Pin It Crispy, golden-brown chicken sliders drizzled with a tangy-sweet honey mustard sauce. Perfect for parties, game day, or a fun weeknight meal! These sliders combine succulent chicken breast with a crunchy panko crust and a creamy homemade sauce that hits every flavor note.
Pin It Whether you are hosting a crowd for the big game or just looking to switch up your weeknight routine, these honey mustard chicken sliders are guaranteed to be a hit. The combination of warm, fried chicken and the cool, tangy sauce on a soft bun is simply irresistible.
Ingredients
Chicken and Breading- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into slider-sized portions (about 2-3 inches square, 1/2 inch thick)
- 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
- 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
- 12 slider buns
- 4 slices cheddar cheese, quartered (or 16 small squares)
- Lettuce leaves, for topping (optional)
- Sliced tomatoes, for topping (optional)
- Pickle chips, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cut chicken breasts into slider-sized portions (2-3 inches square, 1/2 inch thick). Butterfly thick pieces if needed for even thickness.
- Step 2: Set Up Breading Station
- In three shallow dishes, add: Dish 1: Flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Dish 2: Beaten eggs. Dish 3: Panko breadcrumbs.
- Step 3: Bread the Chicken
- Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, then dip in beaten eggs, then coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently.
- Step 4: Rest
- Let breaded chicken rest on a plate or baking sheet for 10-15 minutes to set the coating.
- Step 5: Heat Oil
- Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet to about 1/4 inch depth. Heat over medium-high until hot (a breadcrumb should sizzle and turn golden).
- Step 6: Fry Chicken
- Fry chicken in batches, 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Step 7: Drain
- Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Step 8: Make Honey Mustard Sauce
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste. For best flavor, refrigerate 30 minutes before serving.
- Step 9: Toast Buns
- Lightly toast slider buns, if desired.
- Step 10: Assemble Sliders
- Spread honey mustard sauce on both halves of each bun. Place a piece of fried chicken on each bottom bun. Top with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles as desired. Cap with the top bun.
- Step 11: Serve
- Serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, ensure the oil is sufficiently hot before adding the chicken; a breadcrumb should sizzle immediately upon contact. Letting the breaded chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before frying is a crucial step that helps the coating adhere to the meat. You can also prepare the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to fry.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily customize these sliders to suit your taste. Add extra cayenne to the flour for more heat, or swap cheddar for pepper jack or Swiss cheese. For a different cooking method, try the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, or marinate and grill the chicken for a lighter option. Adding crispy bacon strips is another savory way to elevate the dish.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these sliders immediately while the chicken is at its crispiest. Accompany them with fresh toppings like lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and pickles to provide a cool contrast to the warm chicken. If you are prepping ahead, the honey mustard sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Pin It
With their perfect balance of crunch, spice, and sweetness, these honey mustard chicken sliders are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy them warm with your favorite sides!
Your Questions Answered
- → How can I make the chicken extra crispy?
Ensure the breading is firmly pressed onto the chicken and allow it to rest before frying. Frying in hot oil without overcrowding helps maintain crispiness.
- → Can I prepare the honey mustard sauce ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld, and it can be kept chilled for up to 3 days.
- → What are good substitutions for cheddar cheese?
Pepper jack, provolone, or Swiss cheese are excellent alternatives that complement the honey mustard flavor.
- → Is there a way to reduce frying oil absorption?
Drain fried chicken on a wire rack lined with paper towels immediately after cooking to remove excess oil.
- → Can I cook these sliders using an air fryer?
Yes, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook breaded chicken pieces for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through for even crisping.