Description
These Honey Mustard Chicken Sliders feature crispy, golden fried chicken breasts coated in a flavorful breading and topped with a tangy honey mustard sauce, cheddar cheese, and fresh veggies. Perfect for parties or a fun family meal, these sliders combine juicy chicken with a sweet and savory sauce on soft slider buns for a delicious handheld treat.
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
Serving
- 12 slider buns
- 4 slices cheddar cheese, quartered (or 16 small squares)
- Lettuce leaves (optional)
- Sliced tomatoes (optional)
- Pickle chips (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Pieces: Cut chicken breasts into slider-sized portions (2-3 inches square, 1/2 inch thick). Butterfly thick breasts to create thinner pieces if needed for even cooking.
- Set up the Breading Station: Prepare three shallow dishes: Dish 1 with flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (optional), salt, and black pepper; Dish 2 with beaten eggs; Dish 3 with panko breadcrumbs.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Rest the Breaded Chicken: Place breaded chicken pieces on a plate or baking sheet and let rest for 10-15 minutes to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, pour vegetable oil about 1/4 inch deep and heat over medium-high until a breadcrumb sizzles and turns golden brown on contact, indicating the oil is ready.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place chicken pieces in hot oil without overcrowding. Fry each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove and Drain: Use a slotted spoon to transfer fried chicken to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Make the Honey Mustard Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Adjust Sauce to Taste: Modify the sauce seasonings as desired, adding more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tanginess.
- Chill Sauce (Optional): Refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together for better taste.
- Prepare the Buns: Optionally, lightly toast the slider buns to add slight crispness and warmth.
- Assemble the Sliders: Spread a generous layer of honey mustard sauce on both the top and bottom halves of each bun.
- Add the Chicken: Place one piece of fried chicken on the bottom half of each bun.
- Add Cheese (Optional): Top each chicken piece with a quarter slice of cheddar cheese.
- Add Toppings (Optional): Add lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes, and pickle chips over the cheese if desired.
- Top the Slider: Place the top bun half over the fillings to complete the slider.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the sliders right away while chicken is warm and crispy for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Butterflying thicker chicken breasts helps ensure even cooking and tender pieces.
- Letting breaded chicken rest before frying enhances the coating’s adhesion and crispiness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For a healthier alternative, bake the breaded chicken at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- The honey mustard sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 3 days.
- Optional toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles add freshness and crunch to the sliders.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: honey mustard chicken sliders, fried chicken sliders, chicken slider recipe, honey mustard sauce, party sliders
