When it comes to the world of BBQ and grilling, there are countless mouth - watering options that can tantalize our taste buds. Among them, burger sliders have always held a special place in the hearts of food lovers. However, today we are going to explore a dish that takes the concept of sliders to a whole new level of deliciousness - the chicken parm sliders.
Chicken parm sliders are a delightful fusion of Italian and American cuisines. The classic Italian chicken parmigiana, with its tender chicken cutlets, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese, is transformed into a bite - sized slider that is perfect for sharing at a barbecue or enjoying on your own.
Let's start with the star of the show - the grilled chicken. Selecting the right chicken is crucial. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the ideal choice as they cook evenly and are relatively low in fat. Before hitting the grill, the chicken needs to be properly prepared. First, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures that they cook uniformly and prevents some parts from being overcooked while others remain undercooked. A meat mallet or a rolling pin can be used for this task.
Next, it's time to season the chicken. A simple mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of Italian seasoning can work wonders. You can also marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for a few hours to infuse it with more flavor. The marinating process not only adds taste but also helps to keep the chicken moist during grilling.
When it comes to grilling the chicken, pre - heat your grill to medium - high heat. Brush the grill grates with a little oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. Place the seasoned chicken on the grill and cook for about 4 - 5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken. You'll know the chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and has nice grill marks on both sides.
Now, let's move on to the tomato sauce. A good tomato sauce is the soul of chicken parm sliders. You can use a store - bought marinara sauce and add your own touch by sautéing some onions, garlic, and fresh basil in a pan before adding the sauce. Simmer the sauce for a while to let the flavors meld together. The sauce should have a rich, savory taste that complements the grilled chicken perfectly.
Cheese is another essential component of chicken parm sliders. Mozzarella is the traditional choice, as its stretchy, melty texture is iconic in chicken parmigiana. You can either slice the mozzarella and place it on top of the grilled chicken or shred it for a more even distribution of cheese. After placing the cheese on the chicken, you can either broil the chicken in the oven for a minute or two until the cheese is melted and bubbly, or simply let it melt on the warm chicken as you assemble the sliders.
For the buns, choose small slider buns that are soft and can hold all the delicious fillings. You can toast the buns on the grill for a few seconds to give them a nice, crispy exterior.
To assemble the sliders, start by spreading a little tomato sauce on the bottom half of the toasted bun. Place a grilled chicken cutlet on top of the sauce, followed by more sauce and a generous amount of melted cheese. Add a few fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. Then, top it off with the other half of the bun.
Chicken parm sliders are not only incredibly delicious but also versatile. You can serve them as an appetizer at a barbecue party, or as a main course for a casual dinner. They are also great for meal prepping, as you can make a batch in advance and store them in the fridge for a quick and easy meal later.
In conclusion, if you're looking to add a new and exciting dish to your grilling repertoire, chicken parm sliders are a must - try. They combine the best elements of grilled chicken, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese in a convenient and delicious slider form. So fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy these mouth - watering chicken parm sliders that are sure to become a favorite among your family and friends.
