These Hot Honey Chicken Sliders are a tasty treat! Juicy pieces of chicken are drizzled with sweet and spicy honey, all packed between fluffy slider buns. Yum!
They’re perfect for game day or a fun family meal. I love serving them with some crunchy pickles on the side. Just be careful—everyone will want seconds! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless thighs for their juiciness. If you prefer breasts or have a different dietary choice, either will work. For a vegetarian option, try using portobello mushrooms or cauliflower steaks in the same breading method!
Buttermilk: This adds tenderness to the chicken. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Hot Sauce: Feel free to adjust the amount of hot sauce for the marinade and sauce based on your heat preference. You can use any type you like—Frank’s and Sriracha are great choices. If you’re avoiding spice, try a mild barbecue sauce for flavor instead.
Coleslaw Mix: I love using a store-bought mix for convenience. You can also make your own with shredded cabbage and carrots. Add some ranch dressing for extra flavor!
How to Properly Fry Chicken for Sliders?
Frying chicken can be tricky, but it’s worth it! Here are some tips for crispy results:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough (350°F/175°C) before adding the chicken—this helps to create a crispy crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches to keep the temperature consistent.
- Let the chicken drain on paper towels to remove excess oil, ensuring it stays crispy.
- Always check if the chicken is fully cooked inside; a meat thermometer should read 165°F (75°C) when done.
Hot Honey Chicken Sliders
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for marinade)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 12 slider buns
- 1 cup shredded coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Fresh microgreens or herbs (optional)
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes for prep and about 10-15 minutes for cooking, plus at least an hour for marinating the chicken. Overall, plan for about 1 hour and 35 minutes, including marinating time. You’ll have delicious sliders ready to serve in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix together the buttermilk and 1 teaspoon of hot sauce (if using). Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they’re well-coated, and cover the bowl. Let them marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for more flavor and tenderness.
2. Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chili flakes. Heat on low, stirring occasionally, until everything is well mixed and slightly thickened. Once ready, remove the sauce from the heat and set it aside.
3. Coat the Chicken:
In a shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. After the chicken has marinated, take each piece out, letting any excess buttermilk drip off. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, making sure each piece is fully coated, and set them on a wire rack for a few minutes to help the crust set.
4. Fry the Chicken:
Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or fryer, filling it to about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in small batches to avoid crowding the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (165°F inside). Once cooked, drain the chicken on paper towels.
5. Toss in Sauce:
While the chicken is still hot, place it in a large bowl and pour the hot honey sauce over the top. Toss gently to coat each piece in the sauce.
6. Assemble the Sliders:
Lightly toast the slider buns to make them extra tasty. On the bottom half of each bun, place a piece of hot honey chicken. Top with a spoonful of coleslaw mix, some sliced green onions, and microgreens if you like. Finally, place the top bun on each slider.
7. Serve:
Place the assembled sliders on a platter and serve them warm. These sliders are best enjoyed hot and juicy, perfect for game day or a fun family meal. Add extra hot honey sauce or pickles on the side for those who want a little more kick!
Enjoy your sweet and spicy Hot Honey Chicken Sliders!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s completely thawed before marinating. Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight or in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for faster thawing. Pat the chicken dry before marinating to achieve a better coating.
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly before using it in the marinade.
How Do I Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can place them in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to maintain the crispiness of the chicken, or use the microwave if you’re in a hurry.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the hot honey sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just warm it before tossing the fried chicken in, and add a little extra hot sauce if you’d like more heat!