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Crispy Chicken Sliders Recipe

4.5 from 139 reviews

Delicious and crispy chicken sliders made with perfectly breaded and fried chicken breasts, topped with a tangy honey mustard sauce and optional fresh toppings. These sliders are perfect for parties, game days, or a fun family meal, featuring tender chicken with a crunchy coating, creamy sauce, and melty cheddar cheese in soft slider buns.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Breading

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into slider-sized portions (about 23 inches square)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying

Honey Mustard Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Slider Assembly

  • 12 slider buns
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese, quartered (16 small squares)
  • Lettuce leaves (optional)
  • Sliced tomatoes (optional)
  • Pickle chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Pieces: Cut chicken breasts into slider-sized portions (2-3 inches square, 1/2 inch thick). Butterfly thick breasts to create thinner pieces if necessary.
  2. Set up the Breading Station: Arrange three shallow dishes: Dish 1 with flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper; Dish 2 with beaten eggs; Dish 3 with panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, then dip in beaten eggs, then coat evenly with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
  4. Rest the Breaded Chicken: Place the breaded chicken pieces on a plate or baking sheet and let them rest for 10-15 minutes to help the coating set.
  5. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil about 1/4 inch deep over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a breadcrumb sizzles and turns golden brown immediately upon contact.
  6. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place chicken pieces in hot oil without overcrowding. Fry each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
  7. Remove and Drain: Take out the chicken with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.
  8. Make the Honey Mustard Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  9. Adjust Sauce to Taste: Modify seasoning by adding more honey for sweetness or more apple cider vinegar for tang, if desired.
  10. Chill Sauce (Optional): Refrigerate the honey mustard sauce for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
  11. Prepare the Buns: Lightly toast the slider buns if desired for added texture and flavor.
  12. Assemble the Sliders: Spread honey mustard sauce on the bottom and top halves of each bun. Place a piece of fried chicken on the bottom half, add a quarter slice of cheddar cheese atop each chicken piece.
  13. Add Toppings (Optional): Top with lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes, and pickle chips as preferred.
  14. Finish and Serve: Place the top half of the slider bun over the toppings and serve immediately while the chicken is warm and crispy.

Notes

  • Butterflying thick chicken pieces ensures even cooking and thinner sliders.
  • Resting the breaded chicken before frying helps the coating stick better and prevents it from falling off.
  • Frying in 1/4 inch oil allows a shallow fry for crispy texture without deep frying.
  • Ensure oil is hot enough before frying to avoid greasy chicken.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control spice level or omit for mild sliders.
  • Chilling the honey mustard sauce enhances flavor but can be served immediately if short on time.
  • To keep sliders crispy, serve immediately after assembly.
  • Optional toppings can be varied based on taste or dietary preference.

Keywords: chicken sliders, fried chicken, honey mustard sauce, slider buns, appetizer, party food, comfort food