Honey BBQ Chicken Sliders

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast (cut in half to create smaller pieces)
• 1.5 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 0.25 cup hot sauce
• 0.25 cup pickle juice
• 1.5 cup all purpose flour (for marinade)
• 0.5 cup cornstarch (for marinade)
• 2 tsp garlic powder (for marinade)
• 2 tsp onion powder (for marinade)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (for marinade)
• 1 tsp salt (for marinade)
• 1 tsp black pepper (for marinade)
• 0.5 tsp chicken seasoning (for marinade)
• 0.5 tsp msg (optional)
• oil (for frying)
• 1 cup all purpose flour (for dredge)
• 0.5 cup cornstarch (for dredge)
• 2 tsp garlic powder (for dredge)
• 2 tsp onion powder (for dredge)
• 1 tsp chili powder (for dredge)
• 1 tsp cayenne powder (for dredge)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (for dredge)
• 1 tsp salt (for dredge)
• 0.5 tsp black pepper (for dredge)
• 0.5 tsp chicken seasoning (for dredge)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for sauce)
• 0.333 cup bbq sauce (for sauce)
• 0.25 cup honey (for sauce)
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (for sauce)
• 1 tbsp ketchup (for sauce)
• 0.5 tsp brown sugar (for sauce)
• 0.125 tsp salt (for sauce)
• 12 slider buns (estimated quantity)
• 2 tbsp melted butter (for buns)
• 1 tsp parsley (dried or fresh, for bun topping)
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder (for bun topping)

Steps

1. 1

   In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, buttermilk, seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, chicken seasoning, and optional MSG), pickle juice, and hot sauce. Mix well to ensure the chicken is fully submerged.

2. 2

   Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 3 hours, or overnight in the refrigerator for the best flavor and texture.

3. 3

   In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the dredge ingredients: all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder (if using), cayenne, salt, and pepper.

4. 4

   Fill a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer with oil and heat it to 350°F (175°C).

5. 5

   Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade one by one, letting any excess liquid drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure a thick, even coating.

6. 6

   Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil. Fry in batches for 4–6 minutes, or until the exterior is golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

7. 7

   Drain the fried chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to maintain crispness.

8. 8

   In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, butter, BBQ sauce, hot sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and salt. Whisk until well combined.

9. 9

   Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from the heat.

10. 10

    Brush the fried chicken pieces generously with the honey BBQ sauce on both sides.

11. 11

    Slice the slider buns horizontally. Brush the cut sides with butter and place them in a pan over medium-high heat. Toast until slightly golden brown.

12. 12

    In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, parsley, and garlic powder. Brush this mixture over the tops of the buns.

13. 13

    Assemble the sliders by placing the sauced chicken on the bottom buns and topping with the garlic-buttered bun lids.

Notes

For the best results, marinate the chicken overnight. This helps tenderize the meat and ensures the flavor penetrates deeply. You can use a wire rack for draining the chicken to prevent the bottom from getting soggy.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• chicken
• fried chicken
• sliders
• sandwiches
• bbq
• party food
• comfort food