How to Make Quick Chicken Sliders for Any Occasion

Chicken sliders are one of those recipes that always disappear first. Juicy mini chicken patties are nestled in soft slider buns along with melted cheese, crisp lettuce, ripe tomato and your choice of sauces. They are bite-sized, easy to eat and endlessly customizable, which makes them perfect for game nights, family gatherings or even weeknight dinners when you want something fun and satisfying. The best part is that they come together in under 40 minutes, so you can have a crowd-pleasing meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.

This recipe uses chicken mince mixed with breadcrumbs, egg and simple seasonings to create tender, flavourful patties that stay moist and juicy even after cooking. The patties are pan-fried until golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside, then topped with cheese and assembled on soft slider buns with fresh vegetables and your favourite sauces. You can serve them individually or bake them all together in one pan for an even easier approach. Either way, you get mini burgers that taste homemade, look impressive and satisfy everyone at the table. That is exactly what a great slider should be.

Mini chicken sliders with juicy chicken patties, melted cheese, lettuce and tomato on soft buns arranged on a wooden board

Chicken Sliders Recipe

Serves: 4 (makes 12 sliders) 
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

For the Chicken Patties

  • 500g Chicken Mince
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)

For assembling

  • 12 slider buns (soft mini burger buns or Hawaiian rolls)
  • 12 slices cheese (cheddar, mozzarella or your choice)
  • Iceberg lettuce or mixed greens
  • 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • Sliced pickles (optional)

For sauces

  • Mayonnaise
  • Tomato ketchup
  • Mustard (yellow or Dijon)

Steps

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken mince, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper and salt. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined. Do not overmix as this can make the patties tough.
  2. Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten it gently between your palms to form a small patty about 6 to 7 cm in diameter and about 1 cm thick. The patties should be slightly smaller than the slider buns as they will expand slightly when cooked. Place the formed patties on a plate and set aside.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 6 patties to the pan, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on the first side without moving them, until the underside is golden brown and slightly crispy.
  4. Carefully flip the patties using a spatula. Cook for another 4 to 5 minutes on the second side until the patties are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 75 degrees Celsius or 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The patties should be golden brown on both sides and firm to the touch.
  5. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on top of each patty. Cover the pan with a lid for 30 seconds to 1 minute to allow the cheese to melt. Remove the patties from the pan and set aside on a plate. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining 6 patties and the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil.
  6. While the patties cook, prepare the slider buns. Slice each bun in half horizontally if they are not already pre-sliced. You can lightly toast the buns in a dry pan or under the grill for 1 to 2 minutes if you prefer a slightly crispy texture, but this step is optional.
  7. To assemble the sliders, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise, ketchup or mustard on the bottom half of each bun. Place a piece of lettuce on top of the sauce, followed by a slice of tomato. Place one chicken patty with melted cheese on top of the tomato. Add sliced red onion and pickles if using. Spread a little more sauce on the top half of the bun if desired, then place it on top of the patty to close the slider. Repeat with the remaining buns and patties.
  8. Arrange the assembled sliders on a serving platter. If you like, you can secure each slider with a toothpick or small skewer to hold everything together. Serve immediately while the patties are warm and the cheese is melted.

Tips for Best Results:

  • Do not overmix the chicken mixture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can make the patties dense and tough.
  • Make the patties slightly smaller than the buns as they will expand a little during cooking. If they are too large, they will overflow the buns.
  • Do not press down on the patties while they cook. This squeezes out the juices and makes them dry. Let them cook undisturbed for the best results.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check if the patties are cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 75 degrees Celsius or 165 degrees Fahrenheit for food safety.
  • You can prepare the chicken mixture and form the patties up to 4 hours in advance. Cover them and refrigerate until ready to cook. Bring them to room temperature for 10 minutes before frying.
  • These sliders are endlessly customizable. Try different cheeses like pepper jack, Swiss or provolone. Add toppings like crispy bacon, caramelized onions, avocado or jalapeños. Swap the sauces for barbecue sauce, sriracha mayo or garlic aioli.
  • To make assembly faster for large gatherings, you can bake all the sliders together in one pan. Arrange the bottom buns in a greased baking dish, add the toppings and patties, cover with the top buns, brush with melted butter and bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melted.
  • These sliders are best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

Chicken sliders are one of those recipes that always bring people together. They are fun to eat, easy to make and endlessly customizable, and once you have made them at home with fresh chicken mince and your favourite toppings, they become a regular on your menu. That is exactly what a great slider should be.

Visit shop.zorabian.com to order Zorabian Chicken Mince and try this recipe today.

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