Honey Mustard Chicken Sliders Recipe
Introduction
These Honey Mustard Chicken Sliders are perfect for a crowd or a casual meal. Crispy, tender chicken pairs beautifully with a tangy, sweet honey mustard sauce all nestled in soft slider buns. They’re easy to make and sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into slider-sized portions (about 2-3 inches square)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 slider buns
- 4 slices cheddar cheese, quartered (or 16 small squares)
- Lettuce leaves, for topping (optional)
- Sliced tomatoes, for topping (optional)
- Pickle chips, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut chicken breasts into slider-sized portions approximately 2-3 inches square and about 1/2 inch thick. Butterfly any thicker pieces for even cooking.
- Step 2: Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper; one with beaten eggs; and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Step 3: Dredge each chicken piece first in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat evenly with panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Step 4: Let the breaded chicken rest on a plate or baking sheet for 10-15 minutes to help the coating set.
- Step 5: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, about 1/4 inch deep. The oil is ready when a breadcrumb sizzles and turns golden brown.
- Step 6: Carefully fry the chicken pieces in the hot oil without overcrowding the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 7: Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Step 8: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth to make the honey mustard sauce.
- Step 9: Taste and adjust the sauce seasoning, adding more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tang if desired. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes if time allows to meld flavors.
- Step 10: Lightly toast the slider buns if you like, then spread honey mustard sauce on both halves of each bun.
- Step 11: Place a piece of fried chicken on the bottom half of each bun. Add a quarter slice of cheddar cheese on top of the chicken if desired.
- Step 12: Add optional toppings such as lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes, and pickle chips.
- Step 13: Cover with the top half of the bun and serve immediately while the chicken is warm and crispy.
Tips & Variations
- Butterfly thicker chicken pieces to ensure even cooking and a crispier crust.
- For extra flavor, add smoked paprika or cayenne to the flour mixture.
- Try swapping Dijon mustard for spicy brown mustard for a bolder sauce.
- Use mini pretzel buns for a fun twist on the sliders.
- To keep sliders warm before serving, place on a baking sheet in a low oven (around 200°F or 95°C).
Storage
Store any leftover chicken sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the chicken separately in a skillet or oven to maintain crispness before assembling the sliders again. The honey mustard sauce can be kept refrigerated for up to a week.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the breaded chicken pieces at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the chicken coating gluten-free. Also, check that all other ingredients, including buns, are gluten-free or substitute accordingly.
Print
Honey Mustard Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Description
Crispy, flavorful Honey Mustard Chicken Sliders featuring tender breaded and fried chicken breasts coated with a tangy honey mustard sauce, served on toasted slider buns with optional cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Perfect for a tasty appetizer, party snack, or casual meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Breading
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into slider-sized portions (about 2–3 inches square)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying
Honey Mustard Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Assembly
- 12 slider buns
- 4 slices cheddar cheese, quartered (or 16 small squares, optional)
- Lettuce leaves (optional)
- Sliced tomatoes (optional)
- Pickle chips (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Pieces: Cut chicken breasts into slider-sized portions about 2-3 inches square and 1/2 inch thick. Butterfly any thick breasts to ensure even thickness.
- Set up the Breading Station: Arrange three shallow dishes: Dish 1 with flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper; Dish 2 with beaten eggs; Dish 3 with panko breadcrumbs.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Rest the Breaded Chicken: Let the breaded chicken rest on a plate or baking sheet for 10-15 minutes to help the coating set.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil about 1/4 inch deep over medium-high heat. Oil is ready when a breadcrumb sizzles and turns golden brown.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place chicken pieces in hot oil without overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove and Drain: Use a slotted spoon to transfer chicken to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Make the Honey Mustard Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until smooth.
- Adjust Sauce to Taste: Modify seasoning by adding more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tanginess as desired.
- Chill the Sauce (Optional): Refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Buns: Lightly toast the slider buns if preferred for added texture and warmth.
- Assemble the Sliders: Spread honey mustard sauce on both halves of each bun, place a fried chicken piece on the bottom half, add a quarter slice of cheddar cheese if desired, then top with lettuce, tomato slices, and pickle chips if using.
- Serve: Place the top bun over the toppings and serve immediately while the chicken is warm and crispy.
Notes
- To ensure crispy chicken, do not overcrowd the skillet when frying.
- Butterflying thick chicken breasts helps them cook evenly and more quickly.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide a light and crispy texture for the chicken coating.
- The honey mustard sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated to enhance flavor.
- Optional toppings such as cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles add extra layers of flavor and texture.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Buns can be toasted on a skillet or in the oven for better texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Honey Mustard Chicken Sliders, Fried Chicken Sliders, Appetizer, Party Food, Slider Recipe
