Celebrate Dad with a healthy, indulgent burger - bacon and all

An indulgent burger can be the perfect treat for Dad on Father's Day, but it's hard to balance that sentiment with the urge to keep him healthy.

That doesn't mean you have to toss out the idea of a real burger. You just need to think moderation to create the kind of sandwich that would please even the most avid burger guy.

Start by going with a mini-burger or slider. They're small, fun and set the stage for the kind of portion control that will allow you to include all the indulgent ingredients that make burgers great.

Southwestern chicken sliders start with a ground chicken patty, which is much lower in total fat and saturated fat than beef.

For toppings, use ingredients with big flavors and textures that allow you to use small amounts with great effect.

Southwestern Chicken Sliders

Makes 8 sliders

1 pound ground chicken

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise

1 to 2 teaspoons adobo sauce from canned chipotles, to taste

1/3 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon

8 mini burger buns or rolls

1/4 cup canned french fried onions

1/2 cup shredded Boston lettuce

2 cocktail (golf ball-size) tomatoes, sliced

Heat a gas grill to high or light a charcoal fire.

In a medium bowl, mix together the ground chicken, salt and pepper. Form into eight 1/2-inch-thick patties. Place the patties on a plate and set aside.

In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and adobo sauce. Set aside.

Using a vegetable oil-soaked paper towel held with tongs, oil the grill grates. Grill the chicken burgers, flipping once, until a thermometer registers 165 F at the center, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Top each burger with some of the cheese and bacon, then continue grilling until melted.

Meanwhile, toast the rolls at the edge of the grill.

To assemble, spread some of the mayonnaise mixture on the top and bottom of each roll. Place a burger on each roll bottom and top with some of the French fried onions, shredded lettuce and a tomato slice. Top with remaining roll halves.