These Hot Honey Chicken Sliders are juicy, sweet, and slightly spicy! Perfect for parties or game day, they are easy to make and packed with flavor.
Who could resist a slider that combines crispy chicken with a drizzle of hot honey? I love munching on these while catching up on my favorite shows. They always hit the spot!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using bone-in, skinless chicken thighs for more juiciness, but boneless breasts work just as well. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using air-fried chicken. You could also swap in plant-based patties or tofu for a vegetarian spin!
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk handy, simply mix one cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken. Perfect substitute without a special trip to the store!
Hot Sauce: I love using Sriracha for its nice balance of heat and flavor, but any hot sauce will do. For a milder taste, use a dash of chili flakes instead. You can adjust to your heat preference.
Honey: While I prefer regular honey, you can also use agave syrup for a vegan option. Experiment with flavored honeys, like chili or ginger, for a unique twist!
How Do You Get Your Chicken Extra Crispy?
Achieving crispy chicken is all about the breading and frying method. Here’s how to ensure your chicken has that perfect crunch:
- Double-Dip: After the initial coating of flour, dip the chicken back in the buttermilk, then give it another coating in the flour mixture. This extra layer makes for a wonderful crunch.
- Oil Temperature: Use a frying thermometer to ensure your oil stays at 350°F. If it’s too hot, the outside burns before cooking the inside! Too cold and the chicken will turn greasy.
- Paper Towels: After frying, let the chicken drain on paper towels. This helps keep it crispy by absorbing excess oil.
With these tips, your Hot Honey Chicken Sliders will be a hit! Enjoy the sweetness and spice in every bite.
Hot Honey Chicken Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional for marinade)
For the Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Frying and Assembly:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 8 slider buns
- Leafy lettuce or kale, for topping
- Mayonnaise or ranch dressing, for spreading on buns
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (such as Sriracha or your favorite chili sauce)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and you’ll need to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours if you have time). Frying the chicken takes roughly 10–15 minutes. In total, you can expect to spend around 1 hour to have these delicious sliders ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by slicing the chicken breasts into small pieces that are roughly the size of your slider buns. In a bowl, mix the buttermilk with 1 teaspoon of hot sauce (if using). Place the chicken pieces in the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are well-coated. Let them marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours if you want more flavor.
2. Prepare the Breading:
While your chicken is marinating, grab a shallow dish and combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly to ensure an even flavor throughout the breading.
3. Bread the Chicken:
Once the chicken has marinated, take it out and let any excess buttermilk drip off. Next, dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, coating them generously. For an extra crispy finish, you can dip each piece back into the buttermilk and then back into the flour again for a double coating.
4. Fry the Chicken:
In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches until they are golden brown and cooked through—about 5 to 7 minutes per side depending on the thickness of the chicken. Once cooked, drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
5. Make the Hot Honey:
In a small saucepan over low heat, add the honey and the 2 tablespoons of hot sauce. Gently warm them together while stirring until well blended. This will create your spicy hot honey sauce. Take it off the heat when ready.
6. Assemble the Sliders:
To assemble your sliders, spread a layer of mayonnaise or ranch dressing on the bottom halves of the slider buns. Add a leaf of lettuce or kale for a fresh crunch. Place a piece of the fried chicken on top, then drizzle generously with the hot honey sauce to give it that delicious sweet and spicy flavor.
7. Top and Serve:
Finally, place the top halves of the buns on each slider and serve them warm. Enjoy your Hot Honey Chicken Sliders—they’re perfect for snacking, sharing, or enjoying during a game night!
With their crispy coating and spicy honey drizzle, these sliders are sure to be a hit! Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before marinating. The best way to thaw chicken is to place it in the refrigerator overnight, or you can use the quick method by sealing it in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for a few hours.
How Can I Make These Sliders Spicier?
If you want to amp up the heat, add more cayenne pepper to the breading or use a hotter hot sauce in the hot honey mixture. You can also top your sliders with sliced jalapeños or a spicy aioli for extra kick!
Can I Prepare These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and bread it a few hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge. Fry the chicken right before serving to ensure it’s crispy. Hot honey can also be prepared in advance and gently reheated before assembly.
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. If you have leftover fried chicken without the buns, it can be stored in the fridge as well. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness instead of the microwave!
