By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on October 7, 2023 | Last Updated on July 13, 2024
I’m so excited to share one of my all-time favorite recipes with you today—Jerk Chicken Sliders. You know, these little sandwiches aren’t just packed with flavor, they’re also perfect for any gathering. Imagine biting into a spicy, juicy chicken patty nestled in a soft bun, topped with vibrant veggies and a tangy sauce. Trust me, your taste buds are in for a treat!
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s pair up this dish. I find these Jerk Chicken Sliders go exceptionally well with a side of La Madeleine Pasta Salad, Jimmy Buffett Pasta Salad and Spiral Cucumber Salad.
They’ve got chickpeas, fresh veggies, and a homemade zesty Italian dressing that balances out the spicy kick from the sliders perfectly. A match made in food heaven, if you ask me.
What are jerk chicken sliders?
So, what exactly are Jerk Chicken Sliders? Picture this: tender, spicy jerk-marinated chicken grilled to perfection, then nestled into a soft bun with your choice of toppings.
The jerk marinade is a blend of allspice, thyme, and hot peppers, creating a symphony of heat and flavor that dances on your tongue. Each slider is a mini explosion of Caribbean zest!
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The Ingredients
For the Sliders:
- 1 large chicken breast, skinless
- 2 slices of Muenster cheese
- 2 large buns
Jerk Marinade:
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 1 orange Scotch bonnet pepper, chopped
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup mandarin oranges
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tsp ground sage
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- Combine the Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients for the jerk marinade. In a large mixing bowl, add the ground allspice, olive oil, ground cinnamon, lime juice, chopped green onion, scotch bonnet pepper, dried thyme, garlic powder, chopped onion, cayenne pepper, mandarin oranges, dark soy sauce, white wine vinegar, and ground sage.
- Mix Thoroughly: Use a spoon or whisk to mix the dry spices thoroughly. Once they are well combined, add in the liquid ingredients. Stir everything together until you have a cohesive mixture. This will be your jerk marinade, bursting with vibrant flavors.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breast into the bowl with the jerk marinade. Use your hands or a spoon to coat the chicken evenly with the marinade. Make sure the chicken is well-covered with the flavorful mixture.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the marinated chicken into a zip-top bag. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken. For an even deeper flavor, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a small amount of oil to the pan to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken breast along with all the marinade into the pan.
- Cook Until Done: Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The outside should be nicely charred, and the inside juicy and cooked through.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, using two forks or your hands, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Pour the cooked marinade sauce over the shredded chicken and mix well to ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated with the flavorful jerk sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
- Toast the Buns: Cut your buns in half and toast them lightly on a grill or in a toaster until they are golden brown. This adds a delightful crunch to your sliders.
- Layer the Ingredients: Start with the bottom half of each bun. Place a layer of fresh lettuce on the bun for a crisp and refreshing base. Next, add a generous portion of the shredded jerk chicken mixture on top of the lettuce. The sauce should seep into the bun slightly, adding flavor to every bite.
- Melt the Cheese: While the chicken is still warm, place a slice of Muenster cheese on top. The heat from the chicken will melt the cheese slightly, creating a delicious, gooey layer.
- Top It Off: Cover with the top half of the bun to complete your slider. Press down gently to hold everything together.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your Jerk Chicken Sliders are now ready to be enjoyed. Serve them immediately for the best flavor and texture. You can add additional toppings like tomato slices, pickles, or a dollop of your favorite sauce if you like.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh herbs and spices. Fresh lime juice and green onions make a big difference.
- Adjust the Heat: If you’re not a fan of intense heat, reduce the amount of Scotch bonnet peppers and cayenne pepper.
- Rest Time: Allow the marinated chicken to rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes before grilling for even cooking.
- Cheese Choices: If you don’t like Muenster cheese, you can use Gouda or Monterey Jack instead.
- Grill Tips: Keep an eye on your grill temperature; you don’t want dry chicken. Maintaining medium-high heat is key.
Nutrition Information
How to store jerk chicken sliders?
