Print

Nashville Hot Honey Chicken Sliders with Creamy Slaw

Nashville Hot Honey Chicken Sliders - featured image
Print Recipe

These sliders feature crispy fried chicken thighs coated in a spicy-sweet hot honey glaze, paired with a creamy, tangy slaw for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Quick and easy to make, they are ideal for casual gatherings or a flavorful weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil or peanut oil for frying
  • ½ cup raw honey
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Additional smoked paprika and cayenne pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 3 cups finely shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 8–10 mini slider buns
  • Pickles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, whisk buttermilk with a pinch of salt and half the smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add chicken thighs, fully submerge, cover, and refrigerate for 15 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  2. Prepare the coating mix: In a separate bowl, combine flour, remaining smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  3. Heat oil in a deep frying pan or heavy-bottomed skillet to 350°F (175°C).
  4. Coat the chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, let excess drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to build a crust.
  5. Fry the chicken in batches for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Avoid overcrowding the pan.
  6. Drain fried chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet to keep crispy.
  7. Make the hot honey glaze: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in honey, smoked paprika, cayenne, and apple cider vinegar. Warm until combined and glossy, do not boil.
  8. Brush the glaze generously over each piece of fried chicken.
  9. Prepare the creamy slaw: Blend cottage cheese until smooth. In a bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Add blended cottage cheese, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine.
  10. Assemble sliders: Toast slider buns if desired. Place glazed chicken on bottom bun, top with creamy slaw, add pickles if using, and finish with top bun.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to ensure crispy chicken. Do not overcrowd the pan while frying. Press flour coating firmly but gently for a thick crust. Warm the hot honey glaze slowly and brush immediately on hot chicken to ensure it sticks. Blend cottage cheese until silky smooth to avoid grainy slaw dressing. For gluten-free, substitute flour with almond or rice flour and monitor frying temperature. For vegan, use tofu or cauliflower with chickpea flour batter and maple syrup instead of honey.

Nutrition

Keywords: Nashville hot chicken, sliders, hot honey glaze, creamy slaw, fried chicken, spicy chicken, easy dinner, game day recipe

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/nashville-hot-honey-chicken-sliders-recipe-easy-homemade-with-creamy-slaw/