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Fried Chicken Sliders

Fried Chicken Sliders are a mouthwatering combination of crispy, juicy chicken served on soft slider buns, making them the perfect handheld comfort food. 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. 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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.

Instructions

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:

  1. Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 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).
  3. 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:

  1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise with hot sauce or honey for a flavorful spread.
  2. Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the slider buns in a skillet or under the broiler for a few seconds until golden.
  3. 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.

Nutrition