Fried chicken sliders

Introduction

Fried chicken sliders are the perfect bite-sized twist on a classic favorite. Combining crispy, golden fried chicken with soft buns and a variety of toppings, these mini sandwiches are a crowd-pleaser for any gathering, game day, or casual dinner. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something indulgent, fried chicken sliders offer all the flavor of a full-sized fried chicken sandwich in a more portable and shareable form. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the best fried chicken sliders at home.

The History

Sliders, in general, have roots in the early 20th century American culinary scene. The term “slider” is believed to have originated from U.S. Navy slang, where the small, greasy burgers would “slide” right through the diner. Fried chicken sliders, while a more modern twist, became popular in the 2000s as chefs and home cooks alike began experimenting with miniaturizing classic comfort foods. Today, fried chicken sliders are a staple at food trucks, diners, and restaurants across the United States and beyond, often served with gourmet sauces and artisanal buns.

Ingredients Breakdown

Fried chicken sliders are made from two main components: the fried chicken patty and the slider buns. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect bite:

Chicken: Boneless chicken breasts or thighs are typically used. Thighs are more flavorful and moist, while breasts are leaner.
Buttermilk: Soaking the chicken in buttermilk tenderizes the meat and adds a tangy flavor.
Flour and Seasonings: A mix of all-purpose flour and spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper creates a flavorful crust.
Egg: Helps the flour coating stick to the chicken.
Oil: High smoke point oils like vegetable or peanut oil are best for frying.
Buns: Soft slider buns or Hawaiian rolls work best, offering a sweet and fluffy contrast to the crispy chicken.
Toppings: Popular options include pickles, coleslaw, hot sauce, honey, lettuce, and cheese.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Prepare the Chicken: Cut boneless chicken breasts or thighs into thin slices or use a meat mallet to flatten them slightly.
Marinate: Soak the chicken in buttermilk mixed with a pinch of salt and hot sauce (optional) for at least 30 minutes or overnight for more flavor and tenderness.
Set Up Dredging Station: In one bowl, beat an egg. In another, mix 1 cup flour, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper.
Dredge the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then into the flour mixture, pressing the coating to adhere. Let rest for 5 minutes for the coating to set.
Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the Chicken: Fry the chicken pieces for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Drain: Place the fried chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the slider buns in a toaster or oven until golden.
Assemble: Place a piece of fried chicken on the bottom bun, add your favorite toppings, then cover with the top bun.

Tips

Double Dredge: For extra crispy chicken, dip the chicken in the egg and flour mixture twice before frying.
Use a Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly without being dry, use a meat thermometer.
Rest the Chicken: Letting the chicken rest for 5–10 minutes after frying helps the juices redistribute.
Oil Temperature: If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside and stay raw inside. If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Use a Wire Rack: Instead of paper towels, use a wire rack to drain fried chicken to keep it crispy.
Make Ahead: You can fry the chicken ahead of time and reheat it in the oven for best results.

Variations and Customizations

Spicy Fried Chicken: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk or flour mixture.
Honey Butter Chicken: Brush the chicken with a honey-butter glaze after frying.
BBQ Sliders: Top with barbecue sauce and coleslaw for a Southern twist.
Cheesy Sliders: Melt a slice of cheese like cheddar or pepper jack on top of the fried chicken before assembling.
Sriracha Mayo: Mix sriracha with mayonnaise and spread it on the buns for a spicy kick.
Parmesan Crusted: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the flour mixture for a savory, crispy crust.
Vegan Option: Use tofu or cauliflower as a substitute for chicken and vegan buns for a plant-based version.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

Fried chicken sliders are a treat and should be enjoyed in moderation. Here’s a rough nutritional breakdown per slider (assuming 12 sliders from 2 chicken breasts):

Calories: 250–300 kcal
Protein: 12–15g
Fat: 12–16g (depending on oil absorption)
Carbohydrates: 20–25g (mostly from buns and flour coating)

To make a healthier version:

Bake Instead of Fry: Coat the chicken and bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden and crispy.
Use Whole Wheat Buns: For added fiber and nutrients.
Leaner Cuts: Opt for chicken breasts over thighs to reduce fat content.
Light Toppings: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in sauces or opt for fresh veggies like lettuce and tomatoes.

Ingredients

2 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
1 cup buttermilk
1 egg
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Vegetable or peanut oil (for frying)
12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
Optional toppings: pickles, lettuce, tomato, cheese, coleslaw, hot sauce, honey, etc.

Directions

Cut chicken into thin slices or flatten slightly with a meat mallet.
Marinate in buttermilk with a pinch of salt and optional hot sauce for 30 minutes to overnight.
Set up a dredging station: beat egg in one bowl, mix flour and seasonings in another.
Dip each chicken piece in egg, then flour mixture, pressing to coat. Let rest for 5 minutes.
Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
Fry chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
Toast the slider buns lightly.
Assemble each slider with a piece of chicken and desired toppings.