These Hot Honey Chicken Sliders are tiny bites of joy! They feature juicy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy honey glaze, all nestled in soft buns.
Who can resist a little bit of heat with sweetness? I love serving these sliders for game day or a casual weekend. They disappear fast, so grab yours quickly! 🐔🍯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using chicken thighs for their juiciness, but breasts work just as well. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey cutlets are a great substitute.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken. It’s a simple but effective replacement!
Flour: All-purpose flour gives the best crunch, but you can try whole wheat flour for a healthier take. Just expect a denser coating.
Hot sauce: Choose your favorite hot sauce for the mayo, or skip it entirely for something milder. You could also use sriracha for a garlicky flavor.
Honey: If you’re looking to cut down on calories, agave syrup is a great substitute for honey and still provides that sweet flavor.
How Do I Get My Chicken Crispy and Cooked Perfectly?
The key to crispy chicken is in the coating and frying technique. Here’s how to nail it every time:
- Make sure your oil is hot (350°F). This ensures the coating seals quickly and stays crispy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry in batches if necessary. This keeps the oil temperature consistent and allows the chicken to cook evenly.
- Let the fried chicken sit on a wire rack after frying. This prevents it from getting soggy by keeping air circulating around it.
With these tips, you’ll have crispy sliders that are ooey-gooey and perfect for serving at any gathering!
Hot Honey Chicken Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sliders:
- 8 slider buns, preferably soft brioche
- 1 cup mixed greens or lettuce
For the Special Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional, for mayo)
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup honey
- 1-2 tbsp hot chili sauce or hot sauce (adjust to heat preference)
For Garnish:
- Fresh herbs (like thyme or parsley), for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to cook. Don’t forget to marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours for the best flavor. Whether you’re whipping these up for a lunch, dinner, or a gathering, it’s totally worth the time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by slicing the chicken thighs or breasts into slider-sized pieces, around 3-4 ounces each. Place the pieces in a bowl and pour over the buttermilk, making sure they are well coated. Cover and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you have the time. This makes the chicken super tender and flavorful!
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix to ensure everything’s evenly incorporated. This is the coating that gives your chicken that crispy, flavorful bite!
3. Coat the Chicken:
Take the marinated chicken pieces out of the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Then, dredge each piece in the flour mixture. Make sure to press the flour onto the chicken, so it sticks well. Set the coated chicken on a wire rack to rest while you heat the oil.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or frying pan, pour in enough vegetable oil to be about 1-2 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for frying and will help you achieve that golden-brown finish!
5. Fry the Chicken:
Once the oil is hot, carefully fry the chicken pieces in batches. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Make sure not to crowd the pan—this keeps the chicken crispy! Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess oil.
6. Make the Hot Honey Glaze:
While the chicken is frying, let’s prepare the glaze! In a small saucepan, combine honey with the hot chili sauce. Warm it over medium heat, stirring until it’s well mixed and just heated through. This glaze is what takes your sliders to the next level!
7. Glaze the Chicken:
Once the chicken is fried, toss the hot pieces gently in the hot honey glaze until well coated. This adds a delicious sweet and spicy kick that everyone will love!
8. Prepare the Mayo:
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise with hot sauce (if using) to create your spicy mayo. Adjust the amount of hot sauce according to your spice preference. This creamy sauce is a perfect complement to the sliders!
9. Assemble the Sliders:
To put everything together, spread a generous amount of spicy mayo on the bottom half of each slider bun. Then, add a handful of mixed greens, place a glazed chicken piece on top, and finally, cover it with the bun top.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Optionally, garnish with a small sprig of fresh thyme or parsley on top for a touch of color. Now, serve those sliders immediately while they’re hot and delicious! Everyone will be reaching for seconds!
Enjoy these tasty Hot Honey Chicken Sliders as a fun finger food for your next gathering or a treat at home! Happy eating! 🥳
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to fully thaw it first. Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight or in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for a faster method. Pat the chicken dry before marinating to ensure a crispy coating!
Can I Make the Sliders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the glaze a day in advance. Just store the marinated chicken and glaze in the refrigerator separately. Fry the chicken and assemble the sliders just before serving for the best texture!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store the fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The buns might get a bit soggy, so keep them separate. Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain some crispiness.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Definitely! You can control the heat by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper in the chicken coating and adjusting the hot sauce in both the glaze and mayo. For a milder version, feel free to skip the cayenne and use less hot sauce in the mayo!
