I recently whipped up these Savory Chicken Sliders for a weekend family gathering, and let me tell you, they were an absolute hit! From the first bite, the juicy, flavorful chicken patty combined with the soft, toasted slider bun and the tangy, creamy sauce had everyone reaching for seconds. Even my picky eaters, who usually shy away from anything beyond plain chicken nuggets, devoured these sliders with gusto. The recipe was surprisingly easy to follow, and the result was something that felt both gourmet and comforting at the same time. They were perfect as a hearty appetizer or a fun, casual meal, and I’m already planning on making them again for our next get-together. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s packed with flavor and incredibly satisfying, look no further than these Savory Chicken Sliders – you won’t be disappointed!
Ingredients
- Ground Chicken: 2 pounds, provides the base for our savory and juicy slider patties. Opt for ground chicken thigh for extra moisture and flavor.
- Slider Buns: 18-24, the perfect miniature canvas for our delicious chicken and toppings. Look for soft, slightly sweet slider buns for the best experience.
- Cheddar Cheese Slices: 12-18 slices, adds a classic, melty cheese element that complements the savory chicken. Sharp cheddar provides a bolder flavor, while mild cheddar is more kid-friendly.
- Red Onion: 1 small, finely diced, lends a sharp, pungent bite that balances the richness of the chicken and cheese.
- Pickle Slices: ½ cup, adds a tangy crunch and acidity that cuts through the savory flavors and enhances the overall slider experience. Dill pickles or sweet gherkins both work well.
- Mayonnaise: ½ cup, the creamy base for our flavorful slider sauce, adding richness and moisture.
- Dijon Mustard: 2 tablespoons, provides a tangy, sophisticated mustard flavor that elevates the sauce beyond simple mayonnaise.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon, adds a depth of umami and savory complexity to both the chicken patties and the sauce.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon, enhances the overall savory profile with a subtle garlic flavor that isn’t overpowering.
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon, complements the fresh red onion and adds another layer of savory onion flavor to the patties.
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon, brings a smoky depth and warmth that enhances the savory notes and adds a beautiful color to the chicken patties.
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon, introduces an earthy, slightly minty herb flavor that pairs wonderfully with chicken and savory spices.
- Salt: 1 ½ teaspoons, essential for seasoning both the chicken patties and the sauce, bringing out all the flavors.
- Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon, adds a touch of spice and complements the salt, enhancing the overall savory taste profile.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, used for cooking the chicken patties, ensuring they are nicely browned and cooked through without sticking.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted, for brushing the slider buns before toasting, adding flavor and a golden-brown crispness.
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Patties: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, diced red onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough patties. Overmixing develops the gluten in the chicken, making it dense.
- Form the Slider Patties: Divide the chicken mixture into 18-24 equal portions, depending on the size of your slider buns. Gently roll each portion into a ball and then flatten it into a patty about ½ inch thick and slightly larger than your slider buns. Making the patties slightly larger accounts for shrinkage during cooking. Place the formed patties on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking while you prepare to cook them.
- Cook the Chicken Patties: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully place the chicken patties in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain even cooking and browning. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the patties are cooked through and golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safely cooked. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a patty to check for doneness.
- Melt the Cheese: In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each chicken patty. Cover the skillet with a lid or tent with foil to help the cheese melt quickly and evenly. The steam trapped inside will ensure the cheese becomes perfectly gooey and melted.
- Prepare the Slider Sauce: While the chicken patties are cooking, prepare the slider sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You can add a pinch more salt, pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor if desired.
- Toast the Slider Buns: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) or use a toaster oven. Melt butter in a small microwave-safe bowl or in a saucepan on the stovetop. Brush the cut sides of the slider buns with melted butter. Place the buttered buns cut-side up on a baking sheet. Toast in the preheated oven for 3-5 minutes, or until lightly golden brown and slightly crispy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, as slider buns can toast quickly. Alternatively, you can toast them on a griddle or in a dry skillet for a similar effect.
- Assemble the Sliders: Once the chicken patties are cooked and the cheese is melted, and the slider buns are toasted, it’s time to assemble your savory chicken sliders. Spread a generous spoonful of the prepared slider sauce on the bottom half of each toasted slider bun. Place a cheesy chicken patty on top of the sauce. Add pickle slices and a sprinkle of finely diced red onion over the chicken patty. Place the top half of the slider bun on top to complete each slider.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Savory Chicken Sliders immediately while they are warm and the buns are still slightly crispy. These sliders are best enjoyed fresh, but can be kept warm in a low oven for a short period if needed. Serve with your favorite sides like fries, onion rings, or a fresh salad.
Nutrition Facts
(Per Slider, estimated, assuming 20 sliders from recipe, using average ingredient values. Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and brands.)
- Serving Size: 1 Slider
- Calories: Approximately 280 kcal
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 15g
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes – This includes the time to dice the red onion, mix the chicken patty ingredients, form the patties, and whisk together the slider sauce. Efficient knife skills and organization can help speed up this process.
Cook Time: 25 minutes – This includes the time to cook the chicken patties in batches, melt the cheese, and toast the slider buns. The actual cooking time may vary slightly depending on your stovetop and oven.
Total Time: 45 minutes – From start to finish, you can have these delicious Savory Chicken Sliders ready to enjoy in under an hour, making them a great option for a relatively quick and satisfying meal or appetizer.
