Jerk Chicken Sliders Recipe – Easy Kitchen Guide

By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on October 7, 2023 | Last Updated on October 7, 2023

Introducing our mouthwatering Jerk Chicken Sliders recipe – a delightful fusion of bold Caribbean flavors packed into bite-sized sliders. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a game day gathering, or simply craving a burst of spicy and savory goodness, these sliders are the perfect solution.

Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that marries tender, marinated jerk chicken with a medley of vibrant ingredients, all nestled within soft slider buns. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of heat, sweetness, and a hint of smokiness, making these sliders a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

So, fire up your grill and prepare to savor the taste of the Caribbean with our irresistible Jerk Chicken Sliders recipe!

What are jerk chicken sliders?

Jerk Chicken Sliders is a delectable dish that takes inspiration from Caribbean cuisine, specifically Jamaican jerk chicken. In this recipe, boneless chicken pieces are marinated in a flavorful jerk seasoning blend, which typically includes ingredients like scallions, thyme, allspice, Scotch bonnet peppers, and various spices. The chicken is then grilled or cooked to perfection until it’s tender and infused with the bold and spicy flavors of the jerk marinade.

For sliders, jerk chicken is usually served on small, soft slider buns. These miniature sandwiches are often accompanied by complementary toppings or condiments like coleslaw, pineapple slices, or a zesty aioli. The result is a delightful fusion of spicy, smoky, and sweet flavors in a convenient, handheld form.

Why You’ll Love this jerk chicken sliders?

You’ll fall head over heels for these Jerk Chicken Sliders for a multitude of reasons. Picture this: succulent, marinated chicken pieces infused with the rich, smoky, and tantalizingly spicy flavors of jerk seasoning, grilled to perfection. Each bite is an explosion of taste, a harmonious blend of aromatic spices, earthy thyme, zesty scallions, and the distinctive heat of Scotch bonnet peppers.

But it’s not just about the bold flavors; it’s about the experience. These sliders are perfectly portioned, allowing you to indulge without overwhelming your palate. Plus, the versatility is unmatched; you can tailor your toppings and condiments to suit your cravings, adding a personal touch to each bite. Imagine the contrast of tender jerk chicken against the cool, crisp bite of coleslaw or the sweet, tropical twist of a pineapple slice. These sliders bring a taste of the Caribbean right to your plate, offering an adventure for your taste buds that’s not just flavorful but downright unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a delightful snack, these Jerk Chicken Sliders promise a journey of flavors that will leave you craving more.

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The Ingredients 

For the Sliders:

• Large chicken breasts, skinless: The main protein source in the slider. Chicken is used for its versatility, ability to take on flavors well, and tender texture when cooked properly.
• Kings Hawaiian Buns: These buns are slightly sweet and very soft, which complements the spicy jerk marinade and provides a great contrast.
• Muenster cheese: This cheese melts well, adding a creamy texture and mild flavor that balance the heat from the marinade.

Jerk Marinade:

• Ground allspice: A key ingredient in jerk seasoning, it gives a warm, aromatic flavor that is integral to the dish.
• Olive oil: Helps to bind the spices together to create a consistent marinade. It also helps in grilling the chicken by preventing it from sticking to the grill.
• Scotch bonnet peppers: These are one of the hottest peppers available. They provide the traditional kick of heat found in jerk dishes.
• Lime juice: It adds acidity to balance the heat and sweetness, and helps to tenderize the chicken.
• Green onions: Provide a mild, sweet onion flavor along with a nice color contrast.
• Dried thyme: Another classic jerk seasoning ingredient, it adds earthy and slightly minty notes.
• Cinnamon: It gives a sweet, woody aroma that complements the heat of the other spices.
• Onions: Contribute to the overall flavor base of the marinade and add some sweetness.
• Cayenne pepper: Adds additional heat to the marinade.
• Garlic powder: Provides a robust, aromatic flavor that’s essential in many savory dishes.
• Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami flavor that deepens the overall taste of the marinade.
• White wine vinegar: Its acidity helps to balance the flavors in the marinade and tenderize the chicken.
• Mandarin oranges: Their sweet and slightly tart flavor complements the spicy and savory elements of the marinade.

Slider Topping:

• Butter melted: Adds a rich, creamy flavor and helps to toast the buns.
• Dijon mustard: Its tangy and slightly spicy flavor complements the jerk chicken.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds a complex, savory flavor with a hint of sweetness.
• Onion powder: adds an additional layer of onion flavor to the topping.

Step by Step Instructions 

Step 1: Prepare the Jerk Marinade

In a small bowl, combine all of the ingredients for the jerk marinade. This typically includes spices like thyme, allspice, Scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, and more. Mix until these ingredients are well combined, creating a flavorful marinade.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish. Pour the prepared jerk marinade over the chicken. Ensure that the chicken is thoroughly coated with the marinade.

Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, although marinating overnight is ideal. This allows the chicken to soak up the rich jerk flavors.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Heat your grill to medium heat. Once heated, grill the marinated chicken breasts for about 8 minutes per side, or until they are fully cooked through. This grilling process imparts a smoky, charred flavor to the chicken.

Remove the grilled chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains tender.

Step 4: Prepare the Slider Topping

While the chicken is grilling, in a separate small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the slider topping. These ingredients often include mayonnaise, mustard, and various spices. Mix until everything is well combined, creating a zesty topping.

Step 5: Toast the Slider Buns

To assemble the sliders, spread melted butter on both sides of the slider buns. This adds a delightful buttery crispness to the buns.

Place the buttered buns on a preheated grill. Toast them for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until they turn lightly golden brown. Toasting enhances the texture and flavor of the buns.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Spread some Dijon mustard on each toasted bun. This adds a tangy kick to the sliders.

Layer a few slices of Muenster cheese on the buns, followed by the grilled jerk chicken strips or cubes.

Drizzle the prepared slider topping over the chicken, adding a burst of flavor and creaminess.

Assemble the sliders by placing the top bun over the chicken and toppings.

Serve your jerk chicken sliders immediately, allowing everyone to savor the incredible blend of smoky, spicy, and zesty flavors.

Notes 

• If you don’t have Scotch bonnet peppers, you can substitute them with habanero peppers or jalapenos.
• Be careful when handling the peppers; they are very spicy and may irritate your skin. Wear gloves if desired.
• You can serve the sliders with a variety of condiments like coleslaw, pickles, or a zesty aioli.

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!

FAQs

Wrapping Up

Jerk Chicken Sliders are a great way to make your next party something special. With the flavorful jerk marinade, creamy Muenster cheese, and sweet Hawaiian buns, these sliders will be sure to please. Whether you’re a fan of mild or spicy flavors, there are plenty of variations to suit everyone’s taste. Serve the sliders up with your favorite condiments and sides like coleslaw or pickles for a satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Also, don’t forget to share your version of Jerk Chicken Sliders in the comment section below. 

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