Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness, but boneless breasts work well too. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using baked or grilled chicken instead of fried.
Buttermilk: This tenderizes the chicken beautifully. If you don’t have any, mix 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Flour: All-purpose flour is best for a crunchy coating, but you can use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. I’ve even tried using cornstarch for extra crispiness!
Hot Sauce: Feel free to adjust the level of spice! I love using Sriracha, but any hot sauce works. For a milder version, skip the hot sauce in the marinade.
Slider Buns: I enjoy using brioche slider buns for their softness and slight sweetness. If you want a lighter option, whole wheat buns or lettuce wraps can do the trick!
How Do You Ensure Crispy Fried Chicken?
Getting crispy fried chicken can be tricky! Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying (350°F). Otherwise, the chicken can become greasy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature.
- Let the fried chicken drain on paper towels to remove excess oil, keeping them crispy before assembling your sliders.
Hot Honey Chicken Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into slider-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for marinating)
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For Assembling:
- 8 slider buns or small dinner rolls
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (like Sriracha or chili garlic sauce)
- Optional toppings: pickles, coleslaw, or a dollop of mayonnaise
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley or chives (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 30 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. After that, you will spend about 15–20 minutes frying and assembling the sliders. Overall, you’re looking at around 1 hour to get these delicious sliders on your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk and the optional hot sauce. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. This helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor, making it more delicious!
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This will create a flavorful and crunchy coating for your chicken.
3. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or large saucepan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan for frying. A good test is to drop a bit of flour in – if it sizzles, the oil is ready!
4. Coat the Chicken:
Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Then, dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
5. Fry the Chicken:
Carefully place the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until they’re golden brown and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes on each side. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any extra oil.
6. Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, gently warm the honey and hot sauce together, stirring until well combined. This spicy-sweet sauce will elevate your sliders to another level!
7. Toss in Hot Honey:
Gently toss the fried chicken pieces in the hot honey sauce until they are evenly coated. This is where the magic happens – sweet and spicy, just how we like it!
8. Toast the Buns:
Slice the slider buns in half and lightly toast them if you prefer. This adds a nice crunch and prevents the buns from getting soggy.
9. Assemble the Sliders:
To assemble each slider, place a piece of hot honey chicken on the bottom half of the bun. Feel free to add your optional toppings like pickles, coleslaw, or a dollop of mayonnaise for added flavor, then top it off with the other half of the bun.
10. Garnish and Serve:
For a nice finishing touch, garnish each slider with a small sprig of parsley or chives (if using). Serve warm and enjoy the crispy, sweet, and spicy goodness of these Hot Honey Chicken Sliders!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure that the chicken is completely thawed before marinating. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for a quick option.
What If I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No worries! 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 minutes to thicken, and it’ll work perfectly in this recipe!
How Do I Store Leftover Sliders?
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven or on a skillet for the best texture, avoiding the microwave if possible to keep them crispy.
Can I Make the Hot Honey Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the hot honey sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just warm it up before tossing it with the chicken for the best flavor!
