These Hot Honey Chicken Sliders are the perfect mix of sweet and spicy! Imagine juicy chicken topped with a sticky, golden honey sauce, all nestled in soft slider buns.
These little bites are great for game day or any time you want to impress your friends. I love serving them with extra napkins—trust me, you’ll need them! 😄
Whipping these up is easy! Just cook the chicken, drizzle with that delicious hot honey, and assemble. They disappear fast at my place, so I always make extra!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, boneless chicken breasts work too, but keep an eye on cooking time as they can dry out faster.
Buttermilk: This ingredient is key for tenderizing the chicken. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by combining 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes, and you’re good to go!
Flour: All-purpose flour provides a nice crispy coating. If you’re gluten-free, you could substitute with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for a lighter texture.
Honey: This recipe calls for regular honey, but you can try using agave syrup or maple syrup for a different sweetness. Just keep in mind they each have slightly different flavors.
Hot Sauce: The amount of hot sauce can be adjusted based on your spice preference. For a milder option, choose a sweet chili sauce instead, or mix in some Sriracha for more kick.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Crunch on Fried Chicken?
Getting that crispy texture on fried chicken is essential for sliders! Follow these steps:
- Soak the chicken in buttermilk; this helps tenderize and adds moisture.
- Be sure to dredge the chicken thoroughly in the flour mixture; a good coating is key.
- Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) before adding chicken. A hot oil ensures a crispy exterior.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; fry in batches if necessary, so the chicken can cook evenly.
- Drain fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil—this keeps them crispy.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly crunchy chicken sliders that everyone will love!
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 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust heat to taste)
For Assembling the Sliders:
- 8 slider buns, preferably soft and slightly sweet
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or dill)
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- Lettuce leaves or baby greens, for layering
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 30 minutes to soak the chicken (optional for tenderness). The frying process will take about 15 minutes, bringing the total to around 60 minutes. Perfect for a delicious meal or gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
In a bowl, soak the chicken pieces in the buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) in the refrigerator. This will make the chicken nice and tender.
2. Prepare the Flour Dredge:
In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This will create a tasty coating for the chicken!
3. Heat the Oil:
Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or frying pan to about 1 inch deep. Heat it on medium-high until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the heat by dropping a small amount of the flour mixture into the oil; it should sizzle.
4. Coat the Chicken:
Remove the chicken pieces from buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge the pieces in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring they are well-coated. Shake off any excess flour.
5. Fry the Chicken:
In batches, fry the chicken pieces for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Transfer the fried chicken to paper towels to drain any excess oil.
6. Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
In a small saucepan, gently warm the honey and hot sauce together over low heat until well combined and thin. Remove from heat once ready.
7. Coat the Chicken with Hot Honey:
In a large bowl, toss the fried chicken pieces with the hot honey sauce until they are evenly coated, adding more sauce if desired.
8. Prepare the Herb Mayo:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, chopped fresh herbs, and lemon juice for a zesty spread that will complement the sliders.
9. Toast the Buns:
Lightly toast the slider buns to enhance their flavor and add a little crunch. This will also help prevent sogginess when assembling.
10. Assemble the Sliders:
Spread a generous amount of herb mayo on the bottom half of each bun. Layer a lettuce leaf or baby greens on top, followed by a piece of the hot honey-coated chicken. Cap it with the top bun.
11. Garnish & Serve:
If desired, sprinkle some chopped parsley over the top bun for a fresh touch. Serve the sliders immediately for the best taste, and enjoy watching them disappear in no time!
Enjoy your delicious Hot Honey Chicken Sliders with that irresistible balance of sweet, spicy, and crispy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken beforehand! The best way to thaw is in the refrigerator overnight, or you can use the quick method by sealing it in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water. Be sure to pat it dry before dredging to ensure a crispy coating!
What if I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No problem at all! You can make a quick substitute by combining 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it curdles slightly, and you’ll have a great buttermilk replacement!
How Should I Store Leftover Sliders?
Wrap any leftover sliders tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This will help keep the buns from becoming too soggy!
Can I Make These Sliders Spicier or Milder?
Absolutely! Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of hot sauce you use in the honey sauce. For more heat, add extra hot sauce or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you prefer milder sliders, consider using a sweet chili sauce instead of a spicy hot sauce for flavor without the heat.