Nashville Hot Honey Chicken Slider Sandwich

If you’re in search of a deliciously spicy yet sweet sandwich that’s sure to impress, look no further than Nashville Hot Honey Chicken Sliders. This mouthwatering dish is a delightful twist on classic Southern fried chicken, infusing it with a fiery kick and a drizzle of honey that creates a symphony of flavors. Perfect for game days, casual family dinners, or any gathering where you want to serve something truly special, these sliders are not only easy to prepare but even easier to devour.

Spice up your next gathering with Nashville Hot Honey Chicken Sliders—an irresistible combination of heat and sweetness! This fun twist on Southern fried chicken features juicy chicken thighs marinated in buttermilk and coated in a fiery, homemade hot sauce, topped with a drizzle of honey. Perfect for game days, family dinners, or any occasion, these sliders are easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Discover how to create this delicious dish with our step-by-step guide!

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup buttermilk

1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Frank's RedHot)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetable oil for frying

For the Nashville Hot Sauce:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt to taste

For the Honey Sauce:

1/2 cup honey

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

For Assembling:

12 slider buns

Pickles (dill or bread-and-butter), for topping

Sliced tomatoes and lettuce (optional)

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

- In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken thighs, making sure they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor).

Prepare the Dredging Station:

- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Fry the Chicken:

- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

- Remove chicken from the marinade and allow excess buttermilk to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring a good coating.

- Fry the chicken in batches, about 3-4 pieces at a time, for 5-7 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.

- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Make the Nashville Hot Sauce:

- In a bowl, combine the melted butter, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Adjust the heat by adding more cayenne if desired. Stir until well combined.

Toss Chicken in Hot Sauce:

- Once the chicken is cooked and drained, toss it in the Nashville hot sauce until well coated.

Prepare the Honey Sauce:

- In a small bowl, mix honey, apple cider vinegar, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well and set aside.

Assemble the Sliders:

- Slice the slider buns in half. Drizzle a bit of honey sauce on the bottom half of each bun.

- Place a piece of spicy chicken on top, followed by a few pickles and lettuce/tomato if using. Drizzle a bit more hot honey on top of the chicken before closing with the bun lid.

Serve:

- Arrange the assembled sliders on a platter. Serve warm and enjoy the sweet and spicy flavor explosion!

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 12 sliders