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Flavorful Mint Julep Bourbon Glazed Chicken Sliders

Mint Julep Bourbon Glazed Chicken Sliders - featured image

These sliders feature tender chicken thighs glazed with a sticky, sweet-savory bourbon mint glaze, perfect for parties or casual dinners. The fresh mint adds a refreshing twist that balances the warmth of bourbon.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • ¼ cup bourbon (60 ml)
  • ½ cup fresh mint leaves, loosely packed, finely chopped
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar (70 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (30 ml)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 small slider buns (brioche recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted (28 grams)
  • Optional: fresh mint sprigs and thinly sliced cucumbers for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let rest for 5 minutes at room temperature.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine bourbon, brown sugar, chopped fresh mint leaves, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic. Stir until sugar dissolves and mixture is well combined.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil or butter and sear chicken thighs for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken to a plate and tent with foil.
  4. Lower heat to medium and pour bourbon mint glaze into the same skillet. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until glaze thickens and becomes syrupy, watching carefully to avoid burning. Return chicken to pan and turn to coat thoroughly in glaze.
  5. While glazing chicken, brush slider buns with melted butter and toast them lightly in a separate pan or under a broiler until golden and slightly crispy.
  6. Assemble sliders by placing a glazed chicken piece on each bun bottom. Add optional cucumber slices and a small sprig of fresh mint. Top with bun lid and serve immediately.

Notes

If glaze thickens too fast or starts to burn, add a splash of water or extra bourbon to loosen it. Slice chicken into smaller pieces before glazing for better coating. Use chicken thighs for juiciness. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Glaze can be prepared a day ahead and reheated gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken sliders, bourbon glaze, mint julep, party bites, southern recipe, easy chicken recipe, finger food