Hot Honey Chicken Sliders Recipe

Intro

Hot Honey Chicken Sliders Recipe moments don’t usually start fancy. They start with a craving. A loud one. The kind that hits around 4:30 p.m. when dinner feels far away and regular food just won’t cut it.

That’s exactly how these sliders were born in my kitchen. I wanted something crispy, sweet, spicy, and comforting — but also shareable. Something you could pile onto a platter, slide across the table, and watch disappear faster than you expected.

These Hot Honey Chicken Sliders Recipe beauties are everything I love about fried chicken sandwiches, just smaller, cuter, and way more dangerous. Crispy chicken. Sticky hot honey. Soft buns. Tangy pickles. Creamy sauce. Each bite hits hard, and suddenly you’re reaching for another without even thinking.

They’re perfect for game days, parties, casual dinners, or those nights when you just want food that makes people happy. And trust me — these sliders do that.

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What Are Hot Honey Chicken Sliders?

Hot honey chicken sliders are mini sandwiches built around crispy chicken coated in sweet, spicy honey. Think fried chicken meets chili heat meets buttery buns, all scaled down into handheld form.

The sliders version is special because:

• You get more crispy edges per bite
  
• The balance of honey to chicken is perfect
  
• You can eat more than one without guilt (or at least without regret)
  
• They’re built for sharing
  

Each slider is messy in the best way. Sticky fingers. Crumbs everywhere. Smiles all around.

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Why This Hot Honey Chicken Sliders Recipe Works

I’ve tested a lot of chicken slider recipes, and here’s why this one sticks:

• The chicken stays juicy inside and crunchy outside
  
• The breading is aggressively seasoned
  
• The hot honey is warm, not overpowering
  
• The sauce balances heat and sweetness
  
• The buns soak up flavor without falling apart
  

Nothing here is random. Every layer earns its place.

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Equipment List

No fancy gear needed — just solid basics.

• Mixing bowls
  
• Whisk
  
• Shallow dishes for dredging
  
• Heavy skillet or deep frying pan
  
• Tongs
  
• Wire rack or paper towels
  
• Small saucepan
  
• Baking sheet (for warming buns)
  

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Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  
• 1½ cups buttermilk
  
• 1 teaspoon salt
  
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
  

For the Breading

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  
• ½ cup cornstarch
  
• 1 teaspoon paprika
  
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
  
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  
• 1½ teaspoons salt
  
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
  

For Frying

• Neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
  

For the Hot Honey

• ¾ cup honey
  
• 1–2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
  
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  

For the Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
  
• 1 tablespoon honey
  
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  

For Assembly

• 12 slider buns
  
• Dill pickle slices
  
• Optional: shredded lettuce or coleslaw
  

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Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Cut chicken into slider-sized pieces. Place in a bowl with buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight.

This step keeps the chicken tender and juicy.

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Step 2: Make the Hot Honey

In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the honey and red pepper flakes together for about 5 minutes. Stir gently. Do not boil.

Remove from heat and stir in apple cider vinegar. Set aside.

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Step 3: Prepare the Breading

In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

Remove chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture.

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Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat oil to 350°F in a heavy skillet.

Fry chicken in batches, about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack or paper towels.

While still hot, drizzle lightly with hot honey.

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Step 5: Make the Sauce

Mix mayo, honey, Dijon, and lemon juice until smooth. Chill until ready to use.

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Step 6: Assemble the Sliders

Lightly toast slider buns. Spread sauce on the bottom bun. Add chicken, drizzle more hot honey, top with pickles and optional lettuce. Finish with the top bun.

Serve warm.

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What These Sliders Taste Like

Each bite is loud and balanced:

• Crunchy chicken with seasoned crust
  
• Sweet honey with slow-building heat
  
• Tangy pickles cutting richness
  
• Soft buns holding everything together
  

They’re sweet, spicy, salty, and comforting — all at once.

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Hot Honey Tips (This Is Important)

• Keep heat low when warming honey
  
• Vinegar is key — don’t skip it
  
• Let honey sit for deeper flavor
  
• Adjust spice gradually
  

You want warmth, not pain.

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Best Buns for Sliders

Soft buns matter here.

My favorites:

• Brioche slider buns
  
• Hawaiian rolls
  
• Potato slider buns
  

Avoid crusty bread — it throws off the balance.

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Make Them Your Own

This Hot Honey Chicken Sliders Recipe is flexible:

• Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness
  
• Air-fry instead of deep fry
  
• Add coleslaw for crunch
  
• Use chipotle flakes for smoky heat
  
• Add melted cheese if you want indulgent
  

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Serving Ideas

Serve these sliders with:

• Crispy fries
  
• Sweet potato wedges
  
• Pickle chips
  
• Mac and cheese
  
• Simple green salad
  

They shine as the main event.

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Make-Ahead Tips

• Chicken can marinate overnight
  
• Hot honey lasts 2 weeks refrigerated
  
• Sauce can be made 2 days ahead
  
• Fry chicken fresh for best crunch
  

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Oil not hot enough
  
• Skipping seasoning in flour
  
• Overcrowding the pan
  
• Drizzling honey too early
  

Timing makes all the difference.

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Perfect for Parties and Gatherings

These sliders were made for sharing. They’re easy to serve, easy to eat, and impossible to ignore. Put them out at a party and watch them disappear.

I’ve served these at:

• Game nights
  
• Family gatherings
  
• Casual dinners
  
• Friendsgiving tables
  

They always steal the spotlight.

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Why I Love This Recipe So Much

As a female chef, I’m drawn to food that feels joyful. These sliders aren’t about perfection — they’re about flavor, texture, and fun. They’re messy. They’re bold. They make people happy.

And honestly? That’s what great food should do.

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Final Thoughts

This Hot Honey Chicken Sliders Recipe is sweet, spicy, crunchy, and completely addictive. It’s comfort food with personality — the kind of recipe people ask for again and again.

Make them once, and you’ll find yourself planning excuses to make them again.

More Delicious Recipes:

• Strawberry Shortcake Crunch Cake Recipe
• Cracker Barrel Pinto Beans Recipe
• Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe