I think a truly great weeknight meal balances big flavor with minimal fuss.
Say goodbye to boring sliders and hello to a gourmet flavor profile that’s still easy enough for a weeknight family meal. This chicken sliders recipe pairs juicy ground chicken patties with a vibrant, creamy roasted red pepper and feta sauce that tastes complex but comes together in minutes. We’re taking advantage of pre-made ingredients like jarred roasted red peppers and brioche buns to get this crowd-pleaser on the table fast, especially when my family is hungry on a Tuesday night. The combination of smoky paprika and tangy feta makes these healthy chicken sliders a hit with both kids and adults. Get ready for a delicious dinner or party appetizer that everyone will ask for again and again.
Ingredients
Ground Chicken Patties
- 500 g (1.1 lbs) ground chicken (lean chicken breast for a healthier option, or use 80/20 mix for more moisture)
- 30 g (1/3 cup) panko breadcrumbs and 1 large egg: The binder for the patties; helps keep them tender and prevents crumbling.
- Spices: 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 0.5 teaspoon black pepper. These seasonings are essential for building flavor in the chicken itself.
Smoky Red Pepper Feta Cream
- 200 g (7 oz) drained roasted red peppers (from a jar; ensure they are well drained to avoid a watery sauce)
- 100 g (3.5 oz) feta cheese, crumbled; 60 g (1/4 cup) cream cheese, softened: Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer texture. (*Swap note: Use full-fat Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter, tangier sauce.*)
- Spices and Aromatics: 2 cloves garlic, peeled; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika; 0.25 teaspoon fine sea salt; freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Assembly and Toppings
- 8-10 slider buns (brioche or potato rolls are recommended for a soft texture and slight sweetness)
- Fresh Arugula or Baby Spinach: Adds a peppery bite and visual contrast to the rich filling.
- Fresh Parsley: A vibrant garnish for serving.
Instructions
Here’s exactly how to prepare these healthy chicken sliders and get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
Prepare the Chicken Patties
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 0.5 teaspoon black pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a fork until just combined; do not overmix, as this can result in tough, rubbery patties. Divide the mixture into 8-10 equal portions, then form each portion into a small, flat patty for this chicken sliders recipe. Make sure each patty is slightly wider than your slider bun to account for shrinkage during cooking. Place them on a plate or tray.
Make the Smoky Red Pepper Feta Cream
While the patties cook, prepare the cream sauce in a food processor or high-speed blender. Combine the drained roasted red peppers, crumbled feta cheese, softened cream cheese, 2 peeled garlic cloves, fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 0.25 teaspoon salt. Process until completely smooth and creamy; taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed for brightness.
Cook the Patties
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the chicken patties in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 74°C/165°F). Remove from skillet and set aside. If you find your patties are sticking to the skillet, try adding a little more oil and make sure the pan is hot enough before placing them in.
Assemble the Sliders
Lightly toast the slider buns if desired. Spread a generous amount of the Smoky Red Pepper Feta Cream on the bottom half of each slider bun. Place a cooked chicken patty on top of the cream-coated bun bottom.
Finish and Serve
Top the chicken patty with a second dollop of the red pepper cream and a few fresh arugula or baby spinach leaves. Place the top half of the slider bun over the arugula and patty. For a beautiful presentation, arrange the finished chicken sliders on a serving board and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of green color.
Chicken Sliders Variations
The beauty of this chicken sliders recipe is how adaptable it is to different preferences and time constraints. Whether you need a low-carb option or a shortcut for busy nights, these tweaks ensure the meal fits your family perfectly.
Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut
Rotisserie chicken can make this chicken sliders recipe even faster. If you don’t want to make patties from scratch, shred pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and mix it with about 1/4 cup of the red pepper feta cream for binding; spoon onto buns instead of patties. This high-protein snack variation takes minimal effort for quick meals.
Cheesy Patties
For an extra gooey slider, press a small cube of fresh mozzarella or provolone cheese into the center of each chicken patty before cooking. This creates a delightful, surprise melting center that kids absolutely love.
Bun Alternatives
Use large lettuce cups (like butter lettuce or romaine) instead of buns for a gluten-free or low-carb meal. Alternatively, a whole wheat bun or thin sandwich bread can be used in place of brioche for a healthier option.
