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Nashville Hot Honey Chicken Sliders with Creamy Ranch Slaw

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These Nashville hot honey chicken sliders feature crispy, spicy fried chicken tossed in a sweet hot honey glaze, topped with a cool, creamy ranch slaw, and served on soft brioche buns. Perfect for parties, game day, or a fun weeknight dinner, they deliver bold Southern flavor with a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into slider-sized pieces
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tbsp hot sauce (such as Frank’s or Crystal)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1–2 tsp cayenne pepper (to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups neutral oil (canola or peanut oil) for frying
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1–2 tbsp cayenne pepper (for glaze, to taste)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup honey (plus extra for drizzling)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder (for glaze)
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt (for glaze)
  • 2 cups shredded green cabbage (or slaw mix)
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 2 scallions, chopped
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp buttermilk (for slaw)
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder (for slaw)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Kosher salt and black pepper to taste (for slaw)
  • 12 brioche slider buns
  • Pickle chips (bread-and-butter or dill, for topping)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup buttermilk, 2 tbsp hot sauce, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours).
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp buttermilk, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped dill, 1 tbsp chopped parsley, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Fold in 2 cups cabbage, 1/2 cup carrots, and 2 chopped scallions. Chill until ready to use.
  3. In a shallow dish, stir together 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1-2 tsp cayenne, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper.
  4. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mix, pressing firmly to coat. Set on a plate (do not stack). For extra crunch, double-dip: dunk back in buttermilk, then in flour again.
  5. Heat oil (about 2 cups) in a large skillet over medium heat to 350°F. Working in batches, fry chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together 4 tbsp melted butter, 1-2 tbsp cayenne, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1/3 cup honey, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, and 1/4 tsp salt until smooth. Brush or toss the fried chicken with the glaze while still hot.
  7. Slice brioche slider buns and toast lightly if desired. Add a generous spoonful of ranch slaw to the bottom bun, top with a hot honey chicken piece, extra honey drizzle if desired, and a couple of pickle chips. Finish with the top bun and secure with a toothpick if serving at a party.
  8. Serve immediately for maximum crunch and flavor.

Notes

For extra crispy chicken, double-dip in buttermilk and flour. Adjust cayenne to control spice level. Keep fried chicken warm in a low oven if batch cooking. Use gluten-free flour and buns for a gluten-free version, or plant-based swaps for dairy-free. Assemble sliders just before serving to prevent soggy buns.

Nutrition

Keywords: Nashville hot chicken, sliders, party food, fried chicken, hot honey, ranch slaw, Southern, spicy chicken, game day, appetizer, comfort food

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/nashville-hot-honey-chicken-sliders-easy-party-recipe-with-creamy-ranch-slaw/