Inspired by the sweet and spicy flavors experienced during our memorable trips to Florida, where Caribbean cuisine left a lasting impression, we’ve brought this tropical flair into our kitchen to share with you.
This recipe captures the essence of Caribbean cooking, combining the tanginess of lime, the sweetness of orange marmalade, and a robust blend of spices that perfectly complements the tender, slow-cooked chicken. It’s an ideal dish for gatherings or a fun family dinner, offering a mini burger format that’s as enjoyable to eat as it is to prepare.
Whether you’re a fan of Caribbean food or just looking to try something new, these mini burgers promise to deliver a burst of flavor in every bite. Follow this simple recipe to bring a piece of the Caribbean into your home and watch these burgers become a new favorite!
Chef’s Notes
- Mixing the ingredients thoroughly ensures that the chicken absorbs all the flavors while cooking.
- Pair these sliders with sweet potato fries or a light coleslaw for a complete meal. For an extra tropical touch, consider adding pineapple slices to each slider.
- Game Day: These Tropical Pulled Chicken Sliders are perfect for game day gatherings, offering a flavorful twist to traditional game day snacks.
- Weekend Brunches: Serve these sliders at weekend brunches for a fun and easy-to-eat option that will impress your guests.
Additional Notes
- This dish brings the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean to your table, offering a delightful culinary journey.
- The Tropical Pulled Chicken Sliders feature tender chicken infused with a sweet and spicy sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
- To enhance this dish, you can add pineapple slices for an extra tropical twist or serve it with sweet potato fries or coleslaw.
- These sliders are great for gatherings, game days, or casual family dinners. Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, either reheated or as a cold snack.
Caribbean Pulled Chicken Mini Burgers
4
sliders15
minutes4
hours350
kcal4
hours15
minutesDive into the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with these easy-to-make Caribbean Pulled Chicken Mini Burgers! Perfect for any gathering, these sliders feature tender chicken infused with a sweet and spicy sauce, all nestled in soft mini buns. Whether you're hosting a party or looking for a fun family dinner, these sliders are sure to impress!
Ingredients
- Proteins
1.5 pounds boneless chicken breasts
- Vegetables
1 large onion finely minced
1 lime juiced
2 cloves garlic finely chopped
1 tablespoon ginger minced
2-4 chilies finely ground
- Condiments and Spices
2 tablespoons orange marmalade
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon allspice
2 tablespoons fresh thyme chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin powder
2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Alternative Ingredients
Orange marmalade: substitute with equal amount of orange juice or apricot jam.
Soy sauce: use tamari for a gluten-free option.
Olive oil: can be replaced with any other vegetable oil.
Directions
- Mixing Ingredients – Combine chicken breasts, minced onion, lime juice, chopped garlic and ginger, ground chilies, orange marmalade, soy sauce, allspice, thyme, olive oil, paprika, cumin powder, and brown sugar in a slow cooker. Stir well to ensure even coating of the spices on the chicken. (Prep time: 15 minutes)
- Cooking Process – Set the slow cooker on high and cook the mixture for 3 hours. After this period, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Continue cooking on low for an additional hour to let flavors meld. (Cook time: 4 hours)
- Serving Suggestions – Serve the pulled chicken on mini burger buns accompanied by fresh lettuce and tomato slices for a complete slider experience.
Equipment
- slow cooker
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 350kcal
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Potassium: 300mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
- Vitamin A: 500IU
- Vitamin C: 20mg
- Calcium: 50mg
- Iron: 2mg
FAQ – Caribbean Pulled Chicken Mini Burgers
Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs might even be more flavorful and tender due to their higher fat content. Just adjust the cooking time if needed, as thighs can be more forgiving with longer cooking.
What can I use if I don’t have orange marmalade?
If you don’t have orange marmalade, you can substitute it with equal parts of orange juice concentrate or a mix of orange juice and a little honey or sugar for added sweetness.
Is there a way to make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can use an Instant Pot. Use the sauté function to briefly cook the marinade, add the chicken, then switch to the manual pressure cook setting for about 25 minutes followed by a natural release. Shred the chicken and use the sauté function again if you need to reduce the sauce.
How can I make this recipe spicier or milder?
Adjust the amount of ground chilies according to your preference. Start with less if you prefer it milder, or add more if you like it spicy. You can also add a splash of hot sauce to the marinade for extra heat.
What are some good side dishes to serve with these mini burgers?
These mini burgers pair well with sides like coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a fresh salad. For a Caribbean flair, consider serving with fried plantains or a pineapple salsa.
Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh lime juice?
Fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, but if it’s not available, bottled lime juice can work in a pinch. Just be aware that the flavor might not be as vibrant.
