Pineapple Teriyaki Hawaiian Roll Sliders

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 8

If you’re looking for a fun and easy dish that’s perfect for a gathering or a weeknight dinner, these Pineapple Teriyaki Hawaiian Roll Sliders are a must-try. The sweet and savory combination will have everyone coming back for seconds, and they’re a breeze to put together!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy days.
  • A crowd-pleaser with its sweet and savory flavor profile.
  • Uses simple ingredients you might already have on hand.
  • Versatile enough for potlucks, parties, or family dinners.

Ingredients

12 Hawaiian rolls
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 cup pineapple tidbits
1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

First, preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures it’s ready to go as soon as your sliders are assembled. Take your Hawaiian rolls and, without separating them, slice them in half horizontally. Place the bottom half in a baking dish; the dish helps keep everything in place and makes for easy cleanup.

In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the teriyaki sauce. Stir it well, making sure each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated. Spread this savory mixture evenly over the bottom half of the rolls.

Next, scatter the pineapple tidbits over the chicken. Try to distribute them as evenly as possible for a consistent burst of sweetness in every bite. Follow this with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, which will melt into gooey goodness.

Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese layer. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Brush this butter mixture over the tops of the rolls. The butter will help them achieve that perfect golden hue.

Sprinkle the chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 15 minutes. This will heat everything through and start melting the cheese. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the tops to get nicely browned and crispy.

Once baked, let the sliders cool for a few minutes before cutting them into individual pieces. This little rest lets everything settle and makes handling easier.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy shortcut.
  • Drain the pineapple tidbits well to avoid excess moisture.
  • Adjust the teriyaki sauce to your taste – add more for a stronger flavor.
  • For a spicier kick, add a dash of sriracha to the chicken mixture.

Serving Suggestions

These sliders pair well with a simple green salad or a side of crunchy coleslaw to balance the richness. For a more tropical vibe, serve them with a fruit salad featuring more pineapple, mango, and berries. They also make a great addition to a game-day spread alongside some chips and dip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare these sliders in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. Just bake them fresh before serving.
Are there alternative cheeses I can use?
Absolutely! Try using provolone or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Can I use a different type of bread?
While Hawaiian rolls are ideal, you can use dinner rolls or slider buns if you prefer.

Ingredients Explained

Hawaiian rolls are the perfect base with their soft, sweet texture. They hold up well to the fillings without getting soggy. Cooked, shredded chicken is the protein heart of the dish, making it filling and satisfying. The pineapple tidbits add a refreshing sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory elements. Teriyaki sauce infuses the chicken with a rich, umami flavor. Mozzarella cheese provides a creamy, melty layer that ties everything together. The butter brushed on top helps the rolls turn a lovely golden brown while adding a touch of richness. Green onions give a fresh pop of flavor and color, while sesame seeds add a subtle nutty crunch. Garlic powder and onion powder enhance the overall flavor, and a bit of salt and pepper rounds everything out.

Simplified Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected, and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
3. In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with teriyaki sauce, ensuring the chicken is well-coated.
4. Evenly spread the teriyaki chicken mixture over the bottom halves of the rolls.
5. Sprinkle pineapple tidbits over the chicken, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese layer.
7. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
8. Brush the butter mixture over the tops of the rolls.
9. Sprinkle green onions and sesame seeds on top.
10. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
11. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and cheese is melted.
12. Let cool slightly before cutting into individual sliders.

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