the slider buns and toast them in a skillet or oven until golden and slightly crisp.

Step 5: Assemble Sliders 🥪

Place glazed chicken on the bottom half of each bun. Add your choice of toppings like coleslaw, pickled onions, or jalapeños. Top with the other bun half.

Variation:

Try these exciting variations:

Spicy Pineapple Chicken: Add sriracha or chili flakes to the glaze for heat.
BBQ Hawaiian Sliders: Substitute pineapple glaze with a smoky BBQ sauce mixed with pineapple juice.
Teriyaki Style: Use teriyaki sauce instead of honey-soy glaze, topped with grilled pineapple rings.
Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu.
Pulled Chicken: Slow-cook chicken with glaze for extra tenderness.

COOKING Note:

🍗 Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
🍍 Reduce glaze slowly to avoid burning and to get a nice sticky texture.
🧈 Toast buns lightly to prevent sogginess from the glaze.
🥬 Add crunchy toppings to balance sweetness with texture.
🍽️ Serve immediately after assembly for best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair these sliders with:

🍟 Crispy sweet potato fries or classic fries
🥗 Fresh pineapple salsa or mango salad
🥒 Pickled veggies for tangy contrast
🧃 Tropical fruit punch or light beer
🥥 Coconut rice or grilled veggies on the side

Tips:

💡 Prepare glaze and chicken a day ahead to speed up assembly.
🥄 Use a brush to coat chicken with glaze while cooking for deeper flavor.
🧊 Refrigerate leftovers separately to keep buns from getting soggy.
🔥 Warm assembled sliders briefly in the oven if needed before serving.
🥥 Garnish with toasted coconut flakes for extra tropical flair.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Slider Approx.):

Calories: 250
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Sodium: 480mg
Sugar: 10g
Fiber: 1g

FAQs:

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, thaw fully before cooking and shredding.

Can I make these sliders ahead?

You can prep the chicken and glaze ahead but assemble sliders just before serving.

What buns work best?

Soft slider buns are ideal; Hawaiian buns add extra sweetness.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Freeze cooked chicken and glaze separately. Avoid freezing assembled sliders to keep buns fresh.

What sauces pair well?

Try spicy mayo, ranch, or extra pineapple glaze as dips.

Conclusion:

Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Sliders bring a burst of tropical flavor to any occasion, combining juicy chicken with a luscious pineapple glaze and soft slider buns. Their irresistible sweet-savory balance makes them perfect for game days, casual parties, or easy dinners with a sunny island vibe. Easy to prepare and fun to eat, these sliders will transport your taste buds to paradise with every bite. Serve them up and watch your guests come back for seconds!