Honey Mustard BLT Chicken Sliders
Introduction
Sliders are the perfect bite-sized treat that can be enjoyed at any gathering, from casual family dinners to festive parties. These Honey Mustard BLT Chicken Sliders combine the classic flavors of a BLT with succulent chicken and a tangy honey mustard sauce, creating a deliciously unique twist on the traditional slider. Inspired by the love for comfort food and the desire to innovate, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Preparing the Chicken
Selecting the Right Chicken Cuts
Choose thinly sliced chicken breast for quick cooking and even distribution on the sliders.
Marinating the Chicken
Marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of honey mustard sauce for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.
Cooking Methods: Grilling, Baking, or Pan-Frying
Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or pan-fry until cooked through and golden brown.
Making the Honey Mustard Sauce
Key Ingredients for Honey Mustard Sauce
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps to Prepare the Sauce
Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Adjusting Sweetness and Tanginess
Add more honey for sweetness or more lemon juice for tanginess, depending on your preference.
Preparing the Bacon
Choosing the Right Bacon
Opt for thick-cut bacon for a meatier texture, or turkey bacon for a lighter option.
Cooking Methods: Oven, Stovetop, or Microwave
Cook the bacon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, on the stovetop over medium heat until crispy, or in the microwave between paper towels for 4-6 minutes.
Ensuring Crispy Bacon
Drain the bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease and ensure crispiness.
Assembling the Sliders
Selecting the Right Slider Buns
Choose soft, slightly sweet slider buns like brioche or Hawaiian rolls for the best flavor and texture.
Layering the Ingredients
Start with a layer of honey mustard sauce on the bottom bun, add a piece of chicken, a slice of bacon, a slice of cheese, lettuce, and tomato. Top with the other half of the bun.
Balancing Flavors and Textures
Ensure each slider has a balanced mix of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, with a satisfying crunch from the bacon and freshness from the lettuce and tomato.
Adding Lettuce and Tomato
Choosing the Best Lettuce Variety
Romaine or iceberg lettuce provides a good crunch, while butter lettuce adds a delicate texture.
Slicing Tomatoes for Optimal Size
Cut the tomatoes into thin, even slices to fit perfectly on the sliders.
Tips for Freshness and Crunch
Keep the lettuce and tomatoes chilled until ready to assemble to maintain their freshness and crunch.
Enhancing the Sliders with Cheese
Best Cheese Options
Cheddar, Swiss, or provolone are great choices that melt well and complement the other flavors.
Melting the Cheese Perfectly
If desired, place the assembled sliders under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese.
Adding a Touch of Creaminess
A slice of creamy cheese adds a delightful richness to the sliders.
Finishing Touches
Adding Pickles or Other Garnishes
Top each slider with a pickle slice or other garnishes like red onion or avocado for extra flavor.
Final Drizzle of Honey Mustard Sauce
Drizzle a bit more honey mustard sauce over the top for an extra kick.
Toasting the Buns
Lightly toast the buns on the grill or in the oven for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pairing with Sides and Beverages
Serve with a side of sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a simple salad. Pair with iced tea, lemonade, or a cold beer.
Presentation Tips
Arrange the sliders on a platter with garnishes and extra sauce on the side for a visually appealing presentation.
Ideal Occasions for Serving Sliders
These sliders are perfect for game day, barbecues, family dinners, or any casual gathering.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Best Practices for Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, or use a microwave if in a pinch.
Maintaining Flavor and Texture
Reheat slowly to maintain the chicken’s juiciness and the bun’s texture.
Variations and Add-Ins
Different Meats and Sauces
Experiment with grilled shrimp, turkey, or even a vegetarian patty. Try different sauces like BBQ or chipotle mayo.
Adding Vegetables
Add grilled vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
Customizing for Different Palates
Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences, whether you prefer it spicier, cheesier, or with more vegetables.
Healthier Alternatives
Using Leaner Meats
Opt for turkey or chicken breast for a leaner protein source.
Low-Fat Sauce Options
Use low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt in the honey mustard sauce.
Adding More Vegetables
Increase the amount of lettuce, tomato, and other vegetables to make the sliders more filling and nutritious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Issues and Solutions
- Why is my chicken dry? Ensure not to overcook the chicken and use a marinade to keep it moist.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, prepare the ingredients ahead and assemble just before serving.
- How can I make it less sweet? Adjust the amount of honey in the sauce to suit your taste.
Customizing the Recipe
Feel free to adjust the ingredients and toppings to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Tips for Novice Cooks
Take your time with each step, especially when cooking the chicken and assembling the sliders, to ensure the best results.
Conclusion
Honey Mustard BLT Chicken Sliders are a delightful fusion of flavors that bring a gourmet touch to a beloved classic. With juicy chicken, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and tangy honey mustard, these sliders are sure to impress at any event. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a family meal, this recipe is both approachable and rewarding. Enjoy every bite of these delicious sliders!
Honey Mustard BLT Chicken Sliders
Sliders are the perfect bite-sized treat that can be enjoyed at any gathering, from casual family dinners to festive parties. These Honey Mustard BLT Chicken Sliders combine the classic flavors of a BLT with succulent chicken and a tangy honey mustard sauce, creating a deliciously unique twist on the traditional slider. Inspired by the love for comfort food and the desire to innovate, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. chicken tenders boneless chicken breasts and thighs work too
- 1 pack Hawaiian slider buns or dinner rolls
- Mayonnaise, to taste
- Sweet Baby Rays Golden Mustard honey mustard works as a substitute
- 8 strips bacon, cooke crisp
- colby jack cheese enough slices for the sandwiches
- 1/2 head lettuce
- 1/2 small red onion sliced thin
- 2 Roma tomatoes sliced thin
- 4-5 tablespoons oil for marinade and cooking chicken
- MY BLACKENED SEASONING
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika or regular
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- BUTTER TOPPING
- 1/2 stick butter softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
Place tenders into a large zip-top bag or bowl. Add several tablespoons of blackened seasoning and a few tablespoons of oil. Mix to coat them evenly, making sure they are well seasoned on all sides.
Cook chicken either in an oiled skillet over medium-high, or grill the chicken, about 3 minutes per side flipping just once.
As chicken cooks make your butter topping by combining all butter mixture ingredients in a small bowl. Heat for 30 seconds or until butter melts, then stir to combine.
If needed, slice the sliders horizontally using a serrated knife. Place them cut side up onto a baking sheet and toast under a broiler until golden brown, just a few minutes.
Flip the top buns so the domed tops are facing up and leave them beside the bottom buns on the pan. Assemble the sliders by first adding a squeeze of mayo to all of the bottom buns.
Add the chicken, scattering it evenly so each slider gets at least one chicken tender.
Add a dollop of the golden honey mustard, then place cheese over the chicken.
Spread the top buns with the butter mixture. Add baking sheet back into the broiler for another minute or two until cheese softens and the top buns are slightly toasted.
Top the sliders with bacon, tomatoes, red onion, lettuce, and another drizzle of the honey mustard. Place the top buns over the sandwiches, slice to separate them and serve.