Get ready for some tasty Hot Honey Chicken Sliders! These little sandwiches are filled with crispy chicken, drizzled with sweet and spicy honey. Perfect for any party!
Every bite is a flavor explosion! I love how easy they are to make, and they always vanish fast. Just grab a slider and enjoy—then maybe even a second one (or two)! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: I prefer using brioche buns because they’re soft and buttery, making every bite delightful. You can use whole wheat slider buns or regular sandwich rolls if you can’t find brioche.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicier compared to breasts, but either will work. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try turkey cutlets instead for a different taste.
Buttermilk: This ingredient is key for marinating. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This makes a great substitute!
Hot Sauce: I recommend Frank’s RedHot for a classic kick. If you prefer less spice, you can skip it or use a milder sauce. For a vegan option, consider using a plant-based mayonnaise.
Coleslaw Mix: You can use pre-packaged coleslaw for convenience or shred your own cabbage and carrots. Adding sliced apples or nuts for crunch can elevate the slaw!
What’s the Best Way to Get Crispy Fried Chicken?
Getting that perfect crispy coating on your chicken is all about technique. Here’s how to achieve it:
- Marination is Key: Marinate your chicken in buttermilk for at least 1 hour to tenderize it and ensure the coating sticks.
- Proper Dredging: Make sure to coat the chicken well with the seasoned flour. Press the flour onto the chicken for better adherence.
- Oil Temperature: Heat your oil to about 350°F (175°C). That’s hot enough to cook the chicken quickly without making it oily.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Fry in batches! Crowding can lower the oil temperature, making the chicken soggy instead of crispy.
- Drain Properly: After frying, let the chicken drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep it crispy.
With these tips, you’ll have deliciously crispy hot honey chicken sliders that everyone will love!
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 8 slider buns, preferably brioche or soft buns
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for marinating)
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce or crushed red pepper (adjust for desired heat)
For the Coleslaw:
- 1 cup coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage, carrots, and purple cabbage)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 1 hour of prep time, including marinating and making coleslaw, plus about 30 minutes for cooking. Plan to let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for optimal flavor. In total, you’ll be looking at approximately 1.5 hours to get everything ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Pour the buttermilk into a medium bowl and add the hot sauce if you’re using it. Submerge the chicken pieces in the buttermilk. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (ideally 3-4 hours). This step keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful.
2. Prepare the Dredge:
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure even seasoning. This will be the crispy coating for the chicken!
3. Make the Slaw:
In a small bowl, toss the coleslaw mix with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar until everything is nicely mixed. Cover and chill in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the sliders.
4. Dredge the Chicken:
Take the marinated chicken out of the buttermilk and allow the excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the flour sticks well. Place the coated chicken pieces on a plate or baking sheet and set aside.
5. Fry the Chicken:
In a deep skillet or pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat (about 350°F / 175°C). Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil. Fry each piece until golden brown and fully cooked—about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. Make Hot Honey Sauce:
In a small saucepan, gently warm the honey over low heat. Add in your hot sauce or crushed red pepper, mixing until fully combined. Adjust the amount based on your desired spice level. Once done, remove from heat.
7. Assemble the Sliders:
Lightly toast the slider buns before assembly. Brush the tops of the buns with some of the hot honey sauce. Place a crispy piece of fried chicken on the bottom bun, drizzle with more hot honey, and add a generous spoonful of coleslaw. Top with the other half of the bun.
8. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top for a fresh touch. Serve your hot honey chicken sliders immediately while they’re warm. Enjoy these delicious, bite-sized sandwiches!
These sliders strike the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, crunchy, and creamy—sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just ensure the chicken is fully thawed before marinating. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker option.
How Do I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want more heat, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the flour mixture or add extra hot sauce to the honey sauce. You can also consider adding sliced jalapeños to the slaw for an extra kick!
Can I Make the Chicken Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and fry the chicken in advance, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, just heat it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to crisp back up.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, separate the components, warm the chicken back up in the oven, and assemble fresh to maintain the bun’s softness and the chicken’s crispiness!
