Why This Chicken Salad Slider Recipe is the Best

Sarah

Chicken Salad Sliders

Looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer or lunch? These Chicken Salad Sliders are creamy, crunchy, and full of fresh, savory flavor. Perfect for parties, picnics, or quick meals—this simple recipe is always a hit!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Calories: 540

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Base

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed or shredded rotisserie recommended
• 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
• 0.5 cup finely chopped onion

Creamy Dressing

• 0.5 cup plain low-fat yogurt
• 0.25 cup real mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• to taste salt and black pepper

To Serve

• 4 pieces whole grain slider rolls
• as needed Bibb lettuce or your favorite greens

Method

 

1. Finely chop the celery and onion to prep your vegetables for maximum crunch without overpowering the mix.
2. Wash and slice any optional toppings like tomato or red onion now so they’re ready to use.
3. In a large bowl, mix the chicken, celery, and onion. Add yogurt, mayo, pickle juice, lemon juice, and mustard. Season with salt and pepper, then stir until well coated.
4. Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour. This allows flavors to meld and makes for easier assembly.
5. Cut slider rolls in half and lightly toast the inside. Layer with Bibb lettuce, spoon on chicken salad, add optional toppings, and close the bun.
6. Serve immediately chilled or at room temperature for best texture and taste.

Notes

• Carbohydrates: 28 g
  
• Protein: 53 g
  
• Fat: 23 g
  
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
  
• Cholesterol: 191 mg
  
• Sodium: 1345 mg
  
• Potassium: 1245 mg
  
• Fiber: 2 g
  
• Sugar: 1 g
  
• Vitamin A: 597 IU
  
• Vitamin C: 7 mg
  
• Calcium: 29 mg
  
• Iron: 3 mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

The Perfect Classic Chicken Salad Sliders

There’s a reason the classic version is a go-to. It’s simple, satisfying, and full of rich flavor with a refreshing crunch. This base recipe combines tender chicken, creamy dressing, and crisp vegetables, all tucked into soft, pillowy slider buns.

Whether you’re making a quick lunch or prepping for a party, this version delivers every time.

What Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these sliders shine, you’ll need a handful of fresh, simple ingredients. Here’s what goes into the classic version, grouped for easy prep.

For the base:

For the base:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed or shredded
  The main protein that gives body to the sliders. Using rotisserie chicken saves time and keeps it tender.
  
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  Adds crunch and freshness to balance the creamy dressing.
  
• ½ cup finely chopped onion
  Provides a mild sharpness that enhances flavor depth.
  

For the creamy dressing:

• ½ cup plain low-fat yogurt
  Lightens the dressing with a tangy note and adds extra protein.
  
• ¼ cup real mayonnaise
  Delivers richness and a smooth, creamy texture that ties the salad together.
  
• 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice
  Adds a tangy kick that cuts through the creaminess and lifts the flavors.
  
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  Brightens the taste and prevents the chicken from tasting heavy.
  
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  Provides subtle heat and complexity for a well-rounded flavor.
  
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
  Balances the flavors and enhances every bite.
  

To serve:

• 4 whole grain slider rolls
  Soft and hearty, they hold the filling while giving a nutty undertone.
  
• Bibb lettuce or your favorite greens
  Adds freshness, color, and a crisp bite to each slider.

How to Make Step by Step

Follow these clear steps to build the perfect chicken salad sliders from scratch.

Prep your vegetables
Finely chop the celery and onion. This gives the salad its signature crunch without overpowering the flavor.

Prepare your toppings
If you plan to include extras like tomato slices, red onion rings, or lettuce, wash and slice them now so they’re ready when you assemble.

Mix the chicken salad
In a large bowl, combine the cubed or shredded chicken, chopped celery, and onion. Add the yogurt, mayonnaise, pickle juice, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.

Chill for best results
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour. This helps the flavors blend and makes the mixture easier to spoon onto the rolls.

Assemble the sliders
Cut the slider rolls in half and lightly toast the inside if you want to avoid sogginess. Place a layer of Bibb lettuce on the bottom half, spoon on the chicken salad, then add your toppings and close with the top half of the bun.

Serve and enjoy
These sliders are delicious chilled or at room temperature. Serve them fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Pro Tips for Perfect Sliders Every Time

• Use rotisserie chicken for speed
  Remove the skin and bones, then shred the meat with your hands or a stand mixer for quick prep.
  
• Always chill the salad before serving
  Give it at least one hour in the fridge. This firms it up and helps the flavors blend.
  
• Prevent soggy buns
  Lightly toast the inside of your rolls to create a barrier that keeps moisture out.
  
• Chop celery just before mixing
  This keeps the texture crisp and fresh, giving your sliders that signature crunch.
  
• Taste and adjust seasoning last
  Once the salad has chilled, give it a final taste and adjust the salt or lemon juice if needed.

What to Serve with Chicken Salad Sliders

Looking to build the perfect meal around your sliders? Here are pairing ideas based on different occasions.

Classic Party Pairings
Serve with coleslaw, creamy potato salad, or crispy French fries. These sides are always a hit at gatherings and make the meal feel complete.

For a Lighter Lunch
Pair your sliders with a fresh green salad, sliced seasonal fruit, or a warm bowl of tomato soup. It’s a balanced option that still feels satisfying.Appetizer Spread Ideas
Set up a platter with kettle-style chips, crunchy cucumber slices, assorted pickles, and maybe even deviled eggs. It’s a no-fuss way to serve guests at casual events.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Make the salad ahead
Prepare the chicken salad mixture up to one day before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before using, give it a good stir to refresh the texture and flavor.

Store leftovers safely
Leftover chicken salad will stay fresh in the fridge for three to four days. Always keep it in a sealed container and avoid leaving it out at room temperature for too long. For detailed safety guidelines, see the USDA Food Safety: Leftovers and Food Storage.

Assemble just before serving
To keep the rolls from getting soggy, wait until you’re ready to serve before building the sliders. If you need to prep in advance for a party, keep the components separate and assemble quickly when it’s time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Chicken Salad Sliders

Even a simple recipe like chicken salad sliders can go wrong if you’re not careful. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:

Conclusion

These chicken salad sliders prove that simple ingredients can create a recipe everyone loves. With creamy texture, fresh crunch, and quick prep time, they’re perfect for both casual dinners and party platters.

If you try this recipe, leave a comment below and share your star rating. Don’t forget to spread the love on Pinterest or Facebook so more people can enjoy these sliders too. What toppings did you add to make them your own? Let us know!