Name: Hot Honey Chicken Sliders with Pickles and Slaw
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 small chicken tenders; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup hot honey; 1 cup coleslaw mix; ¼ cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 12 slider buns; ½ cup sliced pickles; Vegetable oil for frying

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Hey y'all! Ready to spice up your next gathering or family dinner? These Hot Honey Chicken Sliders with Pickles and Slaw are sweet, spicy, and irresistibly crunchy, making them a show-stopping choice for parties, game days, or a fun weeknight treat. With juicy chicken, zesty pickles, and crisp slaw all packed between soft slider buns, every bite is a flavor explosion! Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Hot Honey Chicken Sliders with Pickles and Slaw Recipe

Perfect balance of sweet heat from homemade hot honey sauce.
Crunchy, tangy slaw provides refreshing contrast to the spicy chicken.

Easy to prep ahead, making entertaining stress-free and delicious.
Fun, handheld size ideal for parties, tailgates, or family meals.
Customizable: swap proteins or toppings to suit every taste!

Ingredients for Hot Honey Chicken Sliders with Pickles and Slaw

12 slider buns
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup buttermilk

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch
2 teaspoon garlic powder

2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Vegetable oil, for frying
1 cup sliced pickles (bread & butter or dill)
2 cups shredded cabbage (green or mixed)

½ cup shredded carrots
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon celery seed
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the hot honey:

½ cup honey
2 tablespoon hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot or similar)

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Directions: Hot Honey Chicken Sliders with Pickles and Slaw

Step 1: Marinate and Prep the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine chicken thighs and buttermilk. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight for extra tenderness).

Step 2: Make the Slaw

In a medium bowl, toss together shredded cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, celery seed, salt, and pepper. Cover and chill until ready to assemble.

Step 3: Prepare the Hot Honey

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and butter. Stir constantly until just bubbling and butter is melted (about 2 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside. For more on making infused honey sauces, see this Serious Eats guide.

Step 4: Coat and Fry the Chicken

In a shallow dish, whisk flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each thigh in the flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
Heat 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
Fry chicken in batches (do not crowd the pan), 4–5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Transfer to a wire rack to drain.

Step 5: Assemble the Sliders

Brush or drizzle hot honey over fried chicken pieces while still warm.
Split slider buns. Layer each with a piece of hot honey chicken, a spoonful of slaw, and pickles. Top with the bun.
Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet, spicy crunch!

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Notes for Hot Honey Chicken Sliders with Pickles and Slaw

To save time, use pre-shredded slaw mix or store-bought slaw dressing.
Adjust hot honey heat by varying hot sauce or pepper flakes. See more on making hot honey.

Chicken can be baked at 425°F (220°C) for 18-20 minutes if you prefer not to fry.

Variations for Hot Honey Chicken Sliders with Pickles and Slaw

BBQ Chicken Sliders: Swap hot honey for smoky barbecue sauce.
Buffalo-Style Sliders: Use buffalo sauce on chicken and blue cheese slaw.

Vegetarian Option: Substitute crispy baked cauliflower or tofu for chicken.

Required Equipment

Large mixing bowls
Deep skillet or Dutch oven

Wire rack or paper towels
Thermometer for oil temperature
Tongs

Small saucepan

Storage Instructions for Hot Honey Chicken Sliders with Pickles and Slaw

Store fried chicken (without slaw and buns) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Slaw is best fresh but can be kept refrigerated for 2 days.

Reheat chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes to crisp up before assembling sliders.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve with crispy sweet potato fries or kettle chips.
Pair with a cold, citrusy beer or refreshing lemonade.

Great alongside corn on the cob or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

Pro Tips for the Best Hot Honey Chicken Sliders with Pickles and Slaw

Let fried chicken rest on a wire rack (not paper towels) to stay extra crispy. Learn more about frying chicken perfectly.
Don’t assemble sliders until right before serving to avoid soggy buns.

Use homemade pickles for an extra punch of flavor.

FAQ: Hot Honey Chicken Sliders with Pickles and Slaw

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?: Yes! Chicken breast works great—just cut into slider-sized pieces and be careful not to overcook.
Is there a way to make these ahead?: Absolutely! Fry chicken and prep slaw ahead, then assemble just before serving for the best texture.
How spicy is the hot honey?: The spice level is moderate, but you can adjust the hot sauce and pepper flakes to taste.

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Hot Honey Chicken Sliders with Pickles and Slaw