Pull-Apart Nduja Chicken Meatball Sliders

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Introduction

When it comes to comfort food, few things are as satisfying as sliders. These small, handheld sandwiches are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just when you’re craving something delicious. Pull-Apart Nduja Chicken Meatball Sliders elevate the humble slider to a whole new level with their bold, spicy flavor profile and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Combining the rich, creamy spice of nduja (a spreadable, spicy sausage from Italy) with tender chicken meatballs, these sliders pack a punch while still offering the comforting appeal of a hearty sandwich.

What makes these sliders even more special is their “pull-apart” style, where the sliders are baked together in one pan, allowing them to be easily torn apart and served. This ensures every bite is filled with gooey cheese, juicy chicken meatballs, and a spicy kick from the nduja. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, enjoying a cozy meal with family, or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering, these sliders are sure to impress.

In this article, we’ll take you through why these Pull-Apart Nduja Chicken Meatball Sliders are a must-try recipe, offer step-by-step instructions on how to prepare them, and provide tips and variations to help you customize this dish to your liking. We’ll also make sure the recipe is fully Halal by using chicken instead of pork and avoiding wine, ensuring everyone can enjoy these flavorful sliders.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold and Spicy: The combination of nduja and chicken meatballs offers a bold, spicy flavor that’s perfect for those who like a little heat in their food. Nduja adds a creamy, smoky spice that pairs wonderfully with the tender chicken.
• Tender and Juicy: The chicken meatballs are moist and tender, perfectly cooked to offer a delightful contrast to the crispy slider rolls.
• Easy to Make: While this dish seems indulgent, it’s actually easy to put together, especially with the pull-apart style that makes serving simple and fun.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spice level of the nduja or change the cheese to suit your preferences. You can make the sliders mild or as fiery as you like.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner, a big celebration, or game day, these sliders are versatile and perfect for a variety of events.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 2 hours (30 minutes for prep, 1 hour 30 minutes for cooking and baking)
• Servings: This recipe makes about 12 sliders, which is perfect for serving a group of friends or family. You can easily double the recipe if you need more.
• Nutrition Facts (per slider):
  • Calories: 350
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbs: 20g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Note: These sliders are rich, so enjoy in moderation!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground chicken: The base for the meatballs. Ground chicken is lean but still tender enough for juicy meatballs.
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: For binding the meatballs and ensuring they hold together when cooked.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds richness and flavor to the meatballs.
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley: For freshness and a touch of herbal flavor.
• 1 large egg: To help bind the ingredients together.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the meatballs.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic herb that pairs beautifully with chicken.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: For a mild smokiness and color.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: To season the meatballs.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: For subtle spice.

For the Nduja Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons nduja: This spicy, spreadable sausage adds heat and depth to the sauce.
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce: A mild, tangy base to balance the richness of the nduja.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and adding richness to the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds smokiness and a deep, earthy flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Optional, but if you want more heat, this is a great addition.
• 1 teaspoon sugar: To balance the acidity of the tomato sauce.
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil: For a fresh burst of herbal flavor that complements the richness of the nduja.

For Assembling the Sliders:

• 12 slider buns: Soft, slightly sweet slider buns are perfect for holding the juicy meatballs and sauce.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: For gooey cheese that melts perfectly over the meatballs.
• 1 tablespoon melted butter: To brush over the buns before baking, creating a golden, crispy top.
• Fresh basil or parsley: For garnish and a fresh, herbal note to finish off the sliders.

Optional Garnish:

• Extra red pepper flakes: For those who want a little more heat.
• Sour cream or yogurt: To cool down the heat and provide a creamy, tangy contrast to the spicy sliders.

