Lemon Herb Chicken Sliders
Highlighted under: Heartwarming Meal Recipes
I absolutely adore making Lemon Herb Chicken Sliders for gatherings! They’re quick to prepare and bursting with fresh flavors. The combination of zesty lemon and savory herbs creates a mouthwatering experience that my friends and family can’t resist. Plus, the slider size makes them perfect for nibbling, and adding toppings of your choice makes them even more customizable. With just a few ingredients and minimal cooking time, I often find myself making these delightful sliders for last-minute parties or casual dinners!
When I first experimented with these Lemon Herb Chicken Sliders, I was amazed at how beautifully the flavors melded together. I marinated the chicken in a blend of lemon juice, garlic, and a medley of herbs, which made each bite incredibly flavorful. The secret is marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance the taste. This small step makes a huge difference!
Another tip I discovered is to grill the chicken on medium-high heat. This not only provides those lovely grill marks, but it also helps caramelize the sugars in the marinade, adding depth to the slider. Whether for a barbecue or a cozy family meal, these sliders always disappear fast!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Zesty lemon flavor paired with fragrant herbs
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
- Perfect for any occasion, from casual to festive
Understanding the Ingredients
The star of these Lemon Herb Chicken Sliders is, of course, the ground chicken. Its mild flavor provides a fantastic base for the vibrant notes of lemon and herbs. Using fresh chicken rather than pre-packaged options ensures a juicier texture and allows the herbs to shine through. Always check the packaging for the fat content—lean ground chicken works best here to prevent the sliders from drying out during cooking.
Adding fresh herbs like parsley and thyme not only elevates the flavor but also adds beautiful color to the mixture. Fresh herbs release essential oils that contribute to the overall aroma and taste. If you're unable to find thyme, you can substitute with dried thyme; just remember to use only a third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
Cooking and Texture Tips
For the perfect slider patty, aim for a uniform thickness to ensure even cooking. About 1/2 inch thick is ideal, which allows for nice browning while remaining juicy inside. Consistent patty sizes also help when cooking on the grill or skillet, as uneven sizes can lead to some sliders cooking faster than others, resulting in potential undercooked patties.
When cooking the sliders, prepare your grill or skillet about 5 minutes ahead of time to achieve a medium-high heat. The patties should sizzle when they hit the pan, which gives that desirable golden crust. If you notice excessive flare-ups on the grill, it might be beneficial to turn down the heat slightly, so you don't char the outsides while leaving the insides too rare.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your flavorful sliders:
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 slider buns
- Lettuce and tomato for toppings
Make sure everything is fresh for the best flavor!
Instructions
Follow these steps to make your Lemon Herb Chicken Sliders:
Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, parsley, thyme, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
Form the Sliders
Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into small patties. Make sure they are slightly smaller than the slider buns as they will shrink during cooking.
Cook the Sliders
Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Assemble the Sliders
Place the cooked sliders on the buns and top with lettuce and tomato as desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Enjoy your delicious sliders with your favorite dipping sauce!
Pro Tips
- For an extra burst of flavor, serve these sliders with a homemade lemon aioli or tangy yogurt sauce.
Serving Suggestions
These sliders pair wonderfully with a variety of toppings beyond the standard lettuce and tomato. Consider adding a dollop of tangy tzatziki sauce for an extra refreshing kick or avocado slices for creaminess. If you're feeling adventurous, bacon bits or crumbled feta can add a delightfully rich texture that complements the citrusy chicken.
For a full meal, serve these sliders alongside a simple side salad or homemade sweet potato fries. The sweetness of the fries balances beautifully with the zesty flavors of the sliders, making for a satisfying lunch or dinner spread.
Make-Ahead and Storage
If you're planning a gathering, these sliders can easily be made ahead of time. Prepare the chicken mixture and shape the patties, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld together even more, enhancing the overall taste of your sliders.
Leftover cooked sliders can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until heated through. If you need to reheat multiple sliders at once, consider using the oven—arrange them on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed, about 10-15 minutes.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative and will work well in the recipe.
→ How can I make these sliders spicy?
Add some red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños to the mixture for some heat.
→ Can I prepare the chicken mixture in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare it up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
→ What sides pair well with these sliders?
Fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad make great sides for these sliders.
Lemon Herb Chicken Sliders
I absolutely adore making Lemon Herb Chicken Sliders for gatherings! They’re quick to prepare and bursting with fresh flavors. The combination of zesty lemon and savory herbs creates a mouthwatering experience that my friends and family can’t resist. Plus, the slider size makes them perfect for nibbling, and adding toppings of your choice makes them even more customizable. With just a few ingredients and minimal cooking time, I often find myself making these delightful sliders for last-minute parties or casual dinners!
Created by: Anna
Recipe Type: Heartwarming Meal Recipes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 slider buns
- Lettuce and tomato for toppings
How-To Steps
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, parsley, thyme, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into small patties. Make sure they are slightly smaller than the slider buns as they will shrink during cooking.
Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Place the cooked sliders on the buns and top with lettuce and tomato as desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For an extra burst of flavor, serve these sliders with a homemade lemon aioli or tangy yogurt sauce.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 22g