Chicken Sliders

These chicken sliders are a perfect Sunday afternoon lunch before heading to the pool! My son loves a handheld behemoth sandwich that is stuffed with ooey-gooey mozzarella cheese, smoky bacon, slow-braised chicken, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy thousand island dressing. This 'hulk' is here to smash the sandwich mold and keep the classic Rueben on its tippy toes. If you weren't hungry before you discovered this gem in the sandwich crown, you certainly must be by now!

Additionally, this recipe is great for parties or family gatherings. First, it can be assembled ahead of time. Second, it heats up in minutes. Third, and certainly not last, it is a surefire way to deliver that "wow" factor to your guests.

If you are looking for a quick, easy, and equally delicious side dish for this heart-warming sandwich, then try my Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Potatoes recipe!

Ingredients

Chicken Reuben Sandwich Filling:

• chicken thighs, boneless/skinless
• sea salt
• black pepper
• 14 spice seasoning blend
• olive oil
• chicken broth

Sandwich Ingredients:

• bread 
• shredded mozzarella
• sauerkraut with caraway seeds
• 1000 island dressing
• olive oil
• bacon
• garlic pickle chips
• sliced mozzarella cheese

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

For the sliders filling:

• To make chicken sliders, start by place all of the filling ingredients in a 3 - 4-quart saucepan, then bring them to a boil over medium-high heat.
• After that, mixture begins to boil, subsequently reduce heat to medium-low, and then simultaneously cover the saucepan. Cook until chicken is tender, this generally takes about 1 hour.
• Next, remove cooked chicken from saucepan, then place it in a medium sized bowl, shred with a fork, and set aside.
• Once the chicken has been shredded, prepare a 13x9 baking dish by lining the bottom of the dish with parchment paper.

To assemble the sliders:

• Next, layer your ingredients in the prepared baking dish to assemble the sandwiches. Then, add the ingredients in this order: Bread, dressing, shredded mozzarella, shredded chicken, sauerkraut, dressing, sliced mozzarella cheese, bacon, garlic pickle chips, dressing, and lastly, top with bread.
• After the sandwiches are assembled in the baking dish, melt 2 tablespoon butter in a microwave safe bowl, add ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning. Then, brush the seasoned butter on top layer of bread.
• Bake on 350°F, cover baking dish in foil for approximately 12 minutes.
• Lastly, remove foil and bake sandwiches additionally for 5-10mins.

Going the Extra Mile

Slider Substitutions

Undeniably, there are several ways to customize a chicken sliders. This hearty sandwich to fit your "food mood". Try using thinly sliced roast beef, or skirt steak instead of the chicken. If you're looking for a lighter version of the chicken Reuben, omit the cheese, and swap out the pork bacon for a nitrate-free turkey bacon. Lastly, if you prefer your sandwiches "run through the garden", you can emphatically pile on your favorite veggies and toppings to your heart's content. Besides, who doesn't love to switch up their routine sometimes? Especially, in the sandwich department!

Equipment

No special equipment is required to make this recipe; however a sandwich press may be a great way to take this sandwich to an even higher level! A few minutes on a flat top grill is also a sneaky way to get the sandwich heated to perfection.

Chicken Storage

Leftovers should be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Generally, you will want to eat this sandwich right after it is cooked, or shortly thereafter.

Pro Tip:

If you do have leftover sandwiches, you can undoubtedly reheat them in a sandwich/panini press, for the best "later" sandwich, ever! Reheating in a conventional oven for a few minutes is also a great hack. However, I doubt there will be many leftovers.

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