These hot honey chicken sliders are a tasty treat that packs a punch! Crispy chicken is drizzled with sweet and spicy honey sauce, all nestled in soft slider buns.
You can make these sliders for game day or a fun family meal. I love serving them with pickles to balance the sweetness. They always disappear quickly—it’s impossible to have just one! 🐔💖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness, but you can also use chicken breasts if you prefer. They cook slightly faster, so just keep an eye on them!
Buttermilk: This is essential for tenderizing the chicken. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a favorite for its balance of flavor and heat. If you want less spice, use a milder hot sauce or even barbecue sauce mixed with some cayenne pepper.
Slaw Mix: If you can’t find a pre-packaged coleslaw mix, thinly slice cabbage and carrots yourself. It’s fresh and quick! I like adding some green onions for an extra crunch and flavor.
How Can I Get the Chicken Extra Crispy?
To achieve that perfect crispy coating on your chicken, follow these techniques:
- Make sure the buttermilk marinade time is right—ideally, a few hours to overnight is best.
- The double dredging method really helps! Dip the chicken in buttermilk again after the first flour coating, and then dredge in the flour once more.
- Maintain the right frying temperature; 350°F (175°C) is ideal. If the oil is too cool, the chicken can become greasy.
Let the fried pieces drain on paper towels to keep them crispy before assembling your sliders. Enjoy your cooking adventure! 🌟
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 garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt, divided
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, divided
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 12 slider buns
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
For the Slaw:
- 2 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 20 minutes of active cooking time, plus at least 1 hour for marination time (you can marinate for up to 4 hours or overnight for better flavor). Overall, set aside about 1 hour and 20 minutes (or more if marinating overnight) to enjoy these delicious sliders!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, 1/2 tsp of salt, and 1/4 tsp of black pepper. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (4 hours or overnight is even better for flavor!).
2. Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir the mixture until it’s well combined and heated through. Once done, remove it from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Slaw:
In a medium bowl, combine the coleslaw mix with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together and taste. Adjust the seasoning if needed, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble the sliders.
4. Coat the Chicken:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, the remaining 1/2 tsp of salt, and 1/4 tsp of black pepper. Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge, allowing any excess buttermilk to drip off, and dredge each piece in the flour mixture. For a double crispiness, dip the chicken back in the buttermilk and then again in the flour mixture.
5. Fry the Chicken:
Heat enough vegetable oil in a deep pan to reach 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the chicken pieces in batches, frying them until they’re golden brown and cooked through—this will take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
6. Sauce the Chicken:
In a large bowl, toss the hot fried chicken pieces lightly in the warm hot honey sauce until they are evenly coated. Yum!
7. Assemble the Sliders:
Lightly toast the slider buns for extra flavor. On the bottom half of each bun, spread a generous spoonful of slaw, top it with a piece of sauced chicken, and then place the top bun over it.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top of the buns for a lovely touch. Serve these hot honey chicken sliders right away and enjoy every spicy, sweet bite!
This recipe yields about 12 delicious sliders, perfect for any party or casual gathering!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely first! The best way to thaw is to leave it in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, place the chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed.
How Can I Make This Spicier?
If you want more heat, add a bit more hot sauce to the hot honey sauce or increase the amount of red pepper flakes. You could also use spicier varieties of hot sauce or even add jalapeño slices to your sliders for an extra kick.
Can I Make the Sliders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the slaw up to a day in advance. Cook the chicken just before serving to maintain its crispiness. Assemble the sliders right before you’re ready to enjoy them!
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a toaster oven or on a skillet until warmed through, and freshen up the slaw if needed before serving again.
