Honey Mustard Chicken Sliders Recipe
Crunchy, flavorful Honey Mustard Chicken Sliders featuring tender breaded chicken breasts fried to golden perfection and topped with a tangy homemade honey mustard sauce, cheddar cheese, and fresh veggies on soft slider buns. Perfect for parties, game day, or a satisfying meal with a delightful sweet and tangy kick.
- Author: Natalie
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Chicken and Breading
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into slider-sized portions (about 2–3 inches square, 1/2 inch thick)
- 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)
- Lettuce leaves (optional)
- Sliced tomatoes (optional)
- Pickle chips (optional)
- Prepare the Chicken Pieces: Cut chicken breasts into slider-sized portions measuring approximately 2-3 inches square and about 1/2 inch thick. If some pieces are thick, butterfly them to ensure even cooking and a uniform thickness.
- Set up the Breading Station: Arrange 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 seasoned flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and lastly coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs well.
- Rest the Breaded Chicken: Lay the breaded chicken pieces on a plate or baking sheet and let them rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps the coating set and reduces shedding when frying.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, pour vegetable oil about 1/4 inch deep and heat over medium-high until hot. Test readiness by dropping a breadcrumb into the oil—if it sizzles and turns golden brown quickly, the oil is ready.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place chicken pieces into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each piece for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the exterior is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove and Drain: Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked chicken to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil and keep the coating crispy.
- Make the Honey Mustard Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust Sauce to Taste: Taste and modify the sauce by adding more honey for sweetness or apple cider vinegar for tanginess if desired.
- Chill the Sauce (Optional): Refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and deepen.
- Prepare the Buns: If preferred, lightly toast the slider buns to add a bit of crispness and warmth.
- Assemble the Sliders: Spread the honey mustard sauce evenly on both halves of each bun. Place a piece of fried chicken on the bottom half, then top with a quarter slice of cheddar cheese.
- Add Toppings: Add lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes, and pickle chips as desired to each slider for freshness and extra flavor.
- Finish the Sliders: Cap each slider with the top half of the bun.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the sliders hot while the chicken is warm and the cheese slightly melty for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Butterflying thicker chicken pieces ensures even cooking and helps achieve a crisp coating.
- Resting breaded chicken before frying reduces breading loss in the oil.
- Use a thermometer to confirm internal chicken temperature is 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- The honey mustard sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; stir before using.
- Optional toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles add freshness, but sliders are delicious even without them.
- For a spicier kick, increase cayenne pepper slightly or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Honey mustard chicken sliders, chicken sliders, homemade sliders, honey mustard sauce, fried chicken sliders, game day food, party snacks