Chicken Shawarma Sliders have quickly become a beloved dish in our household, and I can’t wait to share my experience with these delightful mini chicken sandwiches. The moment I presented them at the dinner table, my family’s eyes lit up with excitement. The combination of juicy, marinated chicken, nestled in soft slider buns, and topped with a creamy garlic sauce, was simply irresistible. The sliders were gone in minutes, each bite delivering a burst of Middle Eastern flavors that left everyone craving more. These sliders are not just a meal; they are an experience, a celebration of taste that brings everyone together. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a casual family dinner, these Chicken Shawarma Sliders will surely be a hit.
Ingredients
To make these mouthwatering Chicken Shawarma Sliders, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 slider buns
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sliced cucumbers and tomatoes for garnish
Instructions
Start by preparing the marinade for the chicken. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the spices are thoroughly combined. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring each piece is well-coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor absorption.
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill each thigh for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and nicely charred. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into small pieces.
While the chicken is resting, prepare the creamy garlic sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, tahini, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the consistency with a little water if necessary to make it smooth and spreadable.
Now it’s time to assemble the sliders. Slice the slider buns in half and lightly toast them if desired. Spread a generous layer of the creamy garlic sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Top with a few slices of the grilled chicken, and add sliced cucumbers and tomatoes for a refreshing crunch. Finish with a bit more sauce and cap with the top half of the bun.
Nutrition Facts
Each serving of these Chicken Shawarma Sliders offers a satisfying balance of nutrients. The recipe makes approximately 12 sliders, serving about 6 people if each person enjoys two sliders. Each slider is estimated to have around 250 calories. This calculation includes the slider buns and the garlic sauce, but keep in mind that additional toppings may alter the nutritional content.
Preparation Time
Planning and preparation are key to maximizing the flavors of these sliders. The initial preparation of the marinade takes about 15 minutes, allowing you to focus on mixing the spices and coating the chicken thoroughly. Marinating time is flexible, but for optimal results, I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight. Grilling the chicken takes approximately 12-15 minutes. Assembling the sliders is quick, requiring just 10 minutes to spread the sauce, layer the chicken, and add toppings. In total, from start to finish, you can expect to spend around 3 hours, with much of that time allowing the marinade to work its magic.
How to Serve
These Chicken Shawarma Sliders are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
- As a main dish: Pair the sliders with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- At a party: Serve the sliders on a platter with a side of assorted pickles and olives for easy, crowd-pleasing finger food.
- For a picnic: Wrap the assembled sliders in parchment paper for a portable and delicious outdoor feast.
- As a lunch option: Pack them in lunch boxes for a tasty and satisfying midday meal.
- Alongside appetizers: Include the sliders as part of a larger spread with hummus, pita chips, and vegetable sticks.
Additional Tips
To ensure your Chicken Shawarma Sliders are as delicious as possible, consider these additional tips:
- Tip 1: For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade if you prefer a spicier kick.
- Tip 2: If grilling isn’t an option, you can bake the marinated chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes.
- Tip 3: Use high-quality Greek yogurt for the sauce to achieve a richer and creamier texture.
- Tip 4: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made pita or naan bread instead of slider buns for a quicker assembly.
- Tip 5: Don’t skip the resting period after grilling the chicken; it allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.
FAQ Section
Here are some frequently asked questions about Chicken Shawarma Sliders:
- Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. However, keep in mind that chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, which is ideal for this recipe. - Q: Can I prepare the sliders ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can grill the chicken and prepare the sauce in advance. Assemble the sliders just before serving to keep them fresh and prevent the buns from becoming soggy. - Q: Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use marinated and grilled portobello mushrooms or chickpea patties as a vegetarian alternative. - Q: What can I use instead of tahini in the sauce?
A: If you don’t have tahini, you can substitute it with almond butter or leave it out entirely; the sauce will still be delicious without it. - Q: How do I store leftover sliders?
A: Store any leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the chicken and buns separately, then assemble the sliders when ready to eat.