There’s something magical about biting into a perfectly crispy fried chicken slider that instantly transports you to comfort food heaven. These miniature masterpieces combine the satisfying crunch of golden-brown breaded chicken with the convenience of handheld slider sandwiches, making them the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, planning a family dinner, or simply craving that perfect bite-sized indulgence, these fried chicken sliders deliver restaurant-quality flavor right from your own kitchen.
What sets these chicken sliders apart from ordinary sandwiches is their perfect balance of textures and flavors packed into every single bite. The secret lies in creating tender, juicy chicken with an impossibly crispy coating, nestled between soft slider buns with just the right amount of tangy sauce. Unlike traditional fried chicken sandwiches, these smaller portions make them ideal party appetizers easy to serve and even easier to devour. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile – transform them into chicken nuggets sliders for the kids or elevate them with gourmet toppings for sophisticated entertaining.
Recipe Information
Difficulty: Easy
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Resting Time: 30 minutes (for marinating)
Servings: 12 sliders
Estimated Cost: Affordable
Ingredients for Fried Chicken Sliders
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into slider-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Breading:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Assembly:
- 12 slider buns, split and toasted
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 12 pickle slices
- 2 cups coleslaw mix
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Frying:
- 6 cups vegetable oil (or enough for deep frying)
Equipment Required
- Large mixing bowls
- Deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot
- Candy thermometer
- Wire cooling rack
- Paper towels
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Recipe Preparation
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Cut the chicken thighs into pieces roughly the size of your slider buns. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. This crucial step ensures your breaded chicken sliders will be incredibly tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
While the chicken marinates, create your breading mixture by combining flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper in a large shallow dish. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices. The cornstarch addition is key to achieving that extra-crispy coating that makes these chicken sliders exceptional.
Step 3: Make the Slider Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, and Dijon mustard until smooth. This creamy, tangy sauce perfectly complements the crispy chicken and can be made ahead of time. Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to assemble your slider sandwiches.
Step 4: Prepare the Quick Coleslaw
Combine coleslaw mix with apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Toss well and let it sit while you prepare the chicken. This adds a fresh, crunchy element that balances the richness of the fried chicken perfectly.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately. Maintaining the correct temperature is crucial for achieving perfectly crispy results without greasy chicken.
Step 6: Bread the Chicken
Remove chicken pieces from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well. For extra crispiness, you can double-dredge by dipping back into buttermilk and flour mixture again.
Step 7: Fry the Chicken
Carefully add 4-5 pieces of breaded chicken to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd. Fry for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove with tongs and place on a wire rack to drain. Repeat with remaining chicken pieces.
Step 8: Toast the Slider Buns
While the chicken rests, lightly toast the slider buns in a dry skillet or under the broiler until golden. This prevents the buns from becoming soggy and adds extra texture to your finished sliders.
Step 9: Assemble the Sliders
Spread the honey mustard sauce on both halves of each toasted bun. Place a piece of crispy fried chicken on the bottom bun, top with coleslaw, add a pickle slice, and crown with the top bun. Secure with toothpicks if desired.
Chef’s Tips and Variations
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
The secret to restaurant-quality chicken sliders lies in temperature control and timing. Always use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature – too hot and the outside burns before the inside cooks; too cool and you’ll get greasy, soggy results. Let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes after frying to allow the juices to redistribute.
For extra crispy coating, add a tablespoon of the buttermilk marinade to your flour mixture and mix it in with a fork to create small clumps. These create additional texture and crunch when fried.
Delicious Variations
Transform these into chicken nuggets sliders by cutting the chicken into smaller, nugget-sized pieces – perfect for kids’ parties. For a spicy kick, add more cayenne pepper to the breading or incorporate sriracha into your slider sauce.
Create buffalo chicken sliders by tossing the fried chicken in buffalo sauce before assembling. Serve with party appetizer dips like ranch or blue cheese on the side for extra indulgence.
Serving Suggestions
These sliders recipes chicken variations pair beautifully with classic sides like sweet potato fries, onion rings, or mac and cheese. For lighter options, serve alongside a fresh garden salad or grilled vegetables.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. The breaded chicken can be frozen before frying for up to 3 months – just thaw completely before cooking.
For party planning, you can bread the chicken up to a day ahead and store covered in the refrigerator. The slider sauce and coleslaw can both be made 2 days in advance.
Nutrition Information
Per Slider (approximate):
- Calories: 285
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
Why These Sliders Are Perfect for Any Occasion
These fried chicken sliders represent the perfect fusion of comfort food satisfaction and elegant presentation. Unlike messy full-sized fried chicken sandwiches, these bite-sized beauties are ideal party appetizers easy to eat while mingling. They’re sophisticated enough for adult gatherings yet simple enough that kids will devour them happily.
The beauty of slider sandwiches lies in their versatility – they work equally well as a casual lunch, game day snack, or elevated party fare. The combination of crispy, seasoned chicken with creamy sauce and crunchy coleslaw creates a symphony of textures and flavors that keeps people coming back for more.
Whether you’re new to frying or a seasoned home cook, this recipe delivers consistent, impressive results every time. The detailed steps ensure success, while the tips and variations allow you to customize the sliders to your taste preferences and occasion needs.
These party appetizers are guaranteed conversation starters and will have your guests asking for the recipe. The key is in the details – from the buttermilk marinade that ensures juicy chicken to the perfectly seasoned breading that creates that coveted crunch.
Don’t forget to pair these amazing sliders with your favorite party appetizer dips for an even more indulgent experience. Ranch, honey mustard, or even a spicy aioli all complement these flavors beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these chicken sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread the chicken up to 24 hours ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. The slider sauce and coleslaw can be made 2 days in advance. For best results, fry the chicken just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness.
What’s the difference between chicken sliders and chicken nuggets sliders?
Chicken sliders use larger pieces of chicken (typically thigh meat) cut to fit slider buns, while chicken nuggets sliders use smaller, bite-sized pieces of chicken. Both use similar breading techniques, but nugget sliders are perfect for kids and easier to eat.
Can I bake these breaded chicken sliders instead of frying?
While frying gives the best results, you can bake them at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray with cooking oil before baking for better browning. The texture won’t be quite as crispy as fried, but they’ll still be delicious.
How do I keep the chicken crispy for a party?
Keep fried chicken warm and crispy by placing it on a wire rack in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes. Avoid covering with foil, as this creates steam and makes the coating soggy. Assemble sliders just before serving.
What are the best party appetizer dips to serve with these sliders?
Classic choices include ranch dressing, honey mustard, buffalo sauce, or garlic aioli. For something different, try a spicy sriracha mayo, barbecue sauce, or even a sweet and tangy chili sauce. Having 2-3 dipping options gives guests variety.
Did you try this recipe? Please leave a comment below and let us know how your fried chicken sliders turned out! Don’t forget to share photos on social media – we love seeing your delicious creations. For more amazing slider recipes chicken variations and party appetizer ideas, check out our other recipes and subscribe to our newsletter for weekly cooking inspiration!
