Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders

Instructions

Make the meatballs

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, hot sauce, brown sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne, and garlic, and use your hands to gently mix.

Divvy meat mixture into 10 to 12 portions, then, using wet hands, form into meatballs. Push a piece of cheese into each meatball and pinch the meat mixture to enclose the cheese.

In a large ovenproof sauté pan over medium heat, warm the butter and vegetable oil until combined and shimmering, 2 to 4 minutes. Add meatballs and brown on all sides, 5 to 7 minutes.

Slide the pan into the oven and bake until the meatballs are cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), about 10 minutes.

Make the sauce

In a small saucepan over high heat, combine butter, hot sauce, honey, and brown sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring continuously, then reduce heat to medium and cook until the mixture comes together, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat, add garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and stir until smooth.

Remove meatballs from the oven and pour the sauce over them. Toss to coat. Sprinkle with parsley.

Add a pickle chip to each bun, then set a meatball on top. Skewer with a toothpick. Serve warm.

Mains