Fried chicken sliders are a delicious and convenient way to enjoy the classic flavor of fried chicken sandwiches in mini form. These mini sandwiches are perfect for a quick snack or as part of a larger meal, and they are sure to be a hit for kids and adults alike.
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The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.
The first I made these sliders, I got a standing ovation from my family at the dinner table. I’m exaggerating here a bit, but my oldest told me it was the best chicken sandwich she’s ever had. I’d count that as a huge win!
These little sandwiches are perfect for a weeknight dinner or serve as an appetizer at a dinner party. For this recipe, I’ve provided instructions for deep frying or air frying the chicken on the sandwiches. Both turned out delicious, so I’d suggest using whichever method you prefer.
Serve these alongside our Vinegar Coleslaw, Creamy Coleslaw, or Southern Potato Salad.
Ingredients for Fried Chicken Sliders
- Fried Chicken - buttermilk, hot sauce, all-purpose flour, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and cayenne pepper. This is my go-to fried chicken recipe ingredients.
- Spicy Mayo - mayonnaise, hot sauce, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder.
- Sandwich Ingredients - Hawaiian rolls and dill pickle slices. I prefer the sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls, but any other dinner rolls will do here.
How to make Fried Chicken Sliders
Marinate the chicken
Combine buttermilk and hot sauce in a bowl and whisk to combine. Add chicken pieces and stir, making sure all pieces are covered. Cover and marinate in the fridge for 1 hour.
Bread the chicken
In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk mixture and drain off any excess milk. Dip the chicken pieces into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour.
Place the chicken pieces on a wire rack or plate. Place in the fridge for 15 minutes. This will help the flour stick to the chicken.
Fry the chicken pieces.
To air fry
Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit.
Place the chicken pieces in a single layer and close the air fryer basket. Air fry for 6 minutes.
After 6 minutes, open the air fryer basket and lightly spray the chicken with oil. Flip the pieces and spray. Continue to air fry for an additional 6-7 minutes, or until the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
To deep fry
In a large, heavy bottom pot, heat 2-3 inches of oil over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Add the floured chicken pieces to the pot, about 4-5 pieces at a time, and fry for 6-8 minutes, until chicken pieces are golden and have reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove and set aside on a wire rack to cool.
Assemble sandwich
Add pickle slices and fried chicken to the bottom of each slider bun.
Make the spicy mayo by combining mayonnaise, hot sauce, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the mayo on the top of each slider bun. Place the top on the sandwiches. Serve and enjoy.
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
These sliders are best served the day they are made. However, you can soak the chicken in the buttermilk mixture up to 24 hours ahead of time. You can also combine the flour mixture and prepare the spicy mayo ahead of time.
Why soak the chicken in buttermilk?
Buttermilk is a great way to add moisture and flavor to the chicken. It helps tenderize the meat, making it extra juicy and flavorful when cooked. Soaking chicken in buttermilk also helps keep it from drying out during cooking.
Pro Tips
- Make sure to slice the breast before cutting it into 3-inch pieces. You want the chicken pieces to be thin rather than thick.
- Serve the sandwiches warm.
Variations
- You can use chicken thighs rather than breasts if you prefer.
- Top the sliders with buffalo sauce for a buffalo chicken slider.
- Top the sliders with lettuce and tomato.
I hope you enjoy these sliders as much as we do. Looking for other fried chicken recipes? Try these out:
Fried Chicken Sliders
Ingredients
Fried Chicken
- 2 8 oz chicken breasts sliced in half and cut into 3-inch pieces
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup hot sauce
- ¾ cup All-Purpose Flour
- 2 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Canola oil for frying*
Spicy Mayo
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Sandwich
- 12 Hawaiian rolls
- ½ cup dill pickle slices
Instructions
Marinate Chicken
- Combine buttermilk and hot sauce in a bowl and whisk to combine. Add chicken pieces and stir, making sure all pieces are covered. Cover and marinate in the fridge for 1 hour.
Bread Chicken
- In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk mixture and drain off any excess milk. Dip the chicken pieces into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour. Place the chicken pieces on a wire rack or plate. Place in the fridge for 15 minutes.
To use the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the chicken pieces in a single layer and close the air fryer basket. Air fry for 6 minutes.
- After 6 minutes, open the air fryer basket and lightly spray the chicken with oil. Flip the pieces and spray. Continue to air fry for an additional 6-7 minutes, or until the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
To Deep Fry
- In a large, heavy bottom pot, heat 2-3 inches of oil over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Add the chicken pieces to the pot, about 4-5 pieces at a time, and fry for 6-8 minutes, until chicken pieces are golden and have reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove and set aside on a wire rack to cool.
Assemble Sandwiches
- Add pickle slices and fried chicken on the bottom of each slider bun.
- Make the spicy mayo by combining mayonnaise, hot sauce, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the mayo on the top of each slider bun. Place the top on the sandwiches. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- How much canola oil is used will determine whether you air fryer or deep fry. You will only need a light spray of oil if using the air fryer. For deep frying, you will need about 2-3 cups of canola oil.
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