Hot Honey Chicken Sliders are the perfect mix of crispy, sweet, and spicy—all packed into one handheld bite. These sliders feature golden fried chicken tenders coated in a sticky cayenne-infused hot honey and served on toasted, seasoned slider buns for bold flavor in every layer. Whether you’re serving them at a party, tailgate, or for dinner, these sliders never disappoint.
Why You’ll Love Hot Honey Chicken Sliders
These sliders offer the ultimate flavor payoff: crispy fried chicken, warm sweet heat from the hot honey, and buttery buns infused with garlic and herbs. They’re satisfying, easy to assemble, and wildly crowd-pleasing. Every element is homemade, from the bold honey glaze to the toasted seasoned buns, making this comfort food feel elevated and irresistible.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use buttermilk to marinate the chicken—this keeps it tender and juicy.
- Press the chicken firmly into the flour mix to create a thick, crispy coating.
- Chill dredged chicken briefly before frying to help the crust stick better.
- Warm the honey mixture just enough to pour—it should coat the chicken smoothly without becoming watery.
- Toast the buns after brushing to amplify the seasoned butter flavor and keep them from getting soggy.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Use chicken thighs or tenders depending on your preference—they both fry well.
- Add a slice of cheese or pickles if you want extra richness or tang.
- Substitute honey with maple syrup for a deeper caramel-like heat.
- For dairy-free: Use plant-based milk with lemon juice instead of buttermilk.
- For gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and slider buns.
- For added crunch: Toss in a few pickled jalapeños or shredded lettuce just before serving.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve these sliders hot, alongside waffle fries, corn salad, or a cool cucumber slaw. The sticky heat of the hot honey pairs well with crisp, refreshing sides and drinks like lemonade, iced tea, or a cold lager. For a party spread, assemble them on a tray with cocktail picks for easy grabbing.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftover fried chicken and buns separately for best results.
- Reheat chicken in an air fryer or oven at 375ºF until crispy and hot.
- Toast fresh buns before reassembling for leftovers.
- Avoid microwaving, which softens both the crust and the bun.
- You can refrigerate the honey glaze in a sealed container for up to 1 week—just warm slightly before using.
Recipe FAQs
Can I bake or air fry the chicken?
Yes. Air fry at 400ºF for 10–12 minutes, or bake at 425ºF for about 25 minutes. Spray lightly with oil to help the coating crisp.
Is the hot honey very spicy?
It has a medium kick. You can reduce or increase the cayenne to adjust heat.
Can I prep the chicken ahead of time?
Yes—bread it ahead and store it on a baking sheet in the fridge for up to 4 hours. Fry just before serving.
Do I need to use slider buns?
Not necessarily—brioche rolls or dinner rolls work great. You can even make full-sized sandwiches.
Can I freeze the chicken?
Yes, after frying and cooling. Freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Reheat from frozen at 375ºF until hot and crispy.
Hot Honey Chicken Sliders with Homemade Spicy Mayo
Hot Honey Chicken Sliders with spicy mayo and seasoned buns are crispy, sweet, and bold—now with cayenne-spiked honey for that perfect kick of heat!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders or thighs (cut to slider size)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne (optional, for marinade heat)
For Dredging & Frying
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Hot Honey (with Cayenne)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 ½ teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Pinch of salt (Warm gently in a saucepan just before use)
Seasoned Buns
- 1 package slider buns (12 count)
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley or Italian seasoning
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a medium bowl or gallon-size zip-top bag, combine the buttermilk, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir to mix.
- Add the chicken tenders or pieces to the marinade, making sure they’re fully submerged.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours. This step tenderizes the chicken and infuses flavor.
- In a wide, shallow bowl or tray, mix together flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- This dry mixture will create the crispy outer crust for the chicken.
- Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess buttermilk drip off.
- Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing down and turning to ensure a thick, even coating.
- For extra crispiness, you can double-dredge: dip the coated chicken back into the buttermilk, then dredge a second time in the flour.
- Set breaded chicken on a wire rack or parchment-lined tray to rest for 10–15 minutes while the oil heats. This helps the coating stick during frying.
- In a heavy skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350ºF.
- Carefully add a few pieces of chicken at a time, without crowding the pan. Fry for 5–7 minutes, flipping once, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should be 165ºF).
- Transfer cooked chicken to a clean wire rack or paper towel-lined tray to drain and stay crispy.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the tablespoons of butter, and then, combine honey, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt.
- Warm gently, stirring for 1–2 minutes. Do not boil. Remove from heat and set aside until ready to drizzle.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder, parsley or Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt.
- Brush the inside of each slider bun with the seasoned butter.
- Toast buns cut-side down in a skillet or on a baking sheet under a broiler until golden and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
- Top with a piece of fried chicken. Drizzle generously with warm hot honey.
- Add any optional toppings (like pickles or slaw), then place the top bun on.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 436Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 57mgSodium: 1012mgCarbohydrates: 39gFiber: 2gSugar: 9gProtein: 16g
