Fried Chicken Sliders

Introduction

Fried Chicken Sliders are a mouthwatering combination of crispy, juicy chicken served on soft slider buns, making them the perfect handheld comfort food. The golden, crunchy chicken is complemented by a tangy sauce, fresh toppings, and pillowy buns, creating a perfect balance of flavor and texture in every bite.

I first made these sliders when I was looking for a fun and easy dish to serve at a family gathering, and they were a huge hit. The best part is how versatile they are—you can customize them with your favorite sauce or add extra toppings like pickles, lettuce, or cheese. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, serving appetizers at a gathering, or just craving a quick but satisfying meal, these sliders are sure to please.

With the crispy chicken and soft, fluffy buns, these sliders are the perfect combination of comfort and indulgence. They’re simple to make, yet incredibly delicious, and are guaranteed to be a crowd favorite!

Perfect for:

• Game day snacks
• Family dinners
• Party appetizers
• Picnics
• Comfort food cravings

Why You’ll Love This Fried Chicken Sliders

Here’s why Fried Chicken Sliders will become a staple in your recipe collection:

• Crispy and Juicy Chicken: Perfectly seasoned, golden-brown fried chicken with a juicy center is the star of these sliders.
• Quick and Easy: These sliders come together quickly, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Customizable Toppings: You can easily switch up the toppings to suit your preferences, making this recipe versatile and fun.
• Perfect for Sharing: These sliders are just the right size to serve as appetizers or snacks at any event.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether served at a party or dinner, these sliders are guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 12 sliders
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 15g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Fried Chicken Sliders:

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into slider-sized pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Sliders:

• 12 slider buns
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce or honey (optional, for spicy or sweet mayo)
• Lettuce leaves
• Pickle slices
• Optional toppings: coleslaw, cheese, or tomato slices

Ingredient Highlights

• Buttermilk Marinade: The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and adds a tangy flavor while helping the breading stick better.
• Cornstarch and Flour Mixture: The combination of cornstarch and flour creates a super crispy coating on the chicken.
• Paprika and Garlic Powder: These seasonings add depth of flavor to the breading.
• Slider Buns: Soft, buttery slider buns are the perfect size for handheld sandwiches.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Fried Chicken Sliders:

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully coated, and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
2. Mix the Coating: In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.

Fry the Chicken:

4. Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
6. Drain the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Assemble the Sliders:

7. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise with hot sauce or honey for a flavorful spread.
8. Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the slider buns in a skillet or under the broiler for a few seconds until golden.
9. Assemble the Sliders: Spread the sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Layer with lettuce, a piece of fried chicken, pickle slices, and any additional toppings. Top with the other half of the bun.

How to Serve Fried Chicken Sliders

Fried Chicken Sliders are versatile and can be served in many ways:

• As an Appetizer: Serve these sliders on a large platter with dipping sauces for a party-friendly option.
• With Sides: Pair the sliders with fries, potato salad, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• For Game Day: Arrange the sliders on a tray with toothpicks for easy grabbing during the big game.
• Picnic Style: Pack these sliders in a container for a portable and satisfying picnic snack.

Additional Tips for Fried Chicken Sliders

Here are some tips to ensure your Fried Chicken Sliders turn out perfectly every time:

• Don’t Skip the Marinade: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps tenderize it and enhances the flavor.
• Use a Thermometer: Keep a kitchen thermometer on hand to monitor the oil temperature for perfectly fried chicken.
• Drain Properly: Let the fried chicken rest on a wire rack to stay crispy while draining excess oil.
• Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce to control the spice level.
• Keep Warm: If making a large batch, keep the cooked chicken warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven while frying the rest.

Recipe Variations for Fried Chicken Sliders

Here are 10 variations you can try for Fried Chicken Sliders:

1. Spicy Buffalo Sliders: Toss the fried chicken in buffalo sauce before assembling.
2. Honey Mustard Sliders: Use honey mustard as the sauce for a tangy-sweet flavor.
3. Southern-Style Sliders: Add coleslaw on top for a classic southern twist.
4. BBQ Chicken Sliders: Drizzle the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce.
5. Cheesy Sliders: Top each slider with a slice of cheddar or pepper jack cheese.
6. Asian-Inspired Sliders: Use a sesame seed bun and add a drizzle of hoisin or sriracha mayo.
7. Pickle-Brined Sliders: Brine the chicken in pickle juice for extra flavor before marinating in buttermilk.
8. Cajun Sliders: Add Cajun seasoning to the flour mixture for a spiced-up version.
9. Avocado Sliders: Top the chicken with fresh avocado slices for creaminess.
10. Breakfast Sliders: Add a fried egg and a drizzle of maple syrup for a breakfast twist.

Freezing and Storage for Fried Chicken Sliders

• Freezing: Store the fried chicken (without buns) in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until crispy.
• Storage: Keep leftover sliders in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain crispiness, store the chicken and buns separately.

Special Equipment for Fried Chicken Sliders

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Fried Chicken Sliders easier:

• Deep Fry Thermometer: Ensures the oil stays at the correct frying temperature.
• Wire Rack: Helps keep the chicken crispy while it drains.
• Mixing Bowls: For marinating and breading the chicken.
• Heavy-Bottomed Pot: Ideal for frying and maintaining consistent heat.
• Tongs: Use tongs to safely handle the chicken while frying.
• Toothpicks: Useful for securing the sliders if serving as appetizers.
• Basting Brush – To apply sauces or glazes to the fried chicken.
• Mandoline or Knife – For slicing vegetables (like pickles, lettuce, or onions) evenly for the sliders.
• Slotted Spoon – For safely removing the chicken from the hot oil.
• Slider Buns – While not exactly a tool, having soft, small buns is essential for assembling the sliders.

Frequently Asked Questions for Fried Chicken Sliders

1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
   Yes, bake the coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) on a greased wire rack over a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
2. Can I use chicken tenders?
   Absolutely! Chicken tenders are a great option for sliders and require minimal cutting.
3. What’s the best way to reheat fried chicken?
   Reheat fried chicken in a 375°F (190°C) oven to restore crispiness.
4. Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
   You can prepare the fried chicken in advance and reheat it before assembling the sliders.
5. What buns work best for sliders?
   Soft, slightly sweet slider buns like brioche or potato rolls are ideal.

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Conclusion

Fried Chicken Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food, combining crispy fried chicken with fresh toppings and soft buns. Perfect for parties, game days, or family dinners, these sliders are easy to make and endlessly customizable. Whether you prefer them spicy, sweet, or classic, these sliders are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone who tries them.

This recipe is as simple to prepare as it is delicious, making it a great choice for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a casual gathering or as a fun weeknight meal, these fried chicken sliders will have everyone coming back for more.

I’d love to see how your Fried Chicken Sliders turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!