The Jerk Chicken Sliders should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sliders will last for up to 3 days when properly stored. For best results, we recommend eating the sliders within a day of making them so that they retain their maximum flavor and texture.
To reheat, place the desired amount of sliders on a baking sheet and heat in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up, there are plenty of ways to customize these sliders.
- For a vegetarian option, try using your favorite plant-based protein in place of chicken.
- You can also top the sliders with a variety of condiments, like mango chutney or pineapple salsa, for an unexpected burst of sweet and tangy flavor.
- And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some diced jalapenos or crushed red peppers for an extra kick of heat!
Jerk Chicken Sliders Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Sliders:
- 1 large chicken breasts skinless
- 2 slices of Muenster Cheese
- 2 large Buns
- 2 lettuce
Jerk Marinade:
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon ground
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1 green onions chopped
- 1 orange scotch bonnet peppers
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 cup onions chopped
- 2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup mandarin oranges
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tsp ground sage
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- Combine the Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients for the jerk marinade. In a large mixing bowl, add the ground allspice, olive oil, ground cinnamon, lime juice, chopped green onion, scotch bonnet pepper, dried thyme, garlic powder, chopped onion, cayenne pepper, mandarin oranges, dark soy sauce, white wine vinegar, and ground sage.
- Mix Thoroughly: Use a spoon or whisk to mix the dry spices thoroughly. Once they are well combined, add in the liquid ingredients. Stir everything together until you have a cohesive mixture. This will be your jerk marinade, bursting with vibrant flavors.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breast into the bowl with the jerk marinade. Use your hands or a spoon to coat the chicken evenly with the marinade. Make sure the chicken is well-covered with the flavorful mixture.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the marinated chicken into a zip-top bag. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken. For an even deeper flavor, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a small amount of oil to the pan to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken breast along with all the marinade into the pan.
- Cook Until Done: Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The outside should be nicely charred, and the inside juicy and cooked through.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, using two forks or your hands, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Pour the cooked marinade sauce over the shredded chicken and mix well to ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated with the flavorful jerk sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
- Toast the Buns: Cut your buns in half and toast them lightly on a grill or in a toaster until they are golden brown. This adds a delightful crunch to your sliders.
- Layer the Ingredients: Start with the bottom half of each bun. Place a layer of fresh lettuce on the bun for a crisp and refreshing base. Next, add a generous portion of the shredded jerk chicken mixture on top of the lettuce. The sauce should seep into the bun slightly, adding flavor to every bite.
- Melt the Cheese: While the chicken is still warm, place a slice of Muenster cheese on top. The heat from the chicken will melt the cheese slightly, creating a delicious, gooey layer.
- Top It Off: Cover with the top half of the bun to complete your slider. Press down gently to hold everything together.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Your Jerk Chicken Sliders are now ready to be enjoyed. Serve them immediately for the best flavor and texture. You can add additional toppings like tomato slices, pickles, or a dollop of your favorite sauce if you like.
Notes
- Marination Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the deeper the flavors will be. If you have time, let it marinate overnight.
- Grill Option: For a smoky flavor, you can also grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a pan.
- Heat Levels: Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper and cayenne pepper to control the heat level to your preference.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought jerk seasoning?
Absolutely. Store-bought seasoning can be a time-saver. However, making your own allows you to control the heat and freshness.
What’s the best type of bun to use?
I recommend soft brioche buns. They’re slightly sweet and complement the spicy chicken nicely.
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Yes, you can bake it at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes or until fully cooked. Don’t forget to baste it with the reserved marinade.
Is it possible to make these sliders gluten-free?
Sure thing! Simply use gluten-free buns and double-check that all marinade ingredients are gluten-free.
How can I reduce the spiciness?
You can reduce the amount of Scotch bonnet peppers and cayenne pepper, or substitute them with milder peppers such as bell peppers.
Conclusion
Jerk Chicken Sliders are a bite-sized flavor dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The spicy, well-seasoned chicken paired with melty cheese and your favorite toppings makes this dish irresistible. Whether you’re grilling for a family cookout or just making a weeknight meal special, these sliders will surely hit the spot.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients and get cooking. Your taste buds will thank you!
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
