If you’re craving a bite-sized explosion of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, these Honey Butter Hot Chicken Sliders with Pickle Crunch are your new go-to. They pack all the punch of Nashville-style hot chicken, but with a luscious honey butter glaze and a refreshing pickle crunch that balances the heat perfectly. These sliders are ideal for game day, casual get-togethers, or whenever you want a little comfort food magic in slider form. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re as simple to make as they are irresistible to eat!
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something truly special about the combination of spicy chicken and sweet honey butter. The heat from paprika and garlic powder meets the mellow richness of melted butter and honey, creating a sauce that’s both fiery and smooth. Then, just when you think it can’t get better, the pickle crunch adds a burst of tangy freshness to every bite. Plus, using chicken breasts cut into perfect slider-sized pieces means each slider is juicy and tender.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply want a fun dinner, these sliders come together quickly with everyday ingredients. They’re incredibly flavorful but don’t rely on complicated techniques or hard-to-find spices. Honestly, they remind me of the cozy satisfaction from dishes like the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit Bake, but in a playful slider format.
Gather These Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into slider-sized pieces – the star of the show
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for searing the chicken
- 1 teaspoon paprika – for that smoky, mildly spicy flavor
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – adds a warm, aromatic depth
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – rounds out the savory notes
- Salt and pepper to taste – essential seasoning
- 6 slider buns – soft and slightly sweet to complement the heat
- 1/4 cup honey – the sweet counterpoint to the spice
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted – creates a rich glaze
- 1/2 cup dill pickles, chopped – for that irresistible pickle crunch
- 1/4 cup mayo – adds creaminess to the pickle topping
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – a hint of tang to brighten the mayo
Equipment Breakdown
- Large skillet or frying pan – for cooking the chicken pieces evenly
- Mixing bowl – to combine the honey butter glaze
- Small bowl – for mixing the pickle crunch topping
- Measuring spoons and cups – to keep ingredient ratios just right
- Knife and cutting board – for prepping chicken and pickles
Honey Butter Hot Chicken Sliders with Pickle Crunch, Made Easy
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into pieces roughly the size of your slider buns. This ensures each slider is perfectly bite-sized and cooks quickly. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece is evenly coated with the spices for that signature hot chicken flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully done but still juicy.
Step 3: Make the Honey Butter Glaze
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey and melted butter until smooth and well combined. This magical mixture will coat the chicken and balance out the heat with sweetness and richness.
Step 4: Toss Chicken in the Glaze
Once your chicken is cooked, transfer it to the bowl with the honey butter glaze. Toss gently to coat every piece thoroughly. The warm chicken will absorb the glaze beautifully, creating a sticky, flavorful coating.
Step 5: Prepare the Pickle Crunch Topping
In a small bowl, combine the chopped dill pickles, mayo, and Dijon mustard. Mix until creamy but still textured with pickle bits. This topping adds a cool, tangy crunch that perfectly contrasts the spicy-sweet chicken.
Step 6: Assemble Your Sliders
Slice your slider buns in half and lightly toast them if desired. Place a few pieces of glazed chicken on the bottom bun, then spoon over a generous dollop of the pickle crunch topping. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately.
Substitutions by Diet
- For a lower-fat version: Use light olive oil and swap butter for a plant-based margarine.
- To make it spicier: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the chicken seasoning.
- Dairy-free alternative: Replace butter with coconut oil and use a dairy-free mayo.
- Gluten-free option: Serve on gluten-free slider buns or lettuce wraps.
Chef’s Notes
- Cutting the chicken into uniform, slider-sized pieces ensures even cooking and a consistent bite.
- Don’t skip toasting the buns if you want a little extra texture and to prevent sogginess.
- The pickle crunch topping can be made ahead and refrigerated to let flavors meld.
- For an extra layer of flavor, try brushing the buns with the honey butter glaze before assembling.
- These sliders pair wonderfully with crispy sides like fries or a fresh salad.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
Keep any leftover chicken and pickle crunch topping stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through, then reassemble the sliders fresh to keep the buns from getting soggy. These sliders are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze cooked chicken pieces (without buns) for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Popular Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a juicier, more flavorful alternative. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and adjust cooking time as needed until fully cooked. For a delicious variation, check out the Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs With Rice Pilaf.
How spicy are these sliders?
These sliders have a mild to moderate heat from the paprika and spices, balanced by the sweet honey butter. You can easily adjust the spiciness by adding cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce if you prefer more kick.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the pickle crunch topping and the honey butter glaze in advance. Cooking the chicken just before serving ensures the best texture and flavor. If necessary, keep cooked chicken warm in a low oven while prepping the rest.
What’s the best way to serve these sliders?
Serve these sliders warm with classic sides like coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or even a light salad. They’re also great for parties and game days thanks to their easy-to-eat size and crowd-pleasing flavors.
Don’t Miss These
- Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit Bake – for a cozy chicken and biscuit casserole with a sweet glaze.
- Crispy Oven Fried Chicken With Country Gravy No Alcohol – a crispy, comforting chicken dish perfect for any dinner table.
- Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs With Rice Pilaf – a flavorful, one-pan meal that’s both simple and elegant.
Bring It Home
These Honey Butter Hot Chicken Sliders with Pickle Crunch offer an unforgettable flavor combo that’s sweet, spicy, creamy, and tangy all in one bite. They’re simple to make with ingredients you probably already have on hand, yet taste like a special treat. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just yourself, these sliders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy them fresh, savoring every sticky, crunchy, flavorful morsel!
Now that you’ve got the recipe, gather your ingredients, heat up your skillet, and get ready to indulge in one of the tastiest slider experiences around. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Honey Butter Hot Chicken Sliders with Pickle Crunch
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by cutting chicken breasts into slider-sized pieces. Pat dry, then season with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken pieces 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey and melted butter until smooth.
- Toss the cooked chicken in the honey butter glaze until evenly coated.
- In a small bowl, mix chopped dill pickles, mayo, and Dijon mustard to make the pickle crunch topping.
- Slice slider buns in half and toast if desired. Assemble sliders with glazed chicken and pickle crunch topping, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking and consistent bites.
- Toast buns lightly to add texture and prevent sogginess.
- Make pickle crunch topping ahead and refrigerate to meld flavors.
- Brush buns with honey butter glaze for extra flavor.
- Serve sliders with crispy fries or fresh salad for a complete meal.
