These hot honey chicken sliders are a tasty treat! With crispy chicken, a sweet and spicy honey glaze, and soft buns, they’re perfect for parties or game days.
Honestly, who can resist that combination? I love piling on the toppings, and if you sneak an extra slider, I won’t tell! 😉 They’re super easy to make, which is a big win for me!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs is great for juicy sliders. If you prefer, chicken breasts can be used, but they might be less moist. For a vegetarian twist, consider using chickpea patties or plant-based nuggets!
Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds tenderness to the chicken. If you’re out, a mix of milk and vinegar (1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar) can work as a substitute. It gives similar results without a trip to the store!
Spices and Seasonings: Garlic powder and smoked paprika really boost flavor. Feel free to swap smoked paprika for regular paprika or even chili powder for an extra kick. You can skip cayenne if you prefer milder sliders.
Hot Sauce: You can customize the heat with your favorite hot sauce. For a milder version, try using just a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a milder sauce like sriracha. Adjust according to your taste!
What’s the Best Technique for Frying Chicken for Sliders?
Frying chicken properly is key to delicious sliders! Here’s how you can nail it:
- Ensure the oil temperature is right. Using a thermometer helps here; 350°F (175°C) is ideal for crispy, golden results.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature. This helps achieve that perfect crunch.
- Let the chicken rest on paper towels after frying. This removes excess oil and keeps the chicken crispy!
By following these tips, you’ll end up with perfectly crunchy and flavorful chicken, making your sliders impossible to resist! Enjoy!
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into small slider-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For Assembly:
- 12 slider buns, soft and slightly sweet
- 1/2 cup mayo or aioli
- 1/2 cup coleslaw (optional)
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- Fresh chives, chopped for garnish
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot or similar)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 1 hour for marinating, and then around 30 minutes for preparation and frying. In total, expect to spend about 1 hour and 30 minutes before your sliders are ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate Chicken:
In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and coat them well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but if you can, let it sit overnight for even more flavor.
2. Prepare Hot Honey Sauce:
In a small saucepan over low heat, mix together the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir until the mixture is well combined and warmed through, about 3-5 minutes. Once done, set the sauce aside.
3. Coat the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, and cayenne pepper. Take the marinated chicken out of the buttermilk mixture, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the dry mixture, pressing to coat well.
4. Fry the Chicken:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches. Cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. After frying, drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
5. Assemble the Sliders:
Lightly toast the slider buns. Spread a thin layer of mayo on the bottom half of each bun. Top with a few slices of cucumber and a spoonful of coleslaw if you’re using it. Place a piece of fried chicken on top and drizzle generously with the hot honey sauce. Finish with the top bun and sprinkle with chopped fresh chives.
6. Serve:
Serve your hot honey chicken sliders immediately while warm for the best flavor. Enjoy the combination of sweet, spicy, and crispy goodness!
This recipe yields about 12 delicious sliders. Perfect for sharing with friends or family, and pairs wonderfully with a cold drink or a light side salad!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken before marinating. Thaw it in the fridge overnight for the best results, or use the quick method of placing it in a sealed bag and soaking it in cold water.
How Can I Make These Sliders Spicier?
If you want to kick up the heat, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the coating or add more hot sauce to the honey sauce. For even more spice, consider adding sliced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese to the sliders!
Can I Make the Sliders Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the chicken and marinate it in advance. Just make sure to fry it fresh just before serving for the best crispy texture. You can also make the hot honey sauce ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to assemble the sliders.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Sliders?
If you have leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the components separate (buns, chicken, sauce) to maintain the sliders’ texture. Reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer for crispiness before assembling again!