Crispy Chicken Slider Bites are everything you want in a party appetizer: crunchy, juicy, flavorful, and perfectly portioned. These mini sandwiches deliver the satisfying texture of golden fried chicken tucked inside soft slider buns with just the right amount of sauce and toppings. They are ideal for game days, casual dinners, family gatherings, or whenever you need a crowd-pleasing dish that disappears quickly.
The first time I made these sliders, I added a light drizzle of honey over the crispy chicken, and the sweet-and-savory contrast was incredible. The crunchy coating paired with creamy sauce and soft buns creates a balanced bite every single time. What I appreciate most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can keep it classic or easily customize it with different sauces and toppings. Once you try these Crispy Chicken Slider Bites, they will likely become a regular feature on your entertaining menu.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These sliders are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, easy to prepare, and perfectly sized for parties or quick family meals.
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Crispy Chicken Slider Bites – The Perfect Crunchy Mini Sandwich for Any Gathering
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Diet: Halal
Description
Crispy Chicken Slider Bites are golden, crunchy chicken pieces layered with fresh toppings and a creamy sauce on soft slider buns, making them perfect for parties, game day, or an easy family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 12 slider buns
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Pickle slices
- Shredded lettuce (optional)
Instructions
- Place chicken pieces in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, dredge in flour mixture, and shake off excess.
- Fry chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, honey, and Dijon mustard to create the sauce.
- Lightly toast slider buns if desired.
- Assemble sliders by placing crispy chicken on the bottom bun, topping with sauce, pickles, and lettuce, then covering with the top bun.
- Serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Notes
- For a spicy version, add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
- You can bake or air-fry the chicken for a lighter option.
- Keep fried chicken warm in a 200°F oven while finishing batches.
- Use brioche slider buns for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
Chicken breasts provide lean protein and cook quickly. When cut into small portions, they fit perfectly inside slider buns and fry evenly.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken while adding subtle tanginess. It also helps the coating adhere properly for maximum crispiness.
All-purpose flour
Flour forms the base of the crispy coating. It creates a golden crust when fried and helps seal in moisture.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch enhances the crisp texture of the coating, making the exterior extra crunchy.
Eggs
Eggs help bind the flour mixture to the chicken, ensuring a thick and even crust.
Garlic powder
Garlic powder adds savory depth to the coating without overpowering the chicken.
Paprika
Paprika provides mild warmth and a beautiful golden color to the crust.
Salt
Salt enhances the overall flavor of both the chicken and the coating.
Black pepper
Freshly ground black pepper introduces subtle heat and balance.
Slider buns
Soft slider buns provide a pillowy contrast to the crunchy chicken. Brioche-style buns work especially well.
Pickles
Pickles add acidity and crunch, balancing the richness of the fried chicken.
Mayonnaise or slider sauce
A creamy sauce ties everything together and adds moisture to each bite.
Vegetable oil
Vegetable oil is ideal for frying because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
Directions
Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into small, even pieces suitable for slider buns. Place the chicken in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs.
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dip each piece into the egg mixture, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure a thick coating.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pan to approximately 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 4 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
To assemble, spread mayonnaise or slider sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Add a piece of crispy chicken, top with pickles, and cover with the bun lid. Serve immediately while warm and crunchy.
Equipment needed : Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filli
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
Servings: 12 slider bites
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Marinating time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftover chicken separately from the buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may soften the crust. Assemble sliders just before serving.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe can easily be tailored to suit your preferences. For a spicy version, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade. You can also incorporate chili powder into the flour mixture for extra heat.
For a sweet-and-savory option, drizzle honey or hot honey over the chicken before assembling. I once added a slice of cheddar cheese and briefly broiled the assembled sliders, and the melted cheese added another delicious layer of richness.
If you prefer baking instead of frying, coat the chicken pieces with cooking spray and bake at 425°F (220°C) until golden and cooked through, flipping halfway for even browning.
For a lighter twist, use air frying to achieve crisp texture with less oil. You can also experiment with different sauces such as barbecue sauce, spicy mayo, ranch dressing, or honey mustard.
Adding shredded lettuce, coleslaw, or sliced tomatoes introduces freshness and additional texture. The versatility of these sliders makes them perfect for adapting to different occasions and flavor preferences.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Below is the approximate nutrition information per serving (1 slider):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 240 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 380 mg |
These sliders provide a balance of protein and carbohydrates, though frying increases overall fat content.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Maintain oil temperature
Keeping oil at a steady temperature ensures even cooking and crisp texture.
Use a wire rack
Draining on a rack prevents the bottom from becoming soggy.
Do not overcrowd
Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and proper browning.
Serve immediately
These sliders are best enjoyed fresh and hot for maximum crunch.
FAQs
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the chicken and refrigerate it for a few hours before frying.
Can I air fry the chicken?
Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) until golden and cooked through.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Can I freeze the fried chicken?
Yes, freeze cooked chicken pieces and reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.
What type of buns work best?
Soft brioche-style slider buns are ideal for texture and flavor.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute gluten-free flour and gluten-free buns.
Conclusion
Crispy Chicken Slider Bites offer the perfect combination of crunchy coating, juicy chicken, and soft buns in a convenient mini sandwich. They are easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to impress guests or family members. Whether served at parties or enjoyed as a fun dinner option, these sliders deliver bold flavor and satisfying texture in every bite.
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