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I still remember the first time I tried a dish with Hatch chiles. It was at a little food truck in Santa Fe, and honestly, my taste buds did a happy dance. The combination of heat and subtle sweetness was unlike anything I'd experienced. Since then, I've been obsessed with finding new ways to incorporate these magical peppers into my cooking. This Hatch Chili BBQ Chicken Sliders recipe is the culmination of my Hatch chile experiments, and I promise, it wont disappoint. Plus its easirer than you think to make!
What makes these sliders so special? Well, it all starts with the chicken. We're talking juicy, tender chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant Hatch chili BBQ sauce. Then, we pile it high on soft slider buns, top it with your favorite fixings, and bam – flavor explosion! Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, tailgating before a big game, or just want a fun and tasty weeknight meal, these sliders are always a hit. And trust me, even my picky eaters ask for seconds. So, lets get cooking!
Required Equipments
Mixing Bowl
Resealable Bag
Grill
Baking Sheet
Two Forks
Hatch Chili BBQ Chicken Sliders: Frequently Asked Questions
Hatch Chili BBQ Chicken Sliders
Infuse your next gathering with the zesty flavors of the Southwest! These Hatch Chili BBQ Chicken Sliders combine tender chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, and the unique kick of Hatch chiles for a bite-sized taste sensation that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:6 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Prepare the Hatch Chili BBQ Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and finely chopped Hatch chiles. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. More chiles? Go for it! (If you like it hot).
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or a bowl. Pour about half of the Hatch Chili BBQ sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Reserve the remaining sauce for basting later. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for a deeper flavor.
Preheat the Grill (or Oven): If grilling, preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F). If baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grill or Bake the Chicken: If grilling, place the marinated chicken thighs on the preheated grill. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, basting frequently with the reserved Hatch Chili BBQ sauce, until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If baking, place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, basting halfway through with the reserved sauce, until cooked through.
Rest and Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill or oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Assemble the Sliders: Lightly toast the slider buns, if desired. Pile a generous amount of the shredded Hatch Chili BBQ chicken onto the bottom buns. Top with your favorite slider toppings, such as coleslaw, sliced pickles, red onion, or a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce. Place the top buns on the sliders.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Hatch Chili BBQ Chicken Sliders immediately while they're warm and delicious. These sliders are fantastic on their own, or alongside your favorite barbecue sides like potato salad, corn on the cob, or a crisp green salad.
📝 Notes
For extra smoky flavor, use a smoker instead of a grill or oven.
If you can't find fresh Hatch chiles, you can substitute with canned or frozen Hatch chiles.
Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and Hatch chiles to your preferred level of spiciness.