Jimmy’s Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Name: Jimmy's Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 1 dozen
Ingredients: 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs; 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1/2 cup ketchup; 1/2 cup Sriracha Asian hot chili sauce; 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons honey, divided; 1/2 cup water; 3 tablespoons lime juice; 2 teaspoons grated lime zest; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 12 mini pretzel buns, split; 12 slices part-skim mozzarella cheese, halved; 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; Coarse salt, optional; SRIRACHA-LIME DIPPING SAUCE:; 1 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons Sriracha Asian hot chili sauce; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 2 teaspoons grated lime zest; 2 green onions, chopped

I simmer chicken thighs in a spicy-sweet sauce, shred and pile high on pretzel buns to create an incredibly addictive party food. —James Schend, Food Editor Taste of Home

Ingredients

3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup Sriracha Asian hot chili sauce
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons honey, divided
1/2 cup water
3 tablespoons lime juice
2 teaspoons grated lime zest
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon pepper
12 mini pretzel buns, split
12 slices part-skim mozzarella cheese, halved
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Coarse salt, optional
SRIRACHA-LIME DIPPING SAUCE:
1 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Sriracha Asian hot chili sauce
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 teaspoons grated lime zest
2 green onions, chopped

Directions

In a Dutch oven over medium heat, brown chicken in 1 Tbsp. olive oil, about 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, stir together ketchup, Sriracha, 1/2 cup honey, water, lime juice and zest, garlic, ginger and pepper. Pour over browned chicken and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cook, covered, 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is tender. Remove chicken and bring sauce back to a simmer; cook until thick, about 5 minutes. Shred chicken with two forks; toss with reduced sauce.
Preheat oven to 375°. Place bottom buns in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Place half a slice of cheese on each of the buns; spoon chicken mixture on top of cheese. Top with remaining cheese slices and bun tops. Stir together remaining olive oil, honey and pepper flakes. Brush over bun tops. Sprinkle with the coarse salt, if desired.
Bake until tops are golden and cheese has melted, 10-15 minutes. Garnish with green onions.
For sauce, stir together all ingredients. Serve alongside sliders.