Description
These Honey Mustard Chicken Sliders feature crispy, golden fried chicken breasts coated in a flavorful breading, topped with a tangy honey mustard sauce, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh toppings on soft slider buns. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a fun main dish, these sliders combine classic comfort flavors with an easy frying method to deliver a delicious handheld 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, 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
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)
- Lettuce leaves, for topping (optional)
- Sliced tomatoes, for topping (optional)
- Pickle chips, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Pieces: Cut chicken breasts into slider-sized portions approximately 2-3 inches square and about 1/2 inch thick. If your chicken breasts are thick, butterfly them to ensure even thickness for frying.
- Set up the Breading Station: Arrange three shallow dishes: Dish 1 holds the flour mixed with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper; Dish 2 contains the beaten eggs; Dish 3 has the panko breadcrumbs.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each piece of chicken first in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat evenly with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Rest the Breaded Chicken: Place the breaded chicken pieces on a plate or baking sheet and let them rest for 10-15 minutes to help the coating set and stick during frying.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet to about 1/4 inch depth and heat over medium-high. Check readiness by dropping a breadcrumb into the oil; it should sizzle and turn golden brown quickly.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully add chicken pieces to the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding. Fry each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove and Drain: Using a slotted spoon, transfer fried chicken onto a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil and keep crispiness intact.
- Make the Honey Mustard Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until completely smooth and well combined.
- Adjust Sauce Flavors: Taste the sauce and add extra honey for sweetness or apple cider vinegar for a tangier flavor if desired.
- Chill Sauce (Optional): Refrigerate the honey mustard sauce for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld, though it can be used immediately if preferred.
- Prepare the Buns: Lightly toast the slider buns to add texture and prevent sogginess from the sauce.
- Assemble the Sliders: Spread the honey mustard sauce on both bun halves, place a piece of fried chicken on the bottom bun, top with a quarter slice of cheddar cheese, and add optional toppings such as lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and pickle chips.
- Finish and Serve: Complete the sliders by adding the top bun half and serve immediately while chicken is warm and crispy.
Notes
- Butterflying thicker chicken breasts ensures even cooking and crisp coating.
- Resting the breaded chicken before frying helps the breading adhere better during frying.
- Use a thermometer to confirm chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
- Adjust honey mustard sauce sweetness and tanginess to your taste.
- To keep sliders crispy longer, serve immediately after assembly.
- Optional toppings can be customized to your preference.
- For a healthier version, consider oven-baking the breaded chicken though it will not be as crispy as frying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: honey mustard chicken sliders, fried chicken sliders, slider recipe, chicken sliders with honey mustard sauce, appetizer sliders
