Sunny's Grilled Chicken and Avocado Bacon Sliders
Try this Sunny's Grilled Chicken and Avocado Bacon Sliders recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Sunny's Grilled Chicken and Avocado Bacon Sliders recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- kosher salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 onions, thinly sliced
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 roma tomatoes seeded and chopped
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves
- 4 strips crisp-cooked bacon chopped
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (i like cholula here) optional
- 12 slider buns
- zest of 1 lime plus 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 3 avocados, flesh mashed
- 3 slices pepper jack cheese cut into quarters to make 12 squares
- Carbohydrate 0.08026 g
- Cholesterol 38.8116666666667 mg
- Fat 9.75837917244035 g
- Fiber 0.018375 g
- Protein 6.85065083333333 g
- Saturated Fat 3.18531522968426 g
- Serving Size 1 1 slider (45g)
- Sodium 430.683516666695 mg
- Sugar 0.061885 g
- Trans Fat 0.598505729258306 g
- Calories 116 calories
Step-by-step
- Gently press each thigh between 2 pieces of plastic wrap to flatten (do this with a rolling pin, it's less brutal than pounding). Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag with the oil, cumin and lime zest and juice. Seal the bag and squish everything around until everything is coated by everything. Rest on the counter for 1 hour.
- In a medium bowl, add the cilantro, bacon, avocado, tomatoes and hot sauce if using. Fold to combine gently so the tomatoes don't get mashed, then taste and season with a pinch of salt if needed. Cover by placing plastic wrap directly on the top of the spread and refrigerate until using.
- In a large pot on low heat (or in a pot over the indirect heat area of a grill), add the onions, olive oil, butter, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring every other minute or so, until the onions are tender and a deep golden brown, about 30 minutes.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the bag, shaking off excess marinade. Place the chicken over the direct heat of the grill (or on the grill pan). Once the chicken releases from the grill and can be flipped, flip it to the indirect heat side of the grill (or lower the heat on the grill pan) and grill until cooked through, just 3 to 4 minutes more. Remove the chicken to a cutting board and cover with aluminum foil for 10 minutes. Roughly chop the chicken.
- Build each burger in this order, starting at the bottom with: the bottom bun, slice of cheese, big scoop of chicken and caramelized onions and the top roll slathered with tons of avocado spread.
Sunny's Grilled Chicken and Avocado Bacon Sliders: A Culinary Adventure
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can feel like a monumental task. Between juggling work deadlines, school runs, and after-school activities, my evenings often feel like a whirlwind. However, I've learned that even amidst the chaos, creating flavorful meals doesn't have to be complicated. This recipe for Sunny's Grilled Chicken and Avocado Bacon Sliders is a testament to that. It's a dish that's both impressive and surprisingly easy to make, even on a weeknight.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility. The ingredients are readily available, and the preparation steps are straightforward. I love how the succulent grilled chicken, perfectly seasoned with cumin and lime, complements the creamy avocado spread and the sweet caramelized onions. The smoky bacon adds a delightful crunch, while the pepper jack cheese provides a satisfying sharpness that cuts through the richness of the other components. The slider buns are the perfect vessel for this flavour explosion, holding everything together beautifully.
What I appreciate most about this recipe, however, is its adaptability. I often modify it depending on what I have on hand and my family's preferences. Sometimes, I substitute the pepper jack cheese with cheddar or Monterey Jack. Other times, I add a sprinkle of chipotle powder to the chicken marinade for a touch of smoky heat. The avocado spread is also incredibly versatile. I've experimented with adding different herbs and spices, such as diced jalapeños for extra zest or a drizzle of sriracha mayonnaise for a creamy spicy kick. The possibilities are endless!
The process of making these sliders is incredibly therapeutic for me. The act of marinating the chicken, the satisfying sizzle of the chicken on the grill, and the careful layering of the ingredients all contribute to a sense of calm amidst the daily rush. It's a time for me to disconnect from the day's stresses and focus on creating something delicious for my family.
This dish is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It's a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. It's a testament to the power of good food to bring people together, to nourish not just the body but also the soul. It's the kind of meal that sparks conversation, laughter, and shared moments of happiness around the dinner table. And on a busy weeknight, that's something truly priceless.
Beyond the personal satisfaction, these sliders are also a perfect dish for entertaining. They're easy to prepare ahead of time, allowing you to focus on your guests instead of spending hours in the kitchen. Their small size makes them ideal for buffet-style gatherings, and their diverse flavors cater to a wide range of palates. They're the kind of dish that always receives compliments, leaving your guests impressed and wanting more.
In conclusion, Sunny's Grilled Chicken and Avocado Bacon Sliders are a culinary gem. They're a delightful blend of flavors and textures, a testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients are expertly combined. They are a delicious and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family, regardless of their age or culinary preferences. And for me, they are more than just a recipe; they are a reminder that even in the midst of a busy life, there's always time for delicious, homemade food.
Beyond the Recipe: A Culinary Journey
The beauty of cooking lies not only in the finished product but also in the journey itself. This recipe is a perfect example. From the initial preparation, where the chicken marinates, absorbing the zesty flavors of lime and cumin, to the satisfying sizzle of the chicken on the grill, each step offers a unique sensory experience.
The caramelized onions, slow-cooked until golden brown and tender, add a touch of elegance and sophistication. The avocado spread, with its creamy texture and fresh flavor, provides a delightful contrast to the savory chicken. And the bacon, crispy and salty, adds a satisfying crunch. Every element of this dish plays a vital role, contributing to its overall harmony and deliciousness.
This recipe isn’t just about following instructions; it’s about embracing the process, the creativity, and the joy of transforming simple ingredients into a memorable meal. It's about experimenting with flavors, adjusting seasonings to your preference, and adding your personal touch. It's a culinary adventure, and each time you make it, it's a new experience.
More than Just a Meal: A Connection to Others
Food is more than just sustenance; it's a powerful tool for connection. This recipe serves as a bridge, connecting me to my family, my friends, and even myself. The shared experience of preparing and enjoying this dish creates lasting memories and strengthens bonds. The act of cooking itself is meditative, allowing me to escape the daily grind and focus on the present moment.
Sharing this dish with loved ones is a way to express care and appreciation. It’s a way to nurture relationships and create lasting memories. The aroma of grilling chicken, the warmth of the caramelized onions, and the satisfying crunch of bacon all contribute to a feeling of comfort and togetherness. This recipe isn't just about food; it's about creating a sense of belonging and sharing joy with those we care about.
