Flavorful Nashville Hot Honey Chicken Sliders with Easy Pickled Jalapeño Slaw

A sizzling aroma fills the air as these sliders, dripping with a sweet heat, hit the table. Flavorful Nashville Hot Honey Chicken Sliders with Easy Pickled Jalapeño Slaw are a delicious way to capture the essence of Southern cooking. The combination of spicy, sweet, and crunchy is irresistible, and they’re quick to prepare, making them a hit for any gathering.

This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or party appetizers. You can marinate the chicken the day before for the best flavor and tenderness, making this a truly convenient dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The chicken is perfectly juicy from marinating in buttermilk and spices.
• A crunchy slaw adds a fresh burst of flavor and texture.
• The hot honey glaze brings a delightful balance of sweet and spicy.
• These sliders are fun to assemble and even more fun to eat!

What You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients for these delightful sliders.

For the Chicken

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt thinned with milk)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• Vegetable oil for frying (canola recommended)

For the Hot Honey Glaze

• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons Nashville hot sauce (or favorite hot sauce with cayenne)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

For the Slaw

• 1 cup shredded green cabbage
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced pickled jalapeños
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (vegan mayo optional)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembling

• 12 slider buns or small dinner rolls (lightly toasted)
• Optional: butter for toasting buns

Note: Use Greek yogurt as a buttermilk substitute.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use chicken breasts for a leaner option.
• Swap regular cabbage with purple cabbage for color.
• Maple syrup can replace honey for a vegan version.
• Substitute pickled red onions for jalapeños if preferred.

How to Make It

Begin your culinary adventure with these simple steps.

Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken thighs, coat fully, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Prepare the Pickled Jalapeño Slaw

Mix shredded cabbage, carrots, pickled jalapeños, mayonnaise, lime juice, sugar, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Stir well, cover, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Make the Hot Honey Glaze

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, Nashville hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Warm gently until smooth and pourable, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.

Coat the Chicken

Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in flour, pressing lightly to coat evenly. Shake off extra flour.

Fry the Chicken

Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Drain on wire rack over baking sheet.

Glaze the Chicken

Toss warm fried chicken in hot honey glaze until thoroughly coated but not dripping.

Toast the Buns

Lightly butter slider buns and toast in a skillet or under the broiler until golden brown.

Assemble Sliders

Place glazed chicken on the bottom half of each bun, top with pickled jalapeño slaw, then crown with the top bun. Serve immediately.

How to Store It

Fridge: 3-5 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: No, the texture changes when frozen.
Reheat: Microwave on low for 1-2 minutes until warm.

Tips for Best Results

• Choose chicken thighs for juiciness and flavor.
• Ensure oil is hot enough before adding chicken to avoid sogginess.
• Wear gloves when handling hot sauce or jalapeños to manage spiciness.
• Don’t skip chilling the slaw; it enhances the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with sweet potato fries for a delightful side.
• Serve at a backyard BBQ for a crowd-pleasing dish.
• Enjoy with a refreshing iced tea to balance the heat.