How to Serve
These Savory Chicken Sliders are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas:
- Classic Side Dishes:
- French Fries: A timeless pairing! Crispy fries complement the savory sliders perfectly.
- Onion Rings: Another classic deep-fried favorite that adds a satisfying crunch.
- Sweet Potato Fries: A slightly healthier and sweeter alternative to regular fries.
- Coleslaw: Creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich sliders.
- Potato Salad: A classic barbecue or picnic side that pairs well with sliders.
- Salads for Lighter Options:
- Garden Salad: A simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette provides a light and fresh counterpoint.
- Caesar Salad: A more substantial salad that still offers a refreshing element.
- Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad can be a heartier side dish option.
- Quinoa Salad: For a healthier grain-based salad, quinoa salad with vegetables and herbs is a great choice.
- Appetizer Platter:
- Arrange the sliders on a platter with various dips like ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or extra slider sauce.
- Add bowls of pickles, olives, and other finger foods to create a fun and interactive appetizer spread.
- Themed Occasions:
- Game Day: Perfect for watching sports! Serve with chips, guacamole, and wings.
- BBQ or Cookout: A great addition to a barbecue menu alongside burgers and hot dogs.
- Casual Party: Easy to make in large batches and serve to a crowd.
- Family Dinner: A fun and kid-friendly meal that everyone will enjoy.
- Drinks to Pair:
- Soda: Classic choices like cola, lemonade, or root beer.
- Iced Tea: Unsweetened or sweet iced tea is a refreshing option.
- Beer: Light lagers or IPAs pair well with savory sliders.
- Lemonade: Homemade lemonade is a delicious and refreshing choice.
- Sparkling Water: Flavored sparkling water provides a lighter, calorie-free option.
Additional Tips
- Don’t Overmix the Chicken: As mentioned in the instructions, overmixing ground chicken can lead to tough patties. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Use Cold Chicken: Starting with cold ground chicken helps the patties hold their shape better and prevents them from becoming too sticky while forming.
- Make Patties Uniform: Try to make the patties as uniform in size and thickness as possible for even cooking. Using a kitchen scale can help with portioning.
- Chill Patties Before Cooking: If you have time, chilling the formed patties in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before cooking can help them firm up further and reduce shrinkage.
- Toast the Buns Properly: Don’t skip toasting the buns! It adds texture and flavor and prevents the sliders from becoming soggy. Buttering the buns before toasting enhances the flavor and crispness even more.
- Customize the Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick, provolone for a milder flavor, or Monterey Jack for a creamy melt.
- Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the chicken patty mixture or the slider sauce. You can also use a spicy Dijon mustard or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Make Ahead Components: You can prepare the chicken patties and the slider sauce ahead of time. Store the patties in the refrigerator (raw) and cook them just before serving. The sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This can save time on the day you plan to serve the sliders.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
A: Yes, you can definitely substitute ground turkey for ground chicken in this recipe. Ground turkey is a leaner option and will still work well. Just be mindful that ground turkey can sometimes be drier than ground chicken, especially breast meat. If using ground turkey breast, you might consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil or breadcrumbs to the mixture to help keep the patties moist.
Q2: Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
A: To make these sliders vegetarian, you would need to replace the ground chicken with a plant-based alternative. You could use seasoned and crumbled firm tofu, black bean patties, or commercially available vegetarian burger patties designed for sliders. Ensure your chosen vegetarian patty is savory and holds up well in slider form. You can also enhance the savory flavor with additional spices or umami-rich ingredients like nutritional yeast or soy sauce in your vegetarian patty mixture.
Q3: Can I freeze the cooked chicken patties?
A: Yes, cooked chicken patties can be frozen for later use. Allow the cooked patties to cool completely. Then, wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave. You can then reheat them in a skillet, oven, or microwave until heated through.
Q4: What’s the best way to keep sliders warm if I’m making them ahead of time for a party?
A: If you need to keep sliders warm for a party, the best method is to assemble them (without the sauce to prevent soggy buns) and place them on a baking sheet in a low oven (around 200°F or 95°C). Cover the baking sheet loosely with foil to prevent the buns from drying out. Check them periodically to ensure they are not drying out. Add the sauce just before serving for the best texture. Alternatively, you can use a slow cooker on the “warm” setting, but this can make the buns softer.
Q5: Can I use different types of buns for these sliders?
A: Absolutely! While standard slider buns are ideal, you can experiment with other types of small buns. Hawaiian sweet rolls, pretzel slider buns, or even mini brioche buns would all be delicious alternatives. Consider the flavor profile of the bun and how it will complement the savory chicken and toppings.
Q6: How can I adjust the spice level of these sliders?
A: To adjust the spice level, you can modify the amount of smoked paprika and black pepper in the chicken patty mixture. For less spice, reduce or omit the smoked paprika and reduce the black pepper. For more spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture or the slider sauce. You can also use a spicier mustard like hot mustard or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Q7: Can I make the slider sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, the slider sauce can be made ahead of time. In fact, making it a few hours or even a day in advance allows the flavors to meld together even more. Store the prepared slider sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Q8: What are some other topping ideas besides pickles and red onion?
A: There are tons of topping variations you can try! Consider adding caramelized onions for sweetness, sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor, crispy fried onions for extra crunch, jalapeño slices for heat, or a creamy avocado spread for richness. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, like Swiss, Gouda, or provolone. Get creative and customize your sliders to your liking!