Spice Level
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for a spicy kick. You can also mix a bit of chili powder into the chicken patty mixture for a different kind of warmth.
Make-Ahead Tips and Storage
These chicken sliders are perfect for meal prep recipes and busy families because many components can be prepared in advance. Proper storage ensures you have easy access to healthy meals throughout the week.
Make the Patties Ahead
Form the raw chicken patties and store them tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, cook the patties fully, let them cool, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or oven.
Prepare the Cream Sauce
The Smoky Red Pepper Feta Cream can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir well before serving to restore a smooth consistency; it tends to thicken when cold.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze uncooked chicken patties in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once solid for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. Freezing the cooked patties is not recommended as it affects the texture.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about this chicken sliders recipe and how to adapt it to your specific needs.
Q: Can I bake these sliders instead of pan-frying?
A: Yes, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange patties on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and golden brown. Baking is great for cooking large batches for family dinners.
Q: Can I substitute another type of ground meat for chicken?
A: Absolutely. Ground turkey, beef, or even plant-based meat substitutes will work well in this recipe, though cooking times may vary slightly. Ground turkey will cook in roughly the same time as chicken, while beef may require slightly longer to reach the desired doneness.
Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with these sliders?
A: Keep it family-friendly with crispy oven-baked fries, sweet potato fries, or a quick side salad. A classic creamy coleslaw also pairs perfectly with the rich sauce. This combination creates a complete and satisfying meal.
Q: My patties keep falling apart when I flip them. What am I doing wrong?
A: This usually means the patties weren’t formed tightly enough or the panko/egg binder ratio was off. Ensure you gently press the patties together firmly. Also, avoid flipping too early before a crust forms on the bottom; a solid crust will help hold the patty together. I find that chilling the formed patties for 15 minutes before cooking also helps them retain their shape.
Q: Can I use fresh bell peppers instead of jarred roasted red peppers?
A: We strongly recommend jarred roasted peppers for this recipe, as they have a deeper, sweeter flavor and are much softer and easier to blend into a smooth cream. If using fresh peppers, you would need to roast them yourself first to soften them and develop the flavor, adding significant time to the process.
Q: How long do leftovers last?
A: Leftover chicken patties and sauce should be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For the best result when reheating, warm the patties in a skillet or oven and add the fresh sauce just before serving.
Conclusion
These easy chicken sliders are proof that weeknight meals don’t have to be boring, especially when a simple sauce can do all the heavy lifting. The smoky, vibrant flavor of the red pepper feta cream transforms plain ground chicken into something truly special and satisfying for the whole family. Save this recipe and try it out this week for a dinner that feels like a treat, without the extra fuss or effort. Pin this recipe for later and let us know if you tried any of the variations!
Print
chicken sliders recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
These simple chicken sliders are perfect for a weeknight meal, featuring juicy ground chicken patties and a vibrant, creamy roasted red pepper and feta sauce. The sauce, made quickly in a food processor, provides a gourmet flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the savory patties and fresh arugula.
Ingredients
- 1.1 lbs (500 g) ground chicken
- 1/3 cup (30 g) panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (for patties)
- 1 tsp salt (for patties)
- 0.5 tsp black pepper (for patties)
- 7 oz (200 g) jarred roasted red peppers, drained
- 3.5 oz (100 g) feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup (60 g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for sauce)
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika (for sauce)
- 0.25 tsp salt (for sauce)
- 8 slider buns (brioche recommended)
- Fresh arugula or baby spinach
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Patties: In a bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into 8 small, flat patties slightly wider than the buns to account for shrinkage during cooking.
- Make the Sauce: In a food processor or blender, combine the drained roasted red peppers, feta cheese, softened cream cheese, garlic cloves, lemon juice, olive oil, paprika, and salt. Process until smooth and creamy; adjust seasoning as needed.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F / 74°C internal temperature).
- Assemble the Sliders: Spread a generous amount of the red pepper feta cream on the bottom half of each slider bun. Place a cooked chicken patty on top of the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Top each patty with a second dollop of sauce and a few arugula or spinach leaves. Cover with the top bun and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
To ensure the patties hold their shape, avoid overmixing the ground chicken mixture, which can make them tough. For a lighter sauce option, substitute full-fat Greek yogurt for the cream cheese. The patties and sauce can both be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored separately in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
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