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This honey mustard chicken slider recipe is my favorite for quick lunches or casual gatherings. Crispy breaded chicken meets a tangy honey mustard sauce nestled in soft slider buns delivering big flavor in a small package.
The balance of crispy chicken and sweet tangy sauce is irresistible. I threw these together for a last-minute game night and they disappeared faster than I expected.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Cut into slider-sized portions ensure perfect bites. Choose fresh, firm chicken for the best texture.
- All-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs: Create a crispy, crunchy coating that stays crunchy. Use fresh panko for maximum crispness.
- Paprika: Adds a mild smoky note which complements the honey mustard sauce beautifully.
- Garlic and onion powder: Deepen the flavor in the breading and sauce.
- Eggs: Help the coating stick to the chicken forming that crispy crust.
- Vegetable oil: Is excellent for frying with a high smoke point. Use a neutral oil for frying to let the spices shine.
- Mayonnaise: Gives the sauce a smooth, creamy base. Look for full-fat for richness.
- Dijon mustard: Brings a gentle bite and tang that balances the sweetness of honey. Choose a good quality Dijon for bright flavor.
- Honey: Sweetens the sauce naturally; use pure honey if you can.
- Apple cider vinegar: Lends brightness and a little zing to cut through richness.
- Slider buns: Should be soft but slightly sturdy to hold all the fillings. Check freshness for a tender bite that still holds together when eating.
- Optional toppings: Like cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles add texture and freshness.
Instructions
- Build The Breading Stations:
- Arrange three shallow dishes for a smooth coating process. Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and pepper in the first dish to season the flour coating. Beat the eggs in the second dish to help the breadcrumbs stick. Place the panko breadcrumbs in the third dish for that crispy outer layer.
- Prepare The Chicken:
- Cut the chicken breasts into slider-sized portions about two to three inches square and half an inch thick. Butterfly thicker breasts so all pieces cook evenly. This ensures perfect juicy chicken inside crispy coating.
- Bread The Chicken:
- Dredge each piece first in the flour mixture coating all sides evenly. Then dip into the beaten eggs making sure every inch is covered before pressing into panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the crumbs stick well.
- Rest Before Frying:
- Let the breaded chicken rest on a plate or baking sheet for 10 to 15 minutes; this helps the coating adhere better and prevents it from falling off during frying.
- Heat The Oil:
- Pour vegetable oil into a skillet about one-quarter inch deep and heat over medium high until hot but not smoking. Test readiness by dropping a breadcrumb into the oil which should sizzle immediately and turn golden brown.
- Fry The Chicken:
- Carefully place a few pieces into the hot oil without overcrowding to keep oil temperature consistent. Fry for three to four minutes per side until golden and chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is cooked through and juicy inside.
- Drain Excess Oil:
- Remove fried chicken pieces using a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack set over paper towels. This drains excess oil letting the coating stay crisp and not soggy.
- Make The Honey Mustard Sauce:
- In a medium bowl whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust honey for more sweetness or vinegar for more tang if desired.
- Chill Sauce:
- For best flavor meld, refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes. This step is optional but highly recommended for a more rounded taste.
- Toast The Buns:
- Lightly toast slider buns before assembling to add a little crisp texture and avoid sogginess from sauce.
- Assemble Sliders:
- Spread honey mustard sauce generously on both halves of each bun. Place one piece of fried chicken on the bottom bun followed by a quarter slice of cheddar cheese if using. Top with lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and pickle chips if you like. Finish with the top bun.
- Serve Immediately:
- These sliders are best served warm so the chicken stays crispy and the cheese slightly melts.
My favorite ingredient is the honey mustard sauce. It strikes that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy which keeps the sliders exciting every time. Making these reminded me of family cookouts where simple food brought everyone together effortlessly.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to two days to keep the coating crunchy. Reheat chicken in a toaster oven instead of microwave to maintain crispness. Assemble sliders just before eating.
Ingredient Swaps
Chicken tenders or thighs work well instead of breasts for a juicier bite. Swap panko breadcrumbs for crushed cornflakes or crushed nuts for a different texture. Use spicy brown mustard instead of Dijon for a bolder sauce flavor.
Serving Ideas
Pair sliders with a simple green salad or coleslaw for a fresh contrast. Add crispy bacon strips for an indulgent twist. Serve alongside sweet potato fries or kettle chips for a satisfying meal.
Also letting the sauce chill really helps the flavors develop fully.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → What is the best way to get the chicken crispy?
Coating the chicken in a seasoned flour mix followed by beaten eggs and panko breadcrumbs creates a crunchy exterior. Frying in hot oil until golden brown ensures a crisp finish.
- → Can these sliders be baked instead of fried?
Yes, baking the breaded chicken pieces at 400°F (200°C) until cooked through will result in a lighter, still crispy texture without frying.
- → How can I adjust the sauce’s flavor?
Modify the honey amount for sweetness or add a splash more apple cider vinegar for extra tanginess to balance the creamy Dijon mustard base.
- → What toppings pair best with these sliders?
Lettuce, fresh sliced tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and pickle chips complement the savory chicken and tangy sauce well, adding freshness and texture.
- → How should the sliders be assembled for best results?
Lightly toasting the buns helps prevent sogginess. Spread the honey mustard sauce on both halves before layering the crispy chicken, cheese, and toppings to keep flavors balanced in each bite.
- → Can the sliders be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, the chicken and sauce can be made in advance, then assembled just before serving to maintain crispness and freshness.