Step-by-Step Preparation

FIRST STEP: MAKE THE CHICKEN MEATBALLS

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s evenly incorporated.
2. Form the Meatballs: With your hands, roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. You should get around 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size you make them.
3. Cook the Meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a bit of olive oil. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning them occasionally to brown all sides and cook through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

SECOND STEP: MAKE THE NDUJA SAUCE

1. Sauté the Nduja: In the same skillet, add olive oil and heat over medium heat. Once hot, add the nduja and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it begins to break down and become fragrant.
2. Add the Tomato Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (optional), and sugar. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Combine the Meatballs with Sauce: Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet and toss them in the sauce until they are well-coated. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, ensuring the meatballs absorb the sauce and are heated through.

THIRD STEP: ASSEMBLE THE SLIDERS

1. Prepare the Buns: Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms attached. Place the bottom half of the buns in a large baking dish.
2. Layer the Meatballs: Arrange the cooked chicken meatballs evenly over the bottom half of the buns. You can fit about 12-15 meatballs, depending on the size of the buns.
3. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meatballs. The cheese will melt beautifully as the sliders bake.
4. Add the Top Buns: Place the top halves of the buns over the meatballs and cheese.
5. Brush with Butter: Brush the tops of the buns with the melted butter to ensure they turn golden and crispy as they bake.

FOURTH STEP: BAKE THE SLIDERS

1. Bake the Sliders: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the sliders for 15-20 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the tops of the buns are golden and the cheese is melted.
2. Cool and Garnish: Allow the sliders to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

FINAL STEP: SERVE AND ENJOY

1. Serve the Sliders: Slice the pull-apart sliders into individual servings. They should come apart easily, with each piece containing a meatball, cheese, and flavorful nduja sauce.
2. Optional Garnishes: For an added touch, serve the sliders with a side of sour cream or yogurt to balance the heat, or sprinkle extra red pepper flakes on top if you like your food extra spicy.

How to Serve Pull-Apart Nduja Chicken Meatball Sliders

Pull-Apart Nduja Chicken Meatball Sliders are perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are some great serving ideas:

1. Game Day or Party Appetizer

These sliders are ideal for game day or any kind of party. Their pull-apart style makes them easy to serve and share among guests, and their spicy, flavorful profile will keep everyone coming back for more.

2. Casual Family Dinner

These sliders make a fantastic weeknight dinner. Serve them with a side of crispy fries, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone.

3. Serve with Dipping Sauces

For extra flavor, serve the sliders with a selection of dipping sauces, such as ranch, garlic butter, or a spicy sriracha mayo. The dipping sauces will enhance the sliders’ bold flavors and add an extra layer of indulgence.

4. For BBQ or Outdoor Gatherings

These sliders are also perfect for BBQs or outdoor gatherings. Their bite-sized format makes them easy to eat with one hand while you enjoy a drink or chat with friends.

Additional Tips

1. Make Ahead: You can assemble the sliders ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. This makes meal prep easier and saves time on the day of your event.
2. Freezing: If you want to freeze the sliders for later, assemble the dish and freeze it unbaked. When ready to serve, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
3. Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of nduja or omit the red pepper flakes from the sauce.

Recipe Variations

While the Pull-Apart Nduja Chicken Meatball Sliders are fantastic as written, there are several ways you can customize them:

1. Swap Chicken for Beef or Turkey

For a different flavor profile, you can swap the ground chicken with ground beef or turkey. Turkey will give a lighter flavor, while beef will add richness.

2. Use Different Cheeses

While mozzarella is the classic choice for these sliders, feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Cheddar, provolone, or a spicy pepper jack cheese would all work well.

3. Vegetarian Version

If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try making meatballs with plant-based protein, such as lentils, chickpeas, or plant-based ground “chicken.” You can still use the nduja sauce for the bold, spicy flavor.

Conclusion

Pull-Apart Nduja Chicken Meatball Sliders are a flavorful and bold dish that combines the best of comfort food with a bit of heat. Perfect for any occasion, these sliders are guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends. The juicy chicken meatballs, spicy nduja sauce, and melty cheese come together in a dish that’s both satisfying and fun to eat. Try these sliders today and elevate your next meal or gathering with this delicious and unique recipe!