Do Share Recipe

Hot Honey Chicken Sliders Recipe – Sweet, Spicy & Crispy Bites

When I whipped up these hot honey chicken sliders for the first time, the reaction around the table was priceless. The golden, crispy chicken layered with tangy pickles and slathered in a spicy-sweet glaze, all sandwiched in a soft dinner roll.

These sliders are surprisingly easy to make but look and taste like they took hours. Perfect for game days, gatherings, or a fun dinner idea, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Trust me, once you bite into one of these sliders, you’ll understand why they’ve become a staple in my kitchen. Try our flavorful Hot Honey Chicken Bowls Recipe for a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients for Hot Honey Chicken Sliders Recipe

Here are some ingredients for hot honey chicken sliders:

For the sliders

12 soft dinner rolls
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut in half)
1 cup flour
1 tablespoon salt
2 teaspoons black pepper
1 egg
½ cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon hot sauce
6 cups canola oil (for frying)
Pickles (for topping)

For the hot honey sauce

½ cup used frying oil
2 teaspoons honey
2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika

Note: Recipe makes about 12 sliders.

Variations to Try

This recipe is versatile and easy to tweak. Here are some ideas to experiment with:

Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour and buns to create a slider everyone can enjoy.
Spice levels: Adjust the cayenne and hot sauce for a milder or spicier flavor.
Alternative protein: Try swapping chicken thighs for cauliflower bites or shrimp for a creative twist.
Honey variants: Use flavored honey like chili-infused or lavender for a unique taste.

You can explore tasty options in our dinner recipes guide.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Equipment You Need

Mixing bowls: For breading and coating the chicken.
Dutch oven or deep skillet: Ideal for frying the chicken.
Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken is fully cooked at 165°F.
Tongs: For flipping and removing the chicken from hot oil.
Small saucepan: To prepare the hot honey sauce.

How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Sliders?

Making these sliders is simpler than you think! With a few steps, you’ll have a dish that will stand out at any table.

Preparing the Coatings

Start by setting up two bowls for your breading station. Mix the flour, salt, and black pepper in the first bowl. In the second bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, and hot sauce. This double coating ensures your chicken will be perfectly crispy and full of flavor.

Prepping and Frying the Chicken

Cut each chicken thigh in half, ensuring even portions for the sliders. Pat the pieces dry with a paper towel to keep the breading from sliding off. Coat each piece in the flour mixture, dip it in the buttermilk mix, and return it to the flour for a second coating.

Next, heat the canola oil in your skillet or Dutch oven until it reaches 325°F. Carefully fry the chicken in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each piece for 3-4 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Making the Hot Honey Sauce

Grab a small saucepan, and pour in ½ cup of the used frying oil (you want that delicious chicken flavor). Add honey, cayenne pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika.

Stir everything together over medium heat until the sauce is warm and nicely blended. This glaze is what makes these sliders a true standout!

Assembling the Sliders

Toast the dinner rolls lightly if you’d like an extra layer of texture. Then, lay your golden, crispy chicken pieces on the rolls, brushing each piece generously with the hot honey sauce.

Top with thick-cut pickles for a refreshing crunch. Place the other half of the roll on top, and your sliders are ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This recipe wins hearts for a few reasons:

Quick to make: Perfect for when you want something fast and impactful.
Customizable flavors: Adjust the spice, toppings, and bread as you like.
Crowd appeal: These sliders are always a hit at events or family dinners.
Versatile uses: Great as an appetizer, snack, or even a main course.

How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Sliders

Serve these sliders beautifully arranged on a platter for a party-ready dish. Garnish the plate with fresh herbs, thinly sliced jalapeños, or a drizzle of extra glaze for an irresistible touch.

On the side, you can add coleslaw, Hot Honey Chicken Tenders, crisp fries, or a light green salad to balance the flavors.

Nutritional Information

Each slider is packed with flavor and offers the following nutrition per serving:

Calories: 180
Protein: 9g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fat: 9g

Make Ahead and Storage

If you’re prepping for a party or event, you can make these sliders in advance. Bread and fry the chicken pieces, then cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain its crispiness. The hot honey sauce can also be prepared ahead and kept in a sealed jar at room temperature for 1-2 days. Assemble the sliders just before serving to maintain their freshness.

Tips for Making the Recipe

From my experience, these tips will ensure your sliders turn out perfectly every time:

Dry the chicken thoroughly before breading for a better coating.
Use a thermometer to maintain consistent frying oil temperature.
Don’t skip the second coating of flour; it makes the chicken extra crispy.
Warm the rolls slightly before assembly for an added layer of comfort.

These hot honey chicken sliders are easy to make, customizable, and downright delicious. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe is bound to earn you rave reviews. Get ready to wow your taste buds and those of anyone lucky enough to try them!

Ben Carraoli