Whether you’re hosting a game day bash, prepping for a potluck, or just want a weeknight meal that gets everyone excited, these Fried Chicken Sliders deliver in every way!
We’ll show you everything you need to make perfect fried chicken sliders at home.
From the right marinade to the crispiest coating and the most flavorful toppings, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s dive into how you can bring restaurant-quality sliders to your kitchen.
Why Everyone Loves Fried Chicken Sliders
Fried chicken sliders are more than just a smaller version of a chicken sandwich. They’re a crowd-pleasing favorite for a reason:
- Bite-sized portions make them ideal for sharing or party platters
- The crispiness of fried chicken paired with soft buns is a winning combo
- Easily customizable for picky eaters or adventurous palates
- Great for meal prep, potlucks, or weeknight dinners with minimal fuss
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Sliders
To make fried chicken sliders that are truly unforgettable, high-quality ingredients and the right flavor balance are key:
- Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken thighs are preferred for tenderness and juiciness, but breasts work as well if sliced thin.
- Buttermilk: A buttermilk marinade helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
- Spices: A mix of paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, onion powder, and black pepper brings bold flavor to both the marinade and dredging mix.
- Buns: Soft slider buns, such as brioche or Hawaiian rolls, are perfect for contrast against the crunchy chicken.
- Toppings: Classic choices include pickles, creamy coleslaw, spicy mayo, or cheese.
How to Make Fried Chicken Sliders (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps to make crispy, juicy fried chicken sliders from scratch:
- Marinate the Chicken: Soak chicken pieces in a buttermilk mixture with spices for at least 1 hour (or overnight) to tenderize and flavor the meat.
- Prepare the Dredging Station: Combine flour with spices in a shallow bowl. Dredge the marinated chicken until well coated.
- Heat the Oil: Use a heavy skillet or deep fryer. Heat oil to 350°F and fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain and Rest: Let fried chicken rest on a wire rack to maintain crispiness.
- Assemble the Sliders: Toast the buns if desired, add sauce, layer on chicken, pickles, slaw, or other toppings, and serve warm.
Best Sauces and Toppings for Chicken Sliders
Great sliders are all about the finishing touches. Elevate yours with a mix of bold, creamy, and crunchy toppings:
- Spicy Mayo: Mix mayo with hot sauce or chipotle for a flavorful kick.
- Coleslaw: Adds creaminess and crunch. Try a vinegar-based slaw for tang or creamy slaw for richness.
- Pickles: Classic dill pickles balance the richness of the fried chicken.
- Cheese: Melted cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella can add another layer of indulgence.
- Honey Butter: For a Southern-style twist, brush slider buns with honey butter before assembling.
Air Fryer & Oven-Baked Options
Looking for a lighter alternative to deep frying? You can still achieve crispy chicken using an air fryer or oven:
- Air Fryer: Spray breaded chicken lightly with oil and cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The result is crunchy and less greasy.
- Oven-Baked: Place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes. While not as crispy as frying, it’s healthier and still delicious.
Both methods are excellent for batch cooking or when you’re short on time.
Serving Ideas and Side Dishes
Fried chicken sliders are versatile enough to serve in many ways:
- Party Platters: Serve a variety of sliders with different sauces and toppings for guests to enjoy.
- Family Dinners: Pair with fries, mac and cheese, or roasted veggies.
- Lunch Meal Prep: Pack sliders with a simple side salad or fruit for a satisfying lunch.
- Slider Bar: Set up a DIY slider bar with multiple toppings and sauces so everyone can customize their own.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but make sure it’s fully thawed before marinating to ensure even cooking.
What buns work best?
Soft brioche or Hawaiian slider buns are ideal for flavor and texture.
How do I keep sliders crispy after frying?
Place fried chicken on a wire rack to cool and avoid stacking them before serving. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
Crispy Fried Chicken Sliders
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, sliced thin)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional
For the Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For Frying:
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
To Assemble:
- 6 slider buns brioche or Hawaiian rolls work best
- 6–12 dill pickle slices
- ½ cup coleslaw optional
- 2 tbsp spicy mayo or your preferred sauce
- 1 tbsp melted butter optional, for brushing buns
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne (if using).
- Add chicken pieces to the bowl, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight is best for maximum flavor).
Prepare the Dredge
- In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Bread the Chicken
- Remove chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off.
- Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat thoroughly. Set aside on a plate.
Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken in batches for 4–6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly and stay crispy.
Assemble the Sliders
- Toast slider buns in a skillet or oven (optional).
- Spread spicy mayo or your favorite sauce on the bottom bun.
- Add fried chicken, pickle slices, and coleslaw (if using).
- Top with the other half of the bun and brush lightly with melted butter if desired.
Serve
- Serve warm immediately or keep warm in the oven at 200°F until ready to serve.