Flavorful Nashville Hot Honey Chicken Sliders with Easy Pickled Jalapeño Slaw

The air is thick with spicy, sweet aromas as I pull a tray of golden-brown sliders from the oven. These Flavorful Nashville Hot Honey Chicken Sliders with Easy Pickled Jalapeño Slaw offer a mouthwatering experience that combines tender, spicy chicken with a cool, crunchy slaw. With a total time of about 2 hours, including marinating, this recipe works wonders for anyone craving a delicious twist on classic comfort food.

This recipe is perfect for gatherings, game days, or whenever you’re in the mood for something hearty yet easy to prepare. You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge, making mealtime a breeze.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The crispy chicken has a satisfying crunch with every bite.
• A marinade ensures the chicken is flavorful and moist.
• The slaw adds a refreshing contrast to the spicy chicken.
• Each slider is an easy-to-eat, perfect portion for parties.

What You’ll Need

Get ready to gather your ingredients for this amazing dish.

For the Chicken

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt thinned with milk)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• Vegetable oil for frying (canola recommended)

For the Hot Honey Glaze

• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons Nashville hot sauce (or favorite hot sauce with cayenne)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

For the Pickled Jalapeño Slaw

• 1 cup shredded green cabbage
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced pickled jalapeños
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (vegan mayo optional)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembling

• 12 slider buns or small dinner rolls (lightly toasted)
• Optional: butter for toasting buns

Gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Chicken thighs can be replaced by chicken breasts.
• Buttermilk can be substituted with yogurt thinned with milk.
• Use your favorite hot sauce if Nashville hot sauce isn’t available.
• Gluten-free buns can replace regular slider buns.

How to Make It

Let’s dive into the steps for creating these delicious sliders.

Marinate the chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken thighs, coat fully, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Prepare the pickled jalapeño slaw

Mix shredded cabbage, carrots, pickled jalapeños, mayonnaise, lime juice, sugar, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Stir well, cover, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Make the hot honey glaze

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, Nashville hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Warm gently until smooth and pourable, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.

Coat the chicken

Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in flour, pressing lightly to coat evenly. Shake off extra flour.

Fry the chicken

Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Drain on wire rack over baking sheet.

Glaze the chicken

Toss warm fried chicken in hot honey glaze until thoroughly coated but not dripping.

Toast the buns

Lightly butter slider buns and toast in skillet or under broiler until golden brown.

Assemble sliders

Place glazed chicken on the bottom half of the bun, top with pickled jalapeño slaw, then crown with the top bun. Serve immediately.

How to Store It

Fridge: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: No, the chicken will lose its crispness.
Reheat: Heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Marinate the chicken overnight for better flavor absorption.
• Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying to prevent steaming.
• For extra crunch, add more pickled jalapeños to the slaw.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve at your next tailgate party for a crowd-pleaser.
• Pair with craft beer or soda for a casual meal.
• Enjoy with a side of sweet potato fries for a complete dinner.