Description
Chicken Sliders Recipe
Ingredients:
12 slider buns
4 chicken breasts, cut into slider-sized pieces
6 slices of cooked bacon, halved
6 slices of cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella), halved
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Coat the chicken pieces with the mixture.
2. Cook the chicken: Grill or pan-sear the chicken pieces over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
3. Assemble the sliders: Spread mayonnaise and Dijon mustard on the slider buns. Place a piece of chicken, half a slice of cheese, and half a slice of bacon on each bottom bun. Cover with the top bun.
4. Melt the cheese: Place the assembled sliders on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
5. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for perfect sliders every time. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, prepare the seasoning mix by combining olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add the chicken pieces and toss until thoroughly coated. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, ensuring no pink remains. While the chicken cooks, slice your slider buns and prepare the sauce by mixing mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Spread this sauce on the top and bottom halves of each bun.
Serving Suggestions
These sliders are a versatile crowd-pleaser. For a game-day spread, serve them alongside crispy french fries, onion rings, and a variety of dipping sauces like ranch or barbecue. For a more balanced meal, pair them with a light garden salad, coleslaw, or grilled corn on the cob. Consider setting out additional toppings like pickles, sliced red onion, lettuce, or tomato so guests can customize their sliders.
How-to Summary
In brief: Season and cook chicken breasts. Spread saucy buns with a mix of mayo and Dijon. Build sliders with chicken, half-slice of cheese, and half-slice of bacon. Bake briefly to melt cheese, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked or shredded chicken? Yes, for a shortcut, use shredded rotisserie chicken. Toss it with the seasonings and a touch of oil, then warm it in a pan before assembling. Skip the initial cooking step.
How can I make these sliders ahead of time? Assemble the sliders without baking, wrap the tray tightly in foil, and refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Bake for 10-12 minutes from cold, until heated through and cheese is melted.
What are good cheese substitutes? Pepper jack adds a kick, while provolone offers a mild melt. For a dairy-free option, use high-quality vegan cheese slices that melt well.
Can I cook these entirely in the oven? Absolutely. Bake the seasoned chicken pieces on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, then proceed with assembly and the final melting step.
How do I keep the buns from getting soggy? Ensure cooked chicken has rested briefly and isn’t piping hot when assembling. A light layer of sauce on both bun halves also creates a moisture barrier.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the chicken, as it will become dry. Use a meat thermometer; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Do not skip the final baking step to melt the cheese, as it helps bind the ingredients and enhances flavor. Ensure your bacon is cooked until crisp so it doesn’t become chewy. Finally, do not overstuff the sliders, which makes them difficult to eat.
Conclusion
These Chicken Bacon Sliders are the ultimate easy-to-make, hard-to-resist party food. By following the simple steps and tips outlined, you can create a delicious, crowd-feeding dish that is sure to earn compliments. Remember the key points: season well, cook the chicken just through, and let the oven work its magic to melt everything into perfection. Enjoy your flavorful creation!