Do you ever find yourself craving something deliciously satisfying yet easy to whip up for dinner? Imagine the aroma of juicy chicken tenders, smoky bacon, and melted cheese stacked between sweet Hawaiian buns. It’s a mouthwatering combination that’s hard to resist! These Honey Mustard Chicken BLT Sliders are not just packed with flavor; they are perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with family and friends. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can serve up a crowd-pleasing dish that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. Get ready to take your slider game to the next level with this irresistible recipe!
Why make this recipe?
These Honey Mustard Chicken BLT Sliders shine for several reasons. First, the taste is out of this world! The blend of honey mustard, crispy bacon, and savory seasoned chicken creates an explosion of flavors that dance on your palate. Second, the ease of preparation means you can whip these up in no time—perfect for those busy evenings. The sliders are also incredibly versatile; you can easily switch out ingredients or add your favorite toppings. Lastly, they are budget-friendly, ensuring you can feed the whole family without breaking the bank. Dive into this mouthwatering experience and enjoy cooking these delectable sliders!
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 Ray’s Golden Mustard (honey mustard works as a substitute)
- 8 strips bacon, cooked 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
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika or regular
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 stick butter (softened)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Directions
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken 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, ensuring they’re well seasoned on all sides.
Cook the Chicken: Heat an oiled skillet over medium-high heat or prepare your grill. Cook the chicken for about 3 minutes per side, flipping just once, until golden brown and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes total.
Make the Butter Topping: While the chicken is cooking, combine softened butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley in a small bowl. Heat for about 30 seconds in the microwave or until the butter melts, then stir them together.
Toast the Buns: If necessary, 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, roughly just a few minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning!
Assemble the Sliders: Flip the top buns down beside the bottom buns on the baking sheet. First, add a squeeze of mayo to all of the bottom buns. Next, scatter the cooked chicken evenly, ensuring each slider gets at least one tender.
Layer the Ingredients: Drizzle a dollop of the honey mustard over the chicken, then place cheese over the top. Spread the buttery mixture on the cut side of the top buns.
Melt the Cheese: Place the baking sheet back under the broiler for another minute or two until the cheese softens, and the top buns are slightly toasted.
Add Toppings: Top the sliders with crispy bacon, sliced tomatoes, thin red onion, shredded lettuce, and another drizzle of honey mustard. Finally, place the top buns over the sandwiches, slice to separate them, and serve.
How to Serve Honey Mustard Chicken BLT Sliders
For the best experience, serve your Honey Mustard Chicken BLT Sliders hot from the oven. These sliders are visually appealing and can be presented on a large platter for sharing. Pair them with crispy potato chips, a fresh green salad, or a refreshing coleslaw for a well-rounded meal. You could serve them alongside a cold beverage, like lemonade or iced tea, to balance the richness. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil sprigs to elevate the presentation.
How to Store Honey Mustard Chicken BLT Sliders
To keep your leftovers fresh, store any uneaten sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for about 3-4 days. If you plan to freeze them, wrap individual sliders in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When reheating, the oven is your best bet—simply wrap them in foil and heat at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Be sure to check for freshness before serving leftovers, looking for any off smells or changes in texture.
Tips to Make Honey Mustard Chicken BLT Sliders
- Prep Ahead: Marinate your chicken the night before to enhance flavor and shorten prep time.
- Substitutions: If bacon is not your thing, try turkey bacon or omit it for a lighter version.
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on your chicken while cooking to prevent it from drying out and becoming tough.
- Butter Tips: Whip the butter topping with a pinch of salt for added flavor.
- Make-ahead Option: You can prep all your toppings the day before for easy assembly.
- Consistency Check: The chicken should be tender and juicy when bitten into; adjust cooking time as needed.
- Herbal Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the chicken marinade for an aromatic boost.
- Dietary Adaptations: Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
- Creative Leftovers: Transform any leftover chicken into a chicken salad for a refreshing lunch option.
- Timing: Toast the buns gently—watch them closely while under the broiler.
Variations
- Vegetarian Delight: Swap chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms and add extra veggies for a hearty, plant-based option.
- Smoky Barbecue Bliss: Use barbecue sauce in place of honey mustard and smoked gouda instead of colby jack for a smoky flavor.
- Spicy Sriracha Twist: Add sriracha or any hot sauce to the mayonnaise for a spicy kick that elevates the sliders.
- Mediterranean Fusion: Use feta cheese, olives, and tzatziki sauce instead of the standard toppings for a refreshing Mediterranean take.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and prepare your toppings a day in advance. Just cook them on the day you plan to serve for the freshest taste.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Enjoy them cold or reheated!
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled sliders for up to 3 months. Wrap them well in plastic and foil to prevent freezer burn.
What can I substitute for honey mustard?
You can use any mustard variety you enjoy, or mix equal parts of regular mustard and honey for a homemade version.
How do I prevent my chicken from drying out?
Avoid overcooking the chicken. Check for doneness early, and brining the chicken in saltwater before cooking can help retain moisture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe contains slider buns, which typically contain gluten. However, you can easily use gluten-free buns to adapt this recipe.
Can I double/halve this recipe?
Absolutely! Just adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly, and the cooking times may need slight adjustments based on the amount cooked.
Enjoy your culinary journey with these Honey Mustard Chicken BLT Sliders, a dish that promises to be a delight for both the cook and the guests alike!
Honey Mustard Chicken BLT Sliders
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 lbs chicken tenders (boneless chicken breasts and thighs work too)
- 4-5 tablespoons oil for marinade and cooking chicken
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika or regular
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Sliders
- 1 pack Hawaiian slider buns or dinner rolls
- 1/2 stick butter (softened)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- 8 strips bacon (cooked crisp)
- 1/2 head lettuce
- 1/2 small red onion (sliced thin)
- to taste Mayonnaise
- Sweet Baby Ray’s Golden Mustard (honey mustard works as a substitute)
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken 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, ensuring they’re well seasoned on all sides.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat an oiled skillet over medium-high heat or prepare your grill. Cook the chicken for about 3 minutes per side, flipping just once, until golden brown and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes total.
Make the Butter Topping
- While the chicken is cooking, combine softened butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley in a small bowl. Heat for about 30 seconds in the microwave or until the butter melts, then stir them together.
Toast the Buns
- If necessary, 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, roughly just a few minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning!
Assemble the Sliders
- Flip the top buns down beside the bottom buns on the baking sheet. First, add a squeeze of mayo to all of the bottom buns. Next, scatter the cooked chicken evenly, ensuring each slider gets at least one tender.
Layer the Ingredients
- Drizzle a dollop of the honey mustard over the chicken, then place cheese over the top. Spread the buttery mixture on the cut side of the top buns.
Melt the Cheese
- Place the baking sheet back under the broiler for another minute or two until the cheese softens, and the top buns are slightly toasted.
Add Toppings
- Top the sliders with crispy bacon, sliced tomatoes, thin red onion, shredded lettuce, and another drizzle of honey mustard. Finally, place the top buns over the sandwiches, slice to separate them, and serve.