When it comes to game day snacks or Friday night dinners, nothing hits the spot quite like hot honey chicken sliders. I remember the first time I whipped these up; it was a rainy Sunday afternoon during football season, and our usual wings just felt a bit uninspired. I had a jar of local honey, a bottle of my favorite hot sauce, and a pack of slider rolls in the pantry. What started as a kitchen experiment quickly turned into a family legend. The way the sticky, spicy glaze seeps into the soft, buttery rolls while the crispy chicken provides that satisfying crunch is purely magical. These hot honey chicken sliders have since become the most requested dish at every gathering I host, and today, I’m thrilled to share all my secrets with you.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
- Perfect Flavor Balance: The combination of spicy chili heat and floral sweetness creates a multidimensional flavor profile that keeps everyone coming back for more.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you are hosting a Super Bowl party or a birthday bash, these bite-sized sandwiches are easy to grab and even easier to love.
- Versatile Preparation: You can use store-bought crispy chicken tenders for a quick weeknight meal or bread your own for a truly gourmet experience.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, you can have these hot honey chicken sliders on the table in under 45 minutes, making them a savior for busy schedules.
If you love these flavor profiles, you might also want to check out The Ultimate Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Bites for another sweet and savory treat. Much like those bites, our hot honey chicken sliders rely on a high-quality glaze to truly shine.
Key Ingredient Notes
The success of these hot honey chicken sliders depends on a few hero ingredients that bring the heat and the sweet together in harmony. First and foremost, let's talk about the chicken. I prefer using high-quality chicken breast tenders. If you are in a rush, a good quality frozen breaded chicken tender works wonders, but if you have time, frying them fresh adds an extra layer of crunch. Secondly, the rolls are crucial. Hawaiian sweet rolls are the industry standard here because their inherent sweetness complements the spicy honey perfectly.
Finally, the hot honey itself is the star of the show. You can buy pre-made hot honey, but making your own allows you to control the spice level. I combine clover honey with a dash of apple cider vinegar and a generous amount of cayenne or red pepper flakes. For another incredible appetizer that pairs well with these, consider serving The Most Addictive Glazed Kielbasa and Pineapple Bites You’ll Ever Serve alongside your sliders for a full spread of finger foods.
Step-by-Step Guide with Pro Tips
Creating the perfect hot honey chicken sliders is all about the layers. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, prepare your crispy chicken. If you are using frozen tenders, bake or air fry them until they are exceptionally crispy. A soggy slider is a sad slider, so ensure that chicken has a firm crust before it ever meets the bun.
Preparing the Glaze
In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together your honey, hot sauce, a tablespoon of butter, and a pinch of garlic powder. Let it simmer just until the butter is melted and the flavors have melded. Do not let it boil, as honey can burn and become bitter. Once the glaze is ready, toss your cooked chicken tenders in about half of the mixture. You want them well-coated but not dripping.
Assembling the Sliders
Slice the entire pack of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the individual rolls attached. Place the bottom half in a baking dish. Layer on some sliced provolone or pepper jack cheese—this acts as a delicious glue. Place one hot honey chicken piece on each roll, then top with another slice of cheese and pickles if you like that vinegary tang. Place the top half of the rolls back on. Brush the tops with melted butter and a sprinkle of poppy seeds or sesame seeds. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to get that golden brown finish.
Pro Tip: To keep any leftovers fresh, I highly recommend using a Basics Glass Food Storage set. It keeps the rolls from drying out and allows for easy reheating the next day.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
There are endless ways to customize your hot honey chicken sliders. For a "Nashville Hot" twist, add some extra cayenne and serve with extra-thick dill pickle chips. If you prefer a creamier finish, a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing inside the slider can cut through the heat beautifully. You can also swap the provolone for sharp cheddar if you want a bolder cheese flavor.
When it comes to serving, these hot honey chicken sliders pair wonderfully with a crisp coleslaw. The cold, crunchy cabbage provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, spicy chicken. You could also serve them with sweet potato fries or a simple side salad to round out the meal. Because they are so rich, a zesty beverage like a ginger beer or a cold lemonade is the perfect accompaniment.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Protein | 18g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 850mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 15g |
Conclusion
Making hot honey chicken sliders is more than just a recipe; it's about creating a moment of pure comfort and joy. Whether you're cheering for your team or just enjoying a quiet night in, these sliders bring a spark of excitement to the table. They are easy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) these as much as I do. Don't forget to experiment with the spice levels and make the recipe your own. Happy cooking!
FAQs
Can I make hot honey chicken sliders ahead of time?
While you can prep the ingredients, it is best to assemble and bake the hot honey chicken sliders right before serving to ensure the rolls stay soft and the chicken stays crispy.
What is the best type of chicken to use for sliders?
Breaded and fried chicken tenders are best for hot honey chicken sliders because they provide the necessary crunch to stand up to the soft rolls and honey glaze.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover hot honey chicken sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 300u00b0F to maintain crispiness.
Hot Honey Chicken Sliders
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Description
Deliciously sweet and spicy crispy chicken sliders topped with a hot honey glaze and melted cheese on buttery Hawaiian rolls.
Ingredients
1 pack (12 count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
12 crispy breaded chicken tenders (cooked)
1/2 cup honey
2 tablespoons hot sauce (like Frank's RedHot)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
6 slices provolone or pepper jack cheese
1/4 cup melted butter
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Pickle slices (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, vinegar, and garlic powder. Stir until well blended and warm.
Step 3: Slice the entire block of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally and place the bottom half in the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Place 3 slices of cheese over the bottom buns. Arrange the cooked crispy chicken tenders over the cheese.
Step 5: Drizzle half of the hot honey mixture over the chicken tenders. Add pickles if desired.
Step 6: Top with the remaining 3 slices of cheese and place the top half of the rolls on top.
Step 7: Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with poppy seeds.
Step 8: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and buns are golden.
Notes
For extra spice, add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the honey glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Tacos Wraps & Sandwiches
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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