Honey Mustard Chicken Sliders: The Ultimate Recipe Guide Recipe
These Honey Mustard Chicken Sliders feature crispy fried chicken breast pieces coated with a flavorful breading and topped with a creamy, tangy honey mustard sauce. Perfectly sized for sliders, they make an ideal appetizer or meal for gatherings and family dinners. The combination of crunchy chicken, melty cheddar cheese, and optional fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles provides a delicious balance of textures and flavors.
- Author: Viktoria
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
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)
- Lettuce leaves (optional)
- Sliced tomatoes (optional)
- Pickle chips (optional)
- Prepare the Chicken Pieces: Cut chicken breasts into slider-sized portions approximately 2-3 inches square and about 1/2 inch thick. Butterfly any thick pieces for more even cooking and thinner cutlets.
- Set up the Breading Station: Arrange three shallow dishes: Dish 1 with flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, 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 eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Rest the Breaded Chicken: Let the breaded chicken pieces rest on a plate or baking sheet for 10-15 minutes to help coating set.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil about 1/4 inch deep over medium-high heat until hot; test by dropping a breadcrumb into oil – it should sizzle and turn golden brown.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place breaded chicken pieces in hot oil without overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 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.
- Make Honey Mustard Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Adjust Sauce Flavor: Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tanginess as desired.
- Chill Sauce (Optional): Refrigerate the honey mustard sauce for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors, if time permits.
- Prepare Slider Buns: Lightly toast slider buns to add texture and warmth, if preferred.
- Assemble Sliders: Spread honey mustard sauce evenly on both halves of each bun, then place a fried chicken piece on the bottom bun.
- Add Cheese: Top each chicken piece with a quartered slice of cheddar cheese to add melty richness.
- Add Toppings: Add optional lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes, and pickle chips on top of the cheese for extra freshness and crunch.
- Finish and Serve: Place the top half of the slider bun over the toppings and serve immediately while chicken remains warm and crispy.
Notes
- Butterflying thick chicken breasts ensures even cooking and thinner pieces suitable for sliders.
- Resting the breaded chicken before frying helps the coating adhere better and results in crispier texture.
- Use a thermometer to confirm chicken is fully cooked (165°F/74°C) to ensure safety and juiciness.
- Adjust honey mustard sauce sweetness and tanginess to your preference by adding more honey or vinegar.
- To make prep faster, the honey mustard sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight.
- For a healthier option, consider baking the breaded chicken instead of frying, though frying yields a crispier exterior.
- Slider buns can be store-bought or homemade based on convenience and preference.
- Add fresh vegetable toppings to enhance flavor and texture contrast, or omit according to taste.
Keywords: honey mustard chicken sliders, fried chicken sliders, honey mustard sauce, crispy chicken sliders, slider recipe, appetizer chicken, finger foods