Savory Chicken & Pine Nut Sliders
Elevate your lunch game with these delicious Savory Chicken & Pine Nut Sliders! Perfectly sized to fit into bento boxes, these mini burgers bring together the juicy flavor of ground chicken thighs with the crunchy richness of toasted pine nuts. Inspired by a beloved Italian sausage, this recipe provides a unique twist that will keep your taste buds dancing. Enhanced with fresh garlic and optional vinaigrette for a kick, these sliders make for a delightful, handheld meal. Whether for a picnic, party, or a simple lunch, you're sure to impress with these bite-sized treats!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Chicken Thighs
1 lb (Fresh ground)
Italian Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon (Dry seasoning)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Ground Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Freshly ground)
Toasted Pine Nuts
1/4-1/2 cup (Toasted)
Garlic
1 clove (Grated or minced)
Plain Breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (Dry)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (For cooking)
Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
1-2 tablespoons (optional) (For flavor enhancement)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground chicken thighs, 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/4 to 1/2 cup of toasted pine nuts, 1 grated or minced garlic clove, and 1/4 cup of plain breadcrumbs. Mix thoroughly until evenly distributed; feel free to add 1-2 tablespoons of vinaigrette for additional zest.
2
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion out the meat mixture and carefully place it in the skillet. Press them lightly with a fork to flatten into patties.
4
Cook the sliders until the first side is well browned and the meat is halfway cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
5
Flip the patties with a spatula and continue cooking until the second side is golden brown and the sliders are fully cooked, around another 3-4 minutes.
6
Transfer the cooked sliders to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
7
Serve the sliders warm and enjoy them as they are, or in a mini bun with your favorite toppings!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Chicken & Pine Nut Sliders?
These are mini chicken burgers made with ground chicken thighs and toasted pine nuts, inspired by Italian sausage flavors.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of ground chicken thighs for a juicy and flavorful result.
How many pine nuts should I include?
You can add between 1/4 to 1/2 cup of toasted pine nuts depending on your preference for crunch.
Do the pine nuts need to be toasted?
Yes, using toasted pine nuts provides a richer flavor and better texture to the sliders.
What seasonings are used in these sliders?
The sliders are seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon each of Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires 1 clove of garlic, which should be grated or minced.
What is the purpose of the breadcrumbs?
1/4 cup of plain breadcrumbs is used to help bind the meat mixture together.
Can I add extra flavor to the meat mixture?
Yes, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of vinaigrette salad dressing for additional zest.
What type of oil is recommended for cooking?
The recipe suggests using 2 tablespoons of olive oil for frying the patties.
How do I portion the slider patties?
You can use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop to ensure consistent sizing.
How should I shape the sliders?
After placing the meat in the skillet, press them lightly with a fork to flatten them into patties.
How long do the sliders cook on the first side?
Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until the first side is well browned.
How do I know when the sliders are fully cooked?
They should be cooked for another 3-4 minutes after flipping until both sides are golden brown and the meat is cooked through.
Should I drain the sliders after cooking?
Yes, transfer the cooked sliders to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
How should these sliders be served?
Serve them warm, either on their own or inside a mini bun with your favorite toppings.
Are these sliders good for lunch boxes?
Yes, their mini size makes them a perfect fit for bento boxes and easy on-the-go meals.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
While ground thighs are recommended for juiciness, ground chicken breast can be used as a leaner alternative.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
The flavor profile is inspired by a beloved Italian sausage variety.
Can I make these for a party?
Absolutely, these bite-sized sliders are excellent for parties, picnics, or gatherings.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients total, including the optional vinaigrette.
Is the vinaigrette mandatory?
No, the vinaigrette is an optional ingredient used for flavor enhancement.
What heat level should I use for the skillet?
Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it is shimmering.
Are these sliders spicy?
No, they are savory, but you can add spice by choosing a zesty vinaigrette or adding red pepper flakes.
Can I make the mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the ingredients ahead of time and store the mixture in the fridge until ready to cook.
What tags describe this recipe?
Common tags include chicken, mini burgers, sliders, bento box, and Italian-inspired.
What type of breadcrumbs should I use?
Plain, dry breadcrumbs are recommended for this recipe.
Do I need special equipment to make these?
No special equipment is needed other than a mixing bowl, a skillet, and a spatula.
How many sliders does one pound of chicken make?
The number varies by size, but using a tablespoon portioning typically yields a generous batch of mini sliders.
Can I use frozen ground chicken?
Yes, provided the meat is completely thawed before mixing and cooking.
What is the best way to reheat these?
Reheat them in a skillet or oven for a few minutes to maintain the texture of the pine nuts.