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Epic Crispy Chicken & Bacon Sliders

Bite-sized brioche sliders loaded with buttermilk fried chicken, sharp cheddar, thick-cut bacon, fresh greens, and a creamy honey mustard sauce.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 sliders
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken & Marinade
  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 8 pieces total
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp hot sauce
Breading & Frying
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 qt cooking oil for frying
Slider Assembly
  • 8 small brioche slider buns
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • 8 strips thick-cut bacon cooked crisp and halved
  • 1 small red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 cup arugula or shredded lettuce
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives finely chopped
Honey Mustard Mayo
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp honey

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Wire Rack and Baking Sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Skillet for toasting buns

Method
 

  1. Marinate chicken pieces in buttermilk and hot sauce for at least 2 hours.
  2. Whisk mayo, Dijon, and honey together to create the sauce. Set aside in fridge.
  3. Mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Drizzle in 2 tbsp of the buttermilk marinade and rub to create crispy flakes.
  4. Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour, pressing firmly to adhere.
  5. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry chicken in batches for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack and immediately top with cheddar cheese so it melts.
  7. Brush cut sides of buns with butter and toast in a skillet. Brush tops lightly with butter and sprinkle with chives.
  8. Assemble sliders: bottom bun, sauce, arugula, red onion, cheesy chicken, crispy bacon, top bun with sauce.
  9. Serve immediately on a platter or wooden board.

Notes

Chicken can marinate overnight for maximum tenderness. Ensure frying oil stays close to 350°F to avoid greasy chicken.