Food Network Chefs' Top Avocado Recipe Videos

Ingredients

• 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (trimmed, patted dry)
• 2 Tbsp Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tsp Lime Zest (fine zest from the same lime)
• 1 tsp Ground Cumin (toasted lightly for extra aroma)
• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin or high‑smoke‑point canola oil)
• 1 tsp Salt (kosher or sea salt)
• 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 6 pieces Mini Slider Buns (soft brioche or potato rolls, halved)
• 1 large Ripe Avocado (peeled, pitted, mashed)
• 2 Tbsp Fresh Cilantro (chopped fine)
• 2 slices Cooked Bacon (crispy, crumbled)
• 4 pieces Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
• 1 tsp Hot Sauce (optional, adjust to taste)
• 2 slices Pepper Jack Cheese (cut to fit slider bun)
• 0.5 cup Caramelized Onions (slowly cooked until deep brown, see step 4)
• 6 pieces Toothpicks (for holding sliders together)

Instructions

1. Flatten the Chicken

   Place the chicken thighs between two sheets of parchment paper and gently pound with a rolling pin until about 1/2‑inch thick for even cooking.

   Time: PT5M

2. Prepare the Marinade

   In a zip‑lock bag combine lime juice, lime zest, ground cumin, olive oil, salt and pepper. Add the flattened chicken, seal, and massage the bag to coat evenly.

   Time: PT5M

3. Marinate

   Let the chicken sit in the refrigerator for 2 hours. This step is passive but essential for flavor development.

   Time: PT2H

4. Caramelize Onions

   Thinly slice one medium onion. Cook over medium‑low heat in a small saucepan with a drizzle of oil, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown, about 10 minutes.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: medium‑low

5. Grill the Chicken

   Preheat grill pan to medium‑high (≈400°F). Grill each side of the chicken for 2‑3 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and let rest 5 minutes, then chop into bite‑size pieces.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 400°F

6. Make Avocado Mash

   In a mixing bowl mash the avocado with cilantro, crumbled bacon, diced cherry tomatoes, hot sauce (if using), and a pinch of salt. Keep chunky for texture.

   Time: PT5M

7. Assemble Sliders

   Lay out the bottom halves of the mini buns. Spread a generous spoonful of avocado mash, top with chopped grilled chicken, a slice of pepper jack cheese, and a spoonful of caramelized onions. Crown with the top bun and secure each slider with a toothpick.

   Time: PT10M

8. Serve

   Arrange sliders on a serving plate and serve immediately while warm. Optional: offer extra hot sauce on the side.

   Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

350

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

30 g

Fat

15 g

Fiber

5 g