Chef Mitchell preparing Spicy Chicken Sliders
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered the magic of Spicy Chicken Sliders during a summer BBQ with friends. The combination of crispy chicken, spicy sauce, and fresh toppings was an instant hit. Over the years, I've perfected my recipe, adjusting the spice levels to suit everyone. Now, they are a staple at our family gatherings and always leave everyone asking for more!"

With over a decade of experience in the culinary world, Chef Mitchell specializes in American cuisine. Having created thousands of delicious recipes, he has a passion for transforming classic dishes into modern favorites. His expertise in lunch recipes, particularly sliders, has made him a go-to for easy and flavorful meals.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Spicy Chicken Sliders served on a plate

Why This Spicy Chicken Sliders Recipe Works

This Spicy Chicken Sliders recipe works due to the combination of juicy chicken, a crispy coating, and a spicy buffalo sauce that ties everything together. The sliders are easy to assemble, making them perfect for quick lunches or casual gatherings. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by a spicy kick that keeps you coming back for more.

Using buttermilk to marinate the chicken ensures it remains moist and flavorful. The frying technique delivers a perfect golden crust while sealing in the juices. The addition of fresh toppings adds a refreshing contrast to the spice, elevating these sliders to a must-try dish.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying the chicken to achieve a crispy texture. Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the oil; it should be around 350°F. Also, do not overcrowd the pan while frying to maintain the oil temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to fry. Just remember to marinate the chicken in the buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. You can also assemble the sliders and store them in the fridge, but it's best to add the toppings just before serving for freshness.

If you don't have buttermilk, you can create a substitute by mixing 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using. This will give you a similar tangy flavor and acidity needed for tenderizing the chicken.

The sliders are done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check. The chicken should also be golden brown and crispy on the outside. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before assembling the sliders to lock in moisture.

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken pieces. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat them in the oven until warmed through.

Spicy Chicken Sliders pair well with a variety of sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or sweet potato fries. You can also serve them with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese for added flavor. For a refreshing drink, consider iced tea or lemonade.

Cooked Spicy Chicken Sliders can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. When you reheat them, ensure they are heated all the way through before consuming.

Yes, you can prepare the chicken ahead and fry it the day you plan to serve. Alternatively, assemble the sliders without toppings and store them in the fridge. Just add the toppings before serving to keep everything fresh.

The best way to reheat Spicy Chicken Sliders is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the sliders on a baking sheet. Cover them with aluminum foil to prevent drying out, and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your sliders turn out dry, it may be due to overcooking the chicken.

Solution: To prevent this in the future, monitor the cooking time closely and use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F without overcooking.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: Sliders may be soggy if the chicken isn't coated properly or if the oil isn't hot enough.

Solution: Make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly and check the oil temperature before frying. If needed, fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: If the sliders are overcooked, they may be tough and chewy.

Prevention: To avoid overcooking, keep an eye on the timer and check the internal temperature of the chicken regularly.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center of the chicken is undercooked, it can pose health risks.

Recovery: Ensure the chicken pieces are evenly sized for even cooking, and utilize a meat thermometer for accuracy.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the exterior of your sliders is burnt, the oil may have been too hot.

Prevention: Keep the oil temperature around 350°F and adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning while cooking.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the sliders are too sweet, add a bit more salt to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: To counteract saltiness, add a touch of sugar or serve with a creamy dip.

Bland: If the sliders are bland, amp up the spices in the coating or add more buffalo sauce.

Fresh ingredients for Spicy Chicken Sliders

Essential Ingredients for Spicy Chicken Sliders

The key ingredients for Spicy Chicken Sliders include tender chicken marinated in buttermilk, which ensures moisture and flavor. The spice blend enhances the chicken's taste, making each bite irresistible. Fresh toppings like lettuce and tomatoes add a refreshing crunch, while the slider buns hold everything together perfectly.

Quality ingredients are essential to achieving the best flavor. Using fresh, high-quality chicken and spices will elevate your sliders. Always opt for fresh vegetables for toppings to enhance the overall taste and texture.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken: Choose high-quality chicken thighs or breasts for the best flavor. Marinating in buttermilk not only tenderizes the meat but also adds a rich flavor profile.
  • Buffalo Sauce: Select a good-quality buffalo sauce. If you like it extra spicy, feel free to add more or choose a hotter variety for marinating and drizzling.
  • Slider Buns: Soft slider buns are essential for the perfect bite. Toasting them lightly adds a nice texture and flavor while keeping them from becoming soggy.
Cooking process for Spicy Chicken Sliders

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for Spicy Chicken Sliders involves marinating, coating, and frying the chicken to golden perfection. The key is to ensure that the oil is at the right temperature for a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy. Assembling the sliders is quick and can be done while the chicken is frying.

Achieving the perfect results relies heavily on technique. Monitoring the cooking temperature and time is crucial to ensure tender and juicy chicken. Each layer of flavor from the spices to the toppings contributes to the overall deliciousness of the sliders.

Key Technique for Perfect Spicy Chicken Sliders

The most important technique for making these sliders is the marination process. Allowing the chicken to soak in buttermilk not only tenderizes but also infuses flavor. Pair this with a well-seasoned coating and proper frying technique, and you'll achieve sliders that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Spicy Chicken Sliders

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1/2 cup hot sauce
    Your favorite brand
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
    For added flavor
  • 1 tsp vinegar
    For acidity
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
    For a smoky hint

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs chicken
    Cut into pieces
  • 1 cup buttermilk
    For marinating
  • 1 cup flour
    For coating
  • 2 tsp paprika
    For flavor
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
    For heat
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
    For flavor
  • 1 tsp onion powder
    For flavor
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
    For seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
    For seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
    For crunch
  • 1/2 cup sliced tomatoes
    For freshness
  • 1/2 cup pickles
    For tang
  • 12 slider buns
    For serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken

    In a bowl, marinate the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to tenderize.

  2. Mix Dry Ingredients

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

  3. Coat Chicken

    Remove chicken from the buttermilk and dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well coated.

  4. Fry Chicken

    Heat oil in a deep skillet and fry the coated chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.

  5. Prepare Slider Buns

    While the chicken is frying, lightly toast the slider buns in the oven.

  6. Assemble Sliders

    Spread buffalo sauce on the bottom half of each slider bun, add fried chicken, and top with lettuce, tomato, and pickles.

  7. Add Butter

    Brush the melted butter on the top half of the slider bun before placing on top of the assembled slider.

  8. Serve

    Serve the spicy chicken sliders warm and enjoy!

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store leftover Spicy Chicken Sliders, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the cooked chicken pieces separately and assembling the sliders fresh.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spicy Chicken Sliders with a side of crispy fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for balance. A dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese pairs wonderfully with the heat of the sliders.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to experiment with different toppings, such as avocado, jalapeños, or different cheeses. You can also try using grilled chicken for a lighter version of these sliders.