These Hot Honey Chicken Sliders are a tasty treat! Juicy chicken bites are topped with a sweet and spicy honey sauce and stuffed into soft slider buns. Yummy!
Perfect for game day or a casual gathering! I love how quick they are to make, which means I spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying with friends. 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs or Breasts: I prefer using chicken thighs for their juiciness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, chicken breasts also work well. You could even use cooked rotisserie chicken, just mix it with hot honey when assembling!
Buttermilk: Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken. If you don’t have any, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. It’s a quick fix!
Hot Honey: You can buy hot honey or make your own by mixing honey with hot sauce or red pepper flakes. Adjust the heat level to your taste! For a milder version, just use pure honey.
Cheese: I like crumbled blue cheese for its strong flavor, but goat cheese is a fantastic substitute for a creamier texture. You can also skip the cheese entirely for a lighter slider!
How Can I Fry Chicken to Get It Perfectly Crispy?
Frying chicken might seem tricky, but with these steps, you’ll achieve a deliciously crispy coating. The key here is the temperature and timing.
- Heat the oil to around 350°F (175°C). You can test this by dropping a bit of flour in the oil. If it sizzles, it’s hot enough!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook the chicken in batches to maintain the oil temperature. This helps with the crispiness.
- Fry until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This keeps your sliders from getting soggy.
By following these steps, your fried chicken will turn out perfectly crunchy each time! Enjoy making these sliders!
Hot Honey Chicken Sliders 🌶️🍯
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Assembly:
- ½ cup hot honey (honey mixed with hot sauce or chili flakes)
- 8 slider buns
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese
- Fresh herbs (such as thyme or parsley) for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 1 hour for marinating the chicken, around 30 minutes for preparation and frying, plus an additional few minutes for assembly. So overall, you can expect to spend about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Well worth it for these delicious sliders!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken pieces in a large bowl. Combine the buttermilk, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper in the bowl with the chicken. Mix well to coat all the pieces. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or for best results, overnight.
2. Prepare the Flour Coating:
In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Make sure it’s well combined so every piece of chicken gets that flavorful coating!
3. Heat the Oil:
In a skillet or deep fryer, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can check the temperature with a thermometer or drop in a small bit of flour; if it sizzles, you’re good to go!
4. Dredge the Chicken:
Take the marinated chicken out of the buttermilk and let any excess drip off. One piece at a time, dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure it’s coated all over.
5. Fry the Chicken:
Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil. Fry them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, depending on how thick the pieces are. They should turn golden brown. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, drain the chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. Drizzle with Hot Honey:
While the chicken is still warm, generously drizzle hot honey over each piece. Get that sweet and spicy goodness all over!
7. Assemble the Sliders:
Lightly toast the slider buns if you like a bit of crunch. On the bottom half of each bun, spread a spoonful of crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese for an extra creamy touch.
8. Top with Chicken:
Place a piece of your hot honey-coated chicken on top of the cheese, and then cover with the bun tops.
9. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for a lovely touch. Serve the sliders immediately while they’re warm and enjoy!
These sliders bring together the perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors that everyone will love! Enjoy your meal! 🍽️✨
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s fully thawed before marinating! It’s best to thaw in the fridge overnight or in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for quicker results.
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, 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 5-10 minutes to thicken before using it in the marinade.
How Can I Make This Recipe Less Spicy?
If you’d like a milder version, simply skip the cayenne pepper and use less hot honey. You can also mix regular honey with a dash of hot sauce for a hint of sweetness without too much heat.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep the buns from getting soggy.
