Honey Mustard Chicken Lettuce Tomato Sliders With Cream Cheese Swirl

Craving a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful meal? Look no further than these Honey Mustard Chicken Lettuce Tomato Sliders with a Cream Cheese Swirl! These aren’t your average sliders – we’re talking juicy, tender chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze, nestled in soft slider buns with crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and a luscious cream cheese swirl. They’re perfect for game day, a casual weeknight dinner, or a fun party appetizer. This recipe balances sweet, savory, and creamy textures for a truly unforgettable bite. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to create these delightful mini-meals!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 500g (1 lb) Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: We’re using chicken breasts as the star of our sliders. Ensure they are boneless and skinless for easy slicing and cooking. Choosing high-quality chicken will result in a more tender and flavorful slider.
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for both marinating and toasting the slider buns. Opt for extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor, but any good quality olive oil will work.
• 2 tbsp (30 g) Honey: Honey provides the sweetness in our honey mustard glaze and adds a lovely stickiness to the chicken. A mild-flavored honey like clover or wildflower is ideal.
• 2 tbsp (30 g) Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard brings a tangy and slightly spicy kick to the glaze. It’s a classic pairing with honey and adds depth of flavor.
• 1 tsp (5 g) Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor that complements the chicken beautifully. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika can be used, but the smoky flavor will be missed.
• 1 Clove Garlic: Minced garlic adds a pungent aroma and savory flavor to the marinade. Freshly minced garlic is always best!
• 1 tsp (5 ml) Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the glaze and balances the sweetness. Freshly squeezed is recommended for the best flavor.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors. Adjust to your taste preference.
• 8 Mini Slider Buns (about 120 g / 4 oz total): Soft slider buns are the perfect vessel for our flavorful chicken. Brioche or potato slider buns work particularly well.
• 4 Large Lettuce Leaves: Crisp lettuce leaves add a refreshing crunch and a touch of freshness to the sliders. Butter lettuce or romaine lettuce are good choices.
• 2 Ripe Tomatoes: Sliced tomatoes provide a juicy and slightly acidic element that complements the sweetness of the glaze. Choose ripe, firm tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
• 100 g (3½ oz) Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is the base for our creamy swirl. Make sure it’s fully softened to ensure a smooth and easy-to-pipe consistency.
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) Fresh Chives (optional garnish): Finely chopped chives add a pop of color and a mild oniony flavor. They’re a beautiful and flavorful garnish.

Substitutions & Variations

Feel free to customize these sliders to your liking! Here are a few ideas:

• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer a richer flavor, you can substitute chicken thighs for the chicken breasts.
• Different Mustard: Whole grain mustard or spicy brown mustard can be used in place of Dijon for a different flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the honey mustard glaze for a spicy kick.

Let’s Build These Honey Mustard Chicken Sliders: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Honey Mustard Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to balance the flavors. Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth. This glaze is the heart of the slider’s flavor profile, so ensure it’s thoroughly mixed.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the thinly sliced chicken breasts in a shallow dish. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the prepared honey-mustard glaze. Toss the chicken to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes. Marinating allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, resulting in a more tender and flavorful slider.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat (around 200°C / 400°F). Once hot, carefully place the marinated chicken in the pan. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 74°C / 165°F. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into slider-sized pieces. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl: While the chicken is resting, combine the softened cream cheese with the remaining 1 tablespoon of honey-mustard glaze in a bowl. Mix well until the cream cheese is smooth and fully incorporated with the glaze. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, or use a zip-top bag and snip off a tiny corner. This will allow for easy and decorative swirling.
5. Toast the Slider Buns: Slice the mini slider buns horizontally. Lightly brush the cut sides with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Place the buns, cut-side down, in the same pan used for the chicken and toast for about 1 minute, or until golden brown and slightly crispy. Toasting the buns adds texture and prevents them from becoming soggy.
6. Assemble the Sliders: Now for the fun part! Spread a thin line of the honey-mustard cream cheese on the bottom half of each slider bun. Layer a fresh lettuce leaf on top of the cream cheese, followed by a slice of ripe tomato, and a piece of the sliced cooked chicken. Pipe a small, decorative swirl of the honey-mustard cream cheese onto the top half of each bun. Close the sliders.
7. Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle the chopped chives over the top buns for a fresh, vibrant garnish. Arrange the assembled sliders on a serving board or plate. Drizzle a thin ribbon of the leftover honey-mustard glaze across the board for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal. Add a few extra lettuce leaves on the side for color contrast. Serve the sliders warm and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Cream Cheese Swirl

The cream cheese swirl isn’t just for looks; it adds a delightful tang and creaminess that complements the honey mustard chicken beautifully. Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps. If you don’t have a piping bag, a zip-top bag works perfectly – just snip a very small corner off. Practice piping a few swirls on a plate before decorating the sliders to get the hang of it. A delicate swirl adds a professional touch.

Why Lettuce Wraps Work So Well

Using lettuce leaves as a base instead of the top bun offers a lighter, fresher bite. The crispness of the lettuce contrasts nicely with the soft bun and tender chicken. It also adds a healthy element to the sliders, making them a more balanced meal. Feel free to experiment with different types of lettuce – butter lettuce or romaine would also be delicious.

The Science Behind Honey Mustard’s Appeal

The combination of honey and mustard is a classic for a reason. Honey provides sweetness, which balances the sharp tang of mustard. This sweet-savory combination is incredibly appealing to our taste buds. The addition of smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth that elevates the flavor profile even further.

Making Ahead & Storage

These sliders are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep components ahead of time. The chicken can be marinated and cooked up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The cream cheese swirl can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Assemble the sliders just before serving to prevent the buns from getting soggy. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but the buns may lose some of their texture.

Variations to Spice Things Up

Want to add a little heat? Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper into the honey-mustard glaze. For a different flavor profile, try using a spicy brown mustard instead of Dijon. You could also add a slice of crispy bacon to each slider for extra indulgence. Consider adding a thin slice of red onion for a bit of bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work well, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 74°C / 165°F.

Can I make these sliders gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free slider buns.

How can I adjust the sweetness?

Adjust the amount of honey in the glaze to your liking. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more if you prefer a sweeter flavor.

These Honey Mustard Chicken Lettuce Tomato Sliders with Cream Cheese Swirl are the perfect bite-sized treat for parties, picnics, or a quick and easy weeknight meal. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible! Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later!

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