Name: Hot Honey Chicken Sliders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless chicken, cut into slider-size pieces; 0.5 cup buttermilk; 2 tablespoons pickle juice; 1.5 tablespoons hot sauce, divided between marinade and glaze; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder; 0.5 cup cornstarch; 0.5 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon paprika; 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder; 0.5 teaspoon salt; oil for frying, vegetable or canola oil; 3 to 4 tablespoons honey; hot sauce, to taste; 1 tablespoon butter; 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust to your spice level; 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 tablespoons melted butter; dried parsley, for garnish; 8 to 12 slider buns; ranch dressing; pickles, sliced or whole

Description

These crispy, golden fried chicken sliders feature a tangy buttermilk marinade, a crunchy cornstarch coating, and are finished with a hot honey glaze that perfectly balances sweet heat with savory richness. Perfect for game day gatherings, appetizer platters, or when you need an impressive meal that comes together in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound boneless chicken, cut into slider-size pieces
0.5 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons pickle juice
1.5 tablespoons hot sauce, divided between marinade and glaze
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 cup cornstarch
0.5 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon salt
oil for frying, vegetable or canola oil
3 to 4 tablespoons honey
hot sauce, to taste
1 tablespoon butter
0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust to your spice level
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons melted butter
dried parsley, for garnish
8 to 12 slider buns
ranch dressing
pickles, sliced or whole

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine buttermilk, pickle juice, hot sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Add the chicken pieces and stir to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 to 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for extra tenderness and flavor absorption.
Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Remove the chicken from the marinade one piece at a time and coat each piece thoroughly, pressing the coating onto the surface for maximum crispiness.
Fry the Chicken: Heat oil to 325 degrees Fahrenheit in a large skillet or shallow pan over medium heat. Working in batches to avoid crowding, fry the chicken pieces for 6 to 8 minutes total, turning halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
Heat the Glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir frequently until the butter melts and all ingredients blend into a smooth, glossy liquid, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Glaze the Chicken: Drizzle the hot honey glaze over the warm chicken pieces or gently toss them to coat evenly. The warmth of the chicken will help the glaze adhere and caramelize slightly.
Prepare the Buns: Lightly brush the slider buns with melted butter on the outside. Toast them lightly in a skillet or under the broiler if desired for extra texture and flavor.
Build the Slider: Spread ranch dressing on the bottom half of each bun. Layer a piece of hot honey glazed chicken on top, followed by a slice or two of pickle.
Top and Finish: Add a small dollop of ranch dressing to the top bun, then gently place it on the slider. Brush the top of each slider with melted butter and sprinkle with dried parsley for a glossy, herbaceous finish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes