Chicken Sliders Recipe

This Chicken Sliders Recipe is inspired by the iconic, snackable appetizers served at classic American sports bars and grills. It is a crunchy and savory recipe, which calls for mini buttermilk-brined chicken fillets and a zesty house-made slider sauce. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 40 minutes (plus brining time).

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Chicken Sliders Recipe Ingredients

For the Crispy Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 12 small, slider-sized pieces)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Neutral oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Slider Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp hot sauce
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

For Assembly:

• 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls or mini brioche)
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 12 dill pickle chips
• 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce

How To Make Chicken Sliders

1. Brine the chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Submerge the small chicken pieces in the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours). This is the secret to ensuring these small bites stay incredibly juicy during the high-heat fry.
2. Prepare the dredge: In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and smoked paprika. The cornstarch is the professional secret for a “shattering” crispiness that doesn’t get soggy under the weight of the sauce.
3. Bread the chicken: One by one, remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk and dredge them in the flour mixture. Press the flour firmly onto the meat to create those craggy, crispy bits. Let the breaded chicken rest on a wire rack for 10 minutes; this allows the coating to hydrate and stick to the chicken during frying.
4. Fry until golden: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully add the chicken in batches. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they are deep golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Drain on a wire rack to maintain the crunch.
5. Toast the buns: Brush the inside of the slider buns with melted butter. Place them face down in a pan or under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until they are perfectly toasted and golden.
6. Mix the slider sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, honey, hot sauce, and garlic powder until smooth.
7. Assemble and serve: Spread a layer of slider sauce on both the top and bottom buns. Place a piece of crispy chicken on the bottom bun, followed by a pickle chip and a pinch of shredded lettuce. Top with the remaining bun and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

• Why the 10-minute rest is vital: Letting the breaded chicken sit before frying is the best way to ensure the crust doesn’t flake off in the hot oil.
• Small batch frying: Do not overcrowd the pan. Frying too many pieces at once drops the oil temperature, which results in a greasy rather than crispy coating.
• The “Double Sauce” secret: Coating both the top and bottom bun with sauce ensures the sandwich isn’t dry and helps keep the lettuce and pickles in place.
• Using a wire rack: Always drain fried foods on a wire rack rather than paper towels. A rack allows air to circulate, preventing the bottom from steaming and becoming soft.

What To Serve With Chicken Sliders?

This Chicken Sliders Recipe is a savory, crunchy main dish that needs a salty or fresh pairing! A side of Seasoned Curly Fries or a few Onion Rings is the quintessential choice for a classic grill-style meal. For a balanced snack spread, a bowl of Creamy Coleslaw or a serving of Macaroni Salad adds a lovely cool contrast that pairs perfectly with the hot chicken! A glass of Cold Iced Tea or a plate of Loaded Nachos pairs wonderfully with the tangy, sweet notes of the slider sauce.

How To Store Chicken Sliders

• Refrigerate: Store the fried chicken pieces separately from the buns and toppings in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: To regain the crunch, reheat the chicken in an air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 4 minutes or in an oven at 400 degrees. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the breading soft.
• Freeze: You can freeze the fried chicken pieces for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven until hot and crispy.

Chicken Sliders Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 310 (per slider)
• Total Fat: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Dietary Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and brands used.

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