Grilled chicken slider sandwiches with avocado-bacon spread

Ingredients:

Chicken and marinade

• 6 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• Zest of 1 lime + 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice

Spread

• 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
• 4 strips fried bacon, cut into pieces
• 3 avocados, mash the pulp
• 2 plum tomatoes, seeds removed and chopped
• 1 tbsp hot sauce

Caramelized onions

• 2 onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 12 slider buns
• 3 slices pepper jack cheese, cut into 12 squares

Preparation:

1. Chicken and marinade:
   
   Place each thigh between two pieces of plastic wrap and flatten with a rolling pin (it won't be as rough as using a hammer).
2. Season the chicken on both sides with salt and black pepper. Place in a large zip-lock plastic bag along with the oil, cumin, lime zest, and juice. Seal the bag and toss to coat the chicken with the marinade. Let it rest on the counter for 1 hour.
3. Spread:
   
   In a medium bowl, place the cilantro, bacon, avocado, tomatoes, and hot sauce, if using. Stir gently to avoid pureeing the tomatoes, then taste and sprinkle with a pinch of salt if needed. Cover with plastic wrap, placing it directly on the surface of the spread, and refrigerate until ready to use.
4. Caramelized onions:
   
   In a large saucepan, combine the onion, garlic, butter, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Cook over low heat, stirring every minute or so, until the onion is soft and deep golden, about 30 minutes.
5. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
6. Remove the chicken from the bag, shaking off any excess marinade. Place the chicken over direct heat (or in a grill pan). Once the chicken releases easily from the grate, flip it over to the indirect heat zone (or reduce the heat under the grill pan) and grill until cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and cover with foil for 10 minutes. Shred the chicken into large pieces.
7. Assembly:
   
   Assemble each burger in this order: bottom half bun, slice of cheese, generous portion of chicken and caramelized onions, and top half bun generously spread with avocado spread.