Hot Honey Chicken Slider Sandwich Recipe

If you’re looking for the perfect combination of sweet and spicy, then these Hot Honey Chicken Slider Sandwiches are exactly what you need. These bite-sized sandwiches pack a punch of flavor with tender, crispy chicken coated in a spicy honey glaze, all nestled in soft slider buns. Perfect for game day, a casual gathering, or a quick and tasty dinner, these sliders are sure to be a hit.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
2. Make the Breading: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let any excess drip off. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. For extra crispy chicken, you can dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and then into the flour mixture again.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
2. Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Drain: Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, butter, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Simmer: Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and the sauce is well combined, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Coat the Chicken: Toss the fried chicken pieces in the hot honey glaze until they are fully coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Sliders

1. Prepare the Buns: Slice the slider buns in half and lightly toast them in a skillet or oven if desired.
2. Build the Sliders: Place a piece of hot honey chicken on the bottom half of each bun. Top with pickles, slaw, and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing if desired.
3. Top and Serve: Place the top half of the bun over the chicken and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes

• French Fries: Crispy, golden fries are a classic side that pairs perfectly with these sliders.
• Sweet Potato Fries: For a slightly healthier option with a touch of sweetness.
• Coleslaw: A cool, crunchy slaw adds a nice contrast to the spicy chicken.

Beverage Pairings

• Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of iced tea helps to cool down the heat from the hot honey glaze.
• Lemonade: Sweet and tart lemonade is a great non-alcoholic option to balance the spice.
• Cold Beer: A light beer like a lager or pilsner pairs wonderfully with the bold flavors.

Tips for Success

Marinating the Chicken

• Why Buttermilk? Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.

Controlling the Heat

• Adjust the Spice Level: You can easily adjust the heat of the hot honey glaze by adding more or less hot sauce. If you like it extra spicy, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or use a hotter sauce.

Crispy Chicken Tips

• Double Dipping: For extra crispy chicken, double dip the chicken pieces in the buttermilk and flour mixture before frying.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches to ensure it cooks evenly and stays crispy.

Conclusion

Hot Honey Chicken Slider Sandwiches are the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and crispy. The tender chicken, coated in a sticky hot honey glaze, paired with pickles and a soft bun, creates a flavor explosion in every bite. Whether you’re serving these sliders at a party or enjoying them for dinner, they’re sure to become a new favorite.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken for a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 400°F, place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and crispy.

What other toppings can I add to the sliders?

Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Add coleslaw, lettuce, tomatoes, or even a slice of cheese to customize your sliders.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or a skillet to keep the chicken crispy.

Can I make the hot honey glaze in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the hot honey glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stove before tossing it with the chicken.

What’s the best way to reheat the sliders?

To keep the chicken crispy, reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Assemble the sliders just before serving to keep the buns fresh.

Yield: 12

Hot Honey Chicken Slider Sandwich Recipe

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If you're looking for the perfect combination of sweet and spicy, then these Hot Honey Chicken Slider Sandwiches are exactly what you need. These bite-sized sandwiches pack a punch of flavor with tender, crispy chicken coated in a spicy honey glaze, all nestled in soft slider buns. Perfect for game day, a casual gathering, or a quick and tasty dinner, these sliders are sure to be a hit.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 12 small pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• For the Hot Honey:
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (like sriracha or Frank's RedHot)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• For the Sliders:
• 12 slider buns
• 12 pickle slices
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional)
• 1/4 cup coleslaw (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
   
2. Bread the Chicken:
   In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour and cornstarch. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off, and dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
   
3. Fry the Chicken:
   In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet, for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
   
4. Make the Hot Honey:
   In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, butter, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Heat over medium heat, stirring until the butter is melted and the mixture is well combined. Remove from heat and set aside.
   
5. Assemble the Sliders:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the slider buns in half and place the bottom halves on a baking sheet. Place a piece of fried chicken on each bun, drizzle generously with hot honey, and add a pickle slice. Optionally, spread mayonnaise on the top halves of the buns or add a spoonful of coleslaw for extra flavor. Place the top halves of the buns on the sliders.
   
6. Warm the Sliders:
   Place the assembled sliders in the oven for 5 minutes, just until the buns are slightly toasted and the sandwiches are warmed through.
   
7. Serve:
   Serve the hot honey chicken sliders immediately, either on their own or with additional sides like fries or a salad.

Notes

• Chicken: You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier slider. Adjust the cooking time if needed.
• Hot Honey: Adjust the heat level of the hot honey by adding more or less hot sauce and red pepper flakes. You can also substitute with store-bought hot honey for convenience.
• Slider Variations: For added texture and flavor, you can top the sliders with coleslaw, shredded lettuce, or even a slice of cheese.
• Leftovers: These sliders are best served fresh, but you can store any leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot oven before assembling more sliders.