Crispy Fried Chicken Sliders (Makes 12 Sliders)

🍔 Crispy Fried Chicken Sliders (Makes 12 Sliders)

These Crispy Fried Chicken Sliders feature juicy chicken with an extra-crispy coating, topped with a creamy, slightly spicy special sauce. They’re perfect for parties, game days, family gatherings, or as a fun main meal.

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Marinating Time: At least 2 hours (overnight is best)
Yield: 12 sliders

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 600 g (about 1⅓ pounds) chicken breast or boneless chicken thighs, cut into 12 slider-sized pieces
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, let stand for 10 minutes)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

For the Breading

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

For Frying

  • Vegetable oil, enough for deep frying

Special Sauce

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped pickles
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For Assembling

  • 12 mini slider buns
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • Chopped romaine lettuce
  • 12 pickle slices
  • 6 slices cheddar cheese, cut in half (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder.

Add the chicken pieces and coat them well.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the juiciest, most flavorful chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

In a shallow dish, combine:

  • Flour
  • Cornstarch
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Black pepper
  • Cayenne pepper (if using)

Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chicken marinade to the flour mixture.

Mix with your fingertips until small crumbs form. This creates an extra-crispy, crunchy coating.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off.

Press each piece firmly into the breading mixture until completely coated.

For an even thicker crust, dip the chicken back into the marinade and coat it with the flour mixture a second time.

Let the breaded chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying to help the coating adhere better.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil to 340–350°F (170–175°C).

Carefully fry the chicken for 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Transfer the chicken to a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep the coating crispy.

Step 5: Toast the Buns

Brush the inside of each slider bun with melted butter.

Toast them in a skillet over medium heat until lightly golden and slightly crisp.

Step 6: Make the Special Sauce

In a small bowl, combine:

  • Mayonnaise
  • Dijon mustard
  • Honey
  • Hot sauce
  • Chopped pickles
  • Garlic powder

Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Assemble the Sliders

Layer each slider in this order:

  1. Bottom bun
  2. Special sauce
  3. Chopped romaine lettuce
  4. Crispy fried chicken
  5. Half slice of cheddar cheese (optional)
  6. Pickle slice
  7. Another drizzle of special sauce
  8. Top bun

Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Tips for the Best Fried Chicken Sliders

  • Boneless chicken thighs produce an even juicier slider.
  • Don’t overcrowd the fryer, or the oil temperature will drop and the coating won’t stay crispy.
  • Resting the breaded chicken before frying helps the crust stick better.
  • Use a thermometer to keep the oil at a steady temperature.
  • Toasting the buns adds extra flavor and prevents them from becoming soggy.

For Nashville-Style Sliders

Right after frying, brush the chicken with a mixture of:

  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon brown sugar

This gives the sliders a delicious sweet-and-spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

These crispy chicken sliders pair perfectly with:

  • Crispy French fries
  • Potato wedges
  • Coleslaw
  • Macaroni salad
  • Pickle spears
  • Sweet potato fries
  • Lemonade
  • Iced tea
  • Sparkling lemonade

Storage

Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven or air fryer for 5–8 minutes to restore its crispy texture.

These Crispy Fried Chicken Sliders are irresistibly crunchy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and loaded with creamy, tangy flavor. Whether you’re serving them at a party, cookout, or family dinner, they’re sure to disappear fast! 🍔🍗✨

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