These Hot Honey Chicken Sliders are a tasty treat! Juicy chicken is cooked to perfection and drizzled with a sweet and spicy honey sauce. Perfect for any gathering!
I love serving these sliders for game day or a family get-together. They are easy to make and always disappear fast—who can resist that sweet heat? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: I recommend using soft dinner rolls. They hold up well against the fillings. If you can’t find sliders, you can cut regular burger buns or use mini bagels as a fun alternative!
Chicken: I use boneless chicken thighs for their juiciness. However, you can easily substitute with chicken breasts for a leaner option. For a veggie take, try using eggplant or tofu, marinated in buttermilk for texture.
Spices: The cayenne adds the heat, but feel free to adjust based on your preference! For a milder flavor, use smoked paprika instead or add a dash of black pepper only.
Hot Sauce: I like Sriracha for its flavor, but any hot sauce will work. For a milder option, use a sweet chili sauce to keep it flavorful without the heat.
Mayonnaise: If you’re not a fan or prefer a lighter option, try Greek yogurt mixed with lemon juice instead. It gives a tangy flavor similar to the mayo!
What’s the Best Way to Fry Chicken without a Mess?
Frying can be tricky, but with these tips, you’ll get great results! Start by making sure your oil is hot enough (about 350°F) to avoid soggy chicken.
- Use a deep, heavy pot to control the temperature better.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches. This helps maintain the oil temperature.
- Use a thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature (165°F). This ensures it’s fully cooked.
- Allow the fried chicken to drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
These steps will help you achieve crispy chicken with minimal mess and fuss. Enjoy your cooking adventure! 🍗
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (soft dinner rolls)
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 4 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (like Sriracha or your favorite)
For the Mayo Spread:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
For Garnishing:
- Fresh leafy greens or lettuce (for garnish)
Time Estimate:
This recipe takes about 1 hour of prep time and an additional 15-20 minutes for cooking. Allow for at least 1 hour of marinating time in the buttermilk for the chicken to really soak up flavor. Total time is approximately 2 hours, but most of that is waiting for the chicken to marinate!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken pieces in a bowl and covering them with buttermilk. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour if you’re in a hurry, or even better, overnight to get maximum flavor and tenderness.
2. Prepare the Breading Mix:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will give your chicken a flavorful and crispy coating.
3. Coat the Chicken:
After marinating, remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let the excess drip off. Dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated on all sides. Press down slightly to help the flour stick.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or pot, pour in vegetable oil to a depth of about 1.5 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). You can test the heat by sprinkling a bit of flour into the oil; it should sizzle.
5. Fry the Chicken:
Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey and hot sauce. Stir the mixture until it is smooth and warmed through. Remove from heat and set aside.
7. Toss the Chicken:
Place the fried chicken pieces in a large bowl and drizzle the hot honey sauce over them. Gently toss to ensure each piece is well coated with that sweet and spicy goodness.
8. Prepare the Mayo Spread:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and garlic powder until smooth. This will add a zesty flavor to the sliders.
9. Assemble the Sliders:
Slice each slider bun in half and, if desired, lightly toast them. On the bottom half, spread a spoonful of the mayo mixture. Top it with a few leafy greens and then place a piece of the hot honey chicken on top. Finish with the top bun.
10. Serve Immediately:
Arrange the assembled sliders on a platter, and they’re ready to serve! Enjoy the delightful mix of crispy chicken, sweet heat from the honey, and the fresh crunch of greens. These sliders are sure to be a hit at any meal!
These Hot Honey Chicken Sliders are a crowd-pleaser with their crispy fried chicken dressed in a sticky sweet and spicy glaze, complemented by fresh greens and a zesty mayo spread, all nestled in soft rolls. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s important to thaw it completely before marinating. The best ways to thaw chicken are by leaving it in the fridge overnight or using the cold water method—place the sealed chicken in a bowl of cold water for about 1-2 hours until thawed.
How Can I Make These Sliders Spicier?
If you want to amp up the heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the breading mix or add more hot sauce to the honey sauce. You can also use a spicier hot sauce like habanero or add sliced jalapeños directly on the sliders!
What Should I Do with Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to keep the buns nice and soft while warming the chicken.
Can I Make the Chicken Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can fry the chicken in advance and keep it in the fridge for a day. Reheat in an oven for the best texture. Assemble with fresh ingredients right before serving to keep everything crisp and delicious!
