Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken Sliders with Avocado Crema
Tender grilled chicken thighs marinated in smoky chipotle and zesty lime, served on mini buns with a smooth avocado crema for a perfect game day bite. This mexican-inspired grilling ready in about 55 minutes turns pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, fresh lime juice, olive oil into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 8, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 peppers minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 small slider buns
- 1 medium ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp fresh lime zest
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Step 2: While chicken marinates, prepare the avocado crema by mashing 1 medium ripe avocado in a small bowl. Stir in 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1 teaspoon fresh lime zest until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the marinated chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges have light grill marks.
- Step 4: Let grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into slider-sized pieces. Toast 8 slider buns lightly on the grill for 1-2 minutes.
- Step 5: Assemble sliders by spreading 1 tablespoon of avocado crema on the bottom bun, topping with a slice of grilled chicken, and finishing with the top bun. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken Sliders with Avocado Crema take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (40 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken Sliders with Avocado Crema?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken Sliders with Avocado Crema?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken Sliders with Avocado Crema for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken Sliders with Avocado Crema?
Mexican grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
