Looking for a fun appetizer that’s packed with flavor? These easy chicken tikka sliders are just the thing! Juicy chicken marinated in Indian spices, topped with cheese, and tucked into soft buns make the perfect crowd-pleaser. For more easy meals, try this easy chicken penne vodka, comforting chicken pot pie with crescent rolls, or this hearty chicken macaroni casserole.

This is literally the easiest recipe ever! The best part about these sliders is you can prep the chicken ahead and assemble them quick when it’s time to eat. The tangy yogurt marinade and bold spices make the chicken super flavorful, and it pairs so well with the cheese and sweet buns. For a light side, this chicken salad without celery is a great option.

What You'll Love About This Recipe

Perfect fusion food - These sliders combine the beloved Indian flavors of chicken tikka with the American slider concept for a truly unique appetizer
Make-ahead friendly - The chicken can be marinated overnight, making party prep much easier
Crowd-pleaser - Even those unfamiliar with Indian cuisine will love these approachable, flavorful bites

Close-up of grilled chicken tikka sliders topped with cilantro, onions, and creamy sauce served with a Coke bottle in the background.

Recipe Ingredients

These easy chicken tikka sliders come together with simple ingredients that create complex flavors:

Chicken breasts
Greek yogurt
Tikka masala spice mix
Ginger garlic paste
Lemon juice
Roasted chickpea flour
Red food color (optional)
Salt
Vegetable oil
Slider buns
Mozzarella cheese
Red onion rings

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Ingredient Notes

Tikka masala spice mix: If you can't find a pre-made mix, you can create your own with a blend of cumin, coriander, paprika, garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder
Roasted chickpea flour (besan): This helps thicken the marinade and creates a nice coating on the chicken. If unavailable, you can substitute with regular flour, though the flavor will be slightly different
Ginger garlic paste: Available at most grocery stores, but you can easily make your own by blending equal parts fresh ginger and garlic with a splash of oil

How to Make Chicken Tikka Sliders

For the complete recipe with measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. Here's a quick overview of the process:

Bowl of raw chicken cubes marinating in creamy yogurt-based tikka masala sauce ready for grilling.

Open slider buns layered with grilled chicken tikka, mozzarella cheese, and red onion rings ready for baking.

Prepare the marinade by combining yogurt, spices, ginger garlic paste, lemon juice, and chickpea flour in a bowl
Marinate the chicken pieces for at least 30 minutes or preferably overnight for maximum flavor
Cook the chicken on skewers until charred and cooked through
Make the sauce by cooking some reserved marinade until thickened
Assemble the sliders with sauce, chicken, onion, and cheese
Bake briefly until cheese melts and buns are warm
Serve immediately while hot and melty

Chicken tikka sliders with creamy sauce, cilantro, and onions served alongside a Coke bottle on a wooden board.

Pro Tips

For the best chicken tikka sliders, marinate the chicken overnight and use a cast iron skillet to get that authentic charred flavor without a grill!

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: Store assembled but unbaked sliders in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep the components separate for longer storage (chicken up to 3 days)
Freezing: The cooked chicken tikka can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
Reheating: Warm assembled sliders in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil if the tops are browning too quickly

Additions & Substitutions

Additions:

Add fresh cilantro or mint leaves for a burst of freshness
Include sliced cucumber for a cool, crunchy element
Try adding a dollop of mango chutney for sweet-tangy flavor
Incorporate a thin layer of raita (yogurt sauce) to balance the spices

Substitutions:

Replace chicken with paneer for a vegetarian option
Swap mozzarella for pepper jack if you prefer more heat
Use mini naan or pita instead of slider buns for an even more Indian-inspired dish
Substitute Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt for a lactose-free version

FAQs about Easy Chicken Tikka Sliders

How do you keep sliders from getting soggy on the bottom?

Toast the bottom buns briefly before assembly and avoid adding too much sauce directly to the bread. You can also create a barrier with a thin slice of cheese on the bottom bun.

What goes good with chicken sliders?

Serve these easy chicken tikka sliders with cucumber raita, Indian-spiced fries, a simple green salad, or traditional potato chips for a crowd-pleasing spread.

How to marinate chicken for tikka?

For best results, coat chicken pieces thoroughly in the yogurt-spice mixture and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. The yogurt tenderizes the meat while the spices infuse flavor.

What Can I Serve with Easy Chicken Tikka Sliders?

These easy chicken tikka sliders pair beautifully with cooling side dishes like cucumber salad, potato wedges, or a simple slaw to balance the spicy flavors. If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear what you think! Please leave a review and let me know how your sliders turned out.

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