southwest blackened chicken'n grits sliders

This was the original purpose of the batch of grits that ended up in this morning’s breakfast cups. I wanted a slider but a little spicier than usual. Began with a gnocco buns made with the dizzy pumpkin slider method, substituting jalapeno polenta/grits as the base in place of the grilled & riced pumpkin. For the burger, ground chicken thighs seasoned with blackening seasoning, seared on cast iron, then topped with melted jalapeno jack cheese, sliced avocado & chipotle mayo:

Begin with loose grits, let cool & add a bit of flour & an egg. Mix well & refrigerate overnight.





Scoop out small blobs & fry in the pan:





Grind up some thighs:







Blacken the burgers:





Everything on the cooling rack, reconfigure the egg to go indirect:





Assemble:



Some avocados:



Chipotle mayo:



All done:



Perhaps a plain:



Or cheese alone:



I think they're fest-worthy