Thai Chicken Sliders

Makes 16 sliders (plus extra sauce for dipping)
1 slider is 175 kcals, 7g fat, 15g carbohydrate, 12g protein.

These chicken sliders combine fresh veggies, lean protein, and whole grains for a light and nutritious meal. Let the kids help assemble the sliders by choosing their favorite toppings. We recommend cucumbers, shredded carrots, cilantro, and avocado for a variety of colors and nutrients!

For the patties:

1 # ground chicken
¼ cup panko bread crumbs
1 egg
2 tsp red curry paste
1 tsp fish sauce
½ tsp dried basil
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp garlic powder

For the sauce:

1 tsp olive oil
1 bunch green onions, chopped
½ Tbsp minced garlic
¾ tsp ground ginger
1 cup chicken broth
1 can light coconut milk
juice from 1 lime
2 tsp fish sauce
½ tsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp corn starch
salt to taste

For assembly:

16 slider-sized whole wheat buns
1 cucumber, peeled and cut into ½ inch round slices
Optional garnish- shredded carrots, avocado, cilantro
Preheat oven to 350°F. Add all ingredients for the patties to a bowl and gently mix together until thoroughly combined. Shape the mixture into 16 small patties (about 2” in diameter and ½” thick” and place them on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a small sauce pan over high heat. Add the green onions and garlic and sauté for about five minutes or until soft. Add the ginger and sauté for thirty seconds, and then add the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and add the coconut milk, lime juice, fish sauce, and garlic powder. Let the ingredients simmer together for about ten minutes. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch together with 2 Tbsp of water, and then pour the mixture into the saucepan. Let the ingredients come to a boil and thicken. Taste the sauce and salt to taste.
To assemble, place one patty on each bun and top with 1-2 teaspoons of the sauce, followed by the sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, cilantro, and avocado. Serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping.