Crispy Fried Chicken Sliders

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Fried Chicken Sliders are the ultimate mini sandwiches—packed with juicy, golden-fried chicken, sandwiched between soft slider buns, and topped with your favorite fixings. Perfect for parties, game nights, or weeknight dinners, these sliders bring all the bold flavors and crunch of classic fried chicken in a fun, handheld size.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless chicken thighs or breastsbuttermilkhot sauceall-purpose flourcornstarchgarlic powderonion powderpaprika cayenne peppersalt and peppervegetable oilslider bunsmayonnaisepicklescoleslaw (optional)

directions

Cut the chicken into slider-sized portions and place in a bowl.

Pour buttermilk and a splash of hot sauce over the chicken, mix, and let marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour (up to overnight).

In a separate bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

Heat oil in a deep pan or skillet to 350°F (175°C).

Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture.

Carefully place the coated chicken into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–6 minutes per side depending on thickness.

Transfer to a wire rack to drain and cool slightly.

Toast slider buns and spread mayonnaise on the bottom halves.

Place a piece of fried chicken on each bun, then top with pickles and coleslaw if using.

Cover with the top bun and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 8 sliders.Preparation time: 15 minutesMarinating time: 1 hour or moreCooking time: 15–20 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marination)

Variations

Use spicy mayo or aioli instead of regular mayonnaise.

Add cheese slices for a creamy twist.

Swap coleslaw with lettuce and tomato for a classic burger feel.

Use brioche or Hawaiian rolls for a touch of sweetness.

Try air-frying the chicken for a lighter version.

storage/reheating

Store leftover chicken separately from buns to maintain crispiness.Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheat chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes or until hot and crispy.Avoid microwaving to preserve crunch.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, just slice them into smaller pieces to fit the buns and adjust cooking time accordingly.

How do I make it extra crispy?

Double-dip the chicken by dredging it in the flour mixture twice for a thicker crust.

Can I skip the marination?

Marination is key for flavor and tenderness, but if you’re short on time, let it sit for at least 30 minutes.

What oil is best for frying?

Vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil all work well due to their high smoke points.

Can I bake instead of fry?

Yes, but the texture will be different. Bake at 425°F (220°C) until cooked through and golden, about 25–30 minutes.

Can these be made ahead?

You can fry the chicken in advance and reheat it in the oven before assembling the sliders.

What toppings go well with these sliders?

Pickles, slaw, cheese, jalapeños, and spicy mayo are all great choices.

Are these good for meal prep?

Yes—store the components separately and assemble when ready to eat.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour and buns to accommodate dietary needs.

Are they kid-friendly?

Yes, just adjust the spice level to suit younger palates.

Conclusion

Crispy Fried Chicken Sliders are a mouthwatering combination of crunchy, juicy chicken and soft, fluffy buns—all in a perfectly portioned size. With endless topping possibilities and irresistible texture, they’re sure to become a crowd favorite for any occasion.

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