Loaded Nacho Chicken Sliders

Name: Loaded Nacho Chicken Sliders
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 sliders
Ingredients: 12 slider buns; 2 cups shredded cooked chicken; 1 cup nacho cheese sauce; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 1/4 cup salsa; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Easy Home Recipes

I absolutely love these Loaded Nacho Chicken Sliders! They are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional sliders, loaded with all my favorite nacho toppings. When I made them for game day, they disappeared in no time! The combination of seasoned chicken, melty cheese, and zesty toppings makes each bite a delicious explosion of flavor. I can’t wait to share this recipe with you and show you how easy it is to create a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for any occasion.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-22T12:50:29.691Z

Making Loaded Nacho Chicken Sliders was a delightful culinary adventure! I decided to use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time, and the result was both convenient and incredibly tasty. The use of nacho cheese sauce really brought everything together, adding that rich flavor I was aiming for. I topped them with jalapeños and sour cream for the perfect crunch and creaminess.

What I love most about these sliders is how versatile they are. I tried them with different toppings like guacamole and pico de gallo, and they were equally delicious! Experimenting with ingredients made me realize there's no wrong way to build your own loaded slider. Trust me, you’ll want to make these often!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Delicious combination of flavors that satisfies nacho cravings
Perfectly tender chicken drizzled with melted cheese
Easy to customize with your favorite toppings

      

The Perfect Balance of Flavors

These Loaded Nacho Chicken Sliders strike an incredible balance between rich flavors and refreshing heat. The creamy nacho cheese sauce envelops the tender chicken, which is essential for keeping the sliders moist during baking. As the sliders bake, the cheeses meld together, creating a luscious layer that acts as a perfect backdrop for the jalapeños' heat and the freshness of the green onions. You’ll want to ensure the sauce isn’t too thick; if it is, consider warming it slightly to enhance its pourability and combine more smoothly with the chicken.

If you're looking to enhance the flavor profile, consider marinating your chicken beforehand in spices like cumin or smoked paprika for an extra kick. This will deepen the taste and give a unique twist to the classic nacho experience. Just remember to drain the chicken well to avoid soggy sliders.

Customizing Your Sliders

One of the best aspects of these sliders is how easily you can customize them with your favorite toppings. If you’re not a fan of jalapeños, try substituting roasted red peppers or sliced olives for a milder, yet flavorful option. You can also swap the cheddar cheese for Pepper Jack to add an extra layer of spice. Don't hesitate to change up the salsa for a fruit-based option like mango salsa; it wonderfully contrasts the savory elements in this recipe.

For those who prefer a veggie-packed option, think about adding chopped bell peppers or black beans to the chicken mixture. These not only provide additional texture but also boost the nutritional value of your sliders, making them a heartier choice without sacrificing flavor.

Serving and Storing Tips

Once the sliders come out of the oven and are garnished with sour cream, green onions, and salsa, serve them immediately while the cheese is still gooey. For a fun presentation, consider using small toothpicks to hold the sliders together, especially if you're serving a crowd during game day or parties. Pair them with tortilla chips and extra salsa for a complete nacho-themed experience, or serve with a side of your favorite coleslaw to balance the richness.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in an oven preheated to 325°F (160°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through, which helps maintain the sliders' texture. I recommend avoiding the microwave, as it can make the buns soggy. Alternatively, you can assemble the sliders ahead of time and keep them wrapped in the fridge, then bake just before serving to keep the flavors fresh and inviting.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for your Loaded Nacho Chicken Sliders:

For the Sliders

12 slider buns
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup nacho cheese sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sliced jalapeños
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup salsa
Salt and pepper to taste

Feel free to add any additional toppings that you love!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to prepare your sliders:

Prepare the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with nacho cheese sauce. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.

Assemble the Sliders

Cut the slider buns in half. Place a generous scoop of the cheesy chicken mixture on the bottom half of each bun.

Add Cheese and Toppings

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chicken mixture, followed by sliced jalapeños.

Bake the Sliders

Place the assembled sliders on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Garnish and Serve

Remove the sliders from the oven and top with sour cream, green onions, and salsa before serving.

Enjoy your Loaded Nacho Chicken Sliders warm and fresh!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in taco seasoning before cooking. You can also use corn tortillas instead of slider buns for a fun twist!

Ingredient Spotlight: Chicken

The use of shredded cooked chicken is crucial in this recipe as it ensures a tender, juicy bite. You can easily prepare this chicken ahead of time by poaching or roasting to save time. For a more intense flavor, use rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store; it perfectly integrates the savory notes without additional seasoning. Additionally, if you're managing dietary restrictions, substitute with shredded turkey or even plant-based chicken alternatives for a delicious vegetarian version.

Keep in mind that the size of the chicken pieces affects the final texture. Shred them into similarly sized pieces to guarantee even flavor distribution in every slider. If you find you have too much chicken, resist the urge to add more than necessary to the buns; keeping balance is key.

Step-by-Step Baking Tips

While baking your sliders, keep an eye on the cheese as it melts. Looking for a bubbly and golden edge usually indicates they are done, but keep the timer on for 15-20 minutes to avoid over-baking, which can lead to dry buns. Instead, slide them out of the oven once the cheese reaches that bubbly state and looks caramelized around the edges for the best texture and flavor.

If you prefer a nice crunch, consider broiling the sliders for the last minute of baking. This method allows the top layer to crisp up beautifully. Just watch them closely during broiling, as they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in a matter of moments!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and bake.

→ What can I substitute for the nacho cheese sauce?

You can use a homemade cheese sauce or a blend of cream cheese and shredded cheddar for a creamy alternative.

→ Are these sliders freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled sliders before baking. Just thaw and bake as directed when you're ready to enjoy them.

→ Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes! Feel free to substitute with ground beef, turkey, or even black beans for a vegetarian option.