These sliders combine sweet and spicy flavors in a handheld format. Grilling the chicken gives it a slight char that balances the sticky hot honey glaze.
You can assemble a full batch in about 25 minutes. They work well for casual dinners or as an appetizer for a gathering.
Why is Hot Honey Chicken Sliders a Must-Try?
Grilling the chicken thighs ensures a tender texture and adds a smoky flavor profile.
Chopping the cooked chicken before assembling makes the sliders easier to bite into and pull apart.
Heating the assembled rolls melts the cheese to hold the chicken and pickles securely in place.
Hot Honey Chicken Sliders Ingredients
• Chicken thighs: Boneless and skinless thighs stay moist over high heat. You can substitute chicken breasts, but they may cook faster.
• Hot sauce: A vinegar-based hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot works well to balance the sweetness of the honey.
• Hawaiian rolls: These sweet rolls come in a connected sheet. Keep them attached when slicing to make assembly faster.
• Pepper jack cheese: Adds another layer of heat. You can use provolone or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
• Pickles: Dill pickle chips provide an acidic crunch that cuts through the rich glaze and cheese.
Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Sliders
Step 1: Prepare the sauce and chicken
Mix the hot honey glaze in a small bowl. Toss the chicken thighs with the spice blend and olive oil to coat them evenly.
Step 2: Grill the chicken
Cook the chicken until it reaches a safe internal temperature. Glaze the meat right at the end so the sugar in the honey does not burn.
Step 3: Assemble the sliders
Slice the rolls in half and spread the mustard mixture on the bottom layer. Add the chopped chicken, cheese, and pickles.
Step 4: Melt the cheese
Place the top buns on the sliders and brush them with butter. Heat the assembled rolls until the cheese melts and the bread is warm.
Expert Tips for Hot Honey Chicken Sliders
Chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
You can bake these sliders in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes if you do not want to use a grill for the final step.
Adjust the spice level by reducing the hot sauce to 2 tablespoons (30 ml) and omitting the red pepper flakes.
What to Serve with Hot Honey Chicken Sliders?
Serve these sliders with potato chips, creamy coleslaw, or a simple green salad.
How to Store and Freeze Hot Honey Chicken Sliders
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese melts. They do not freeze well once assembled.
Hot Honey Chicken Sliders Recipe FAQs
Can I make the hot honey sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the hot honey sauce up to a week in advance. Store it in a jar at room temperature and warm it slightly before using.
Can I cook the chicken on the stove?
You can cook the chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 to 7 minutes per side.
How do I prevent the slider buns from getting soggy?
The mayonnaise and mustard layer creates a barrier between the juicy chicken and the bread. Toasting the cut sides of the rolls before assembling also helps.
Hot Honey Chicken Sliders
Ingredients
- 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, 900 g
- 2 tbsp olive oil 30 ml
- 1 tsp smoked paprika 3 g
- 1 tsp garlic powder 3 g
- 1 tsp onion powder 3 g
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt 3 g
- 1/2 tsp black pepper 1 g
- 1/2 cup honey 120 ml
- 3 tbsp hot sauce 45 ml
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes 2 g
- 1 tbsp butter 14 g
- 1 package Hawaiian sweet rolls 12 count
- 6 slices pepper jack cheese
- 1/2 cup dill pickle chips 75 g
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise 30 g
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 15 g
- 2 tbsp melted butter 28 g
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds 9 g
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, combine the honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and 1 tablespoon (14 g) of butter. Microwave for 30 seconds or heat in a small saucepan until the butter melts, then stir well and set aside.
- Toss the chicken thighs with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side. The internal temperature must reach 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer.
- Brush the chicken with the hot honey sauce during the last minute of cooking. Remove from the grill, let rest for 3 minutes, and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Keep the grill on medium heat. Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Mix the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard, then spread the mixture over the bottom half of the rolls.
- Top the bottom buns evenly with the chopped chicken, pepper jack cheese slices, and dill pickles.
- Place the top buns on the sliders. Brush the tops with the melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Place the assembled sliders on the cooler side of the grill or over indirect heat. Close the lid and heat for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts and the rolls are warm.
Notes
