Healthy Baked Chicken Sliders
Easy Healthy Baked Chicken Sliders
Healthy Baked Chicken Sliders pack big flavor into small, family-friendly bites. This recipe uses lean ground chicken, whole wheat buns, and a tangy Greek yogurt sauce to keep the sliders light and satisfying. They bake in the oven for a simple, hands-off cook that works for weeknight dinners, kids’ lunches, or party platters.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Baked Chicken Sliders
These sliders are fast to make, lower in fat than fried versions, and full of fresh herbs and spices. They balance protein with whole grains and veggies so each mini sandwich feels like a complete, healthy meal. You can bake a tray of patties at once and assemble them to order, keeping toppings fresh and crisp.
How to Make Healthy Baked Chicken Sliders
Ingredients:
- 1.1 lb ground chicken breast
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup low-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 whole wheat slider buns
- 1 small tomato, sliced
- 1 small cucumber, sliced
- 2 oz baby spinach or lettuce leaves
- 8 thin slices red onion
Ingredient notes: You can swap parsley for basil or cilantro for a different herb profile. If you prefer a firmer patty, use an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs. For a dairy-free sauce, use unsweetened plain soy or oat yogurt and omit the lemon if you want a milder taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Set oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine ground chicken, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, mustard, parsley, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix until just combined.
- Divide mixture into 8 equal portions and form into small patties.
- Place patties on the baking sheet and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked internally to 165°F.
- Whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dill or parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Optionally toast slider buns lightly before assembly.
- Spread yogurt sauce on bottom half of buns, add a patty, then top with tomato, cucumber, spinach or lettuce, and red onion. Add more sauce if desired and cover with top bun.
- Serve sliders immediately while warm.
How to Serve Healthy Baked Chicken Sliders
Serve these sliders warm with a side of roasted sweet potato wedges or a crisp green salad. They also work well on a picnic plate with raw veggie sticks and a fruit cup. For sharing, place assembled sliders on a platter and pass bowls of extra yogurt sauce and pickles so guests can customize their bites.
How to Store Healthy Baked Chicken Sliders
Store cooled patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep buns and sliced vegetables separate to avoid sogginess. Reheat patties in a 350°F oven for 6–8 minutes or microwave on medium power for 45–60 seconds. If you freeze patties, place them on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Healthy Baked Chicken Sliders Perfect
- Measure the internal temperature to 165°F to ensure food safety.
- Don’t overmix the meat—stir just until ingredients come together to keep patties tender.
- Form patties slightly larger than the buns because they shrink as they cook.
- If patties feel too loose, chill them for 10–15 minutes before baking to help them hold shape.
- For extra browning, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning.
Flavor Variations
- Mediterranean: Add 1 tbsp chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1 tsp dried oregano to the patty mix. Top with cucumber slices and a dollop of tzatziki.
- Tex-Mex: Mix 1 tsp chili powder and 1 tbsp chopped cilantro into the patties. Top with avocado slices and a squeeze of lime.
- Herb & Lemon: Use lemon zest and a mix of fresh parsley, chives, and dill in the patties. Pair with the yogurt sauce plus extra lemon.
- Cheesy Twist: Add 2 tbsp grated low-fat cheddar to the patty mix or melt a thin slice on each patty in the last two minutes of baking.
- Veggie Boost: Fold in ¼ cup finely grated carrot or zucchini (squeeze excess moisture) to add more produce and color.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use lean ground chicken breast for a light texture and better browning.
- Keep your hands moist when shaping patties to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the yogurt sauce ahead of time; it gets tangier as it sits and can deepen in flavor.
- If feeding kids, cut sliders into halves or quarters to make them easier to handle.
- Use whole wheat slider buns or mini brioche for a slightly richer flavor while keeping the meal balanced.
FAQs About Healthy Baked Chicken Sliders
Q: Can I make these sliders without eggs?
A: Yes. You can replace the egg with 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons of water (let sit 5 minutes to thicken) or use a commercial egg replacer. The binding will be slightly different, so chill the patties before baking to help them hold their shape. Cooking time stays about the same, but check the internal temperature to confirm doneness.
Q: How can I make these sliders low-carb or gluten-free?
A: Swap whole wheat breadcrumbs for almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs, and use gluten-free slider buns or lettuce wraps to lower carbs. Almond flour can make the patties a bit denser, so use just enough to bind. Always check baking times and internal temperature, as texture may change slightly with different binders.
Q: Can I cook these on the grill instead of baking?
A: Yes. Preheat the grill to medium heat and oil the grates. Grill patties for about 4–5 minutes per side or until they reach 165°F internally. Use a meat spatula to flip gently to prevent sticking. Grilling adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with smoked paprika and fresh herbs.
Q: Are these sliders kid-friendly?
A: Absolutely. The mild flavors and small size make these sliders great for kids. Omit strong herbs if your family prefers simpler tastes and slice toppings thinly. You can also serve a deconstructed version with patties and toppings separated for picky eaters.
Q: How do I keep sliders from getting soggy when serving later?
A: Keep sauce and wet vegetables separate until ready to serve. Place patties and buns on a platter and let guests assemble their own sandwiches. If you must assemble in advance, toast the buns and spread a thin barrier of mayonnaise or a light smear of butter on the bun to slow moisture transfer.
Final Thoughts
Healthy Baked Chicken Sliders make weeknights easier without sacrificing flavor. They combine lean protein, whole grains, and fresh veggies for a balanced, handheld meal. You can scale the recipe up for crowds, swap herbs to match your pantry, and adjust toppings to keep the sandwiches interesting. Follow the simple steps and small tips to get tender patties and bright, creamy sauce every time.
Healthy Baked Chicken Sliders
Ingredients
For the Sliders
- 1.1 lb ground chicken breast
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 8 whole whole wheat slider buns
- 1 small tomato, sliced
- 1 small cucumber, sliced
- 2 oz baby spinach or lettuce leaves
- 8 slices red onion, thin
For the Sauce
- ½ cup low-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
Preparation
- Set oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine ground chicken, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, mustard, parsley, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix until just combined.
- Divide mixture into 8 equal portions and form into small patties.
Baking
- Place patties on the baking sheet and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked internally to 165°F.
Sauce Preparation
- Whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dill or parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Assembly
- Optionally toast slider buns lightly before assembly.
- Spread yogurt sauce on bottom half of buns, add a patty, then top with tomato, cucumber, spinach or lettuce, and red onion.
- Add more sauce if desired and cover with top bun.
- Serve sliders immediately while warm.
