Perfect for game day, family dinners, or potlucks, these crispy fried chicken sliders are bite-sized bundles of flavor. With juicy buttermilk-marinated chicken, a golden, crunchy crust, and your favorite toppings nestled in soft slider buns, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.
Whether you’re setting up a DIY slider bar or just want a fun twist on classic fried chicken, these sliders deliver comfort food at its best!
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Why You’ll Love These Sliders
- Mini-sized = party-perfect and kid-friendly
- Extra crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside
- Simple ingredients with big flavor payoff
- Customizable with toppings like pickles, slaw, and sauces
- Make-ahead friendly and great for weeknights or crowds
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, sliced thin)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
For the Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For Frying:
- 2 cups vegetable oil (or enough to fry)
To Assemble:
- 6 slider buns (brioche or Hawaiian rolls recommended)
- 6–12 dill pickle slices
- ½ cup coleslaw (optional)
- 2 tbsp spicy mayo or your favorite sauce
- 1 tbsp melted butter (optional, for brushing buns)
How to Make Fried Chicken Sliders
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne (if using).
- Submerge the chicken in the marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for extra flavor).
Step 2: Prepare the Dredge
- Mix the flour with salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper in a shallow bowl.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
- Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off.
- Press each piece into the flour mixture until well coated.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken in batches for 4–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked to 165°F inside.
- Let rest on a wire rack for maximum crunch.
Step 5: Assemble the Sliders
- Lightly toast buns if desired.
- Spread spicy mayo on the bottom bun, layer with crispy chicken, pickles, and coleslaw.
- Top with the bun and brush with melted butter if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Air Fryer or Oven Option
Looking for a lighter way to cook?
- Air Fryer: Spray breaded chicken lightly with oil, air fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Oven-Baked: Place breaded chicken on a rack over a baking sheet. Bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes.
You’ll still get delicious crunch with less oil!
Slider Topping Ideas
Mix and match for the ultimate flavor:
- Spicy Mayo – Combine mayo + hot sauce or chipotle
- Coleslaw – Creamy or tangy vinegar-based
- Pickles – Dill or sweet for balance
- Cheese – Cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella
- Honey Butter – Brush buns for a Southern twist
What to Serve With Chicken Sliders
- Crispy fries or sweet potato wedges
- Mac and cheese or potato salad
- Roasted veggies or corn on the cob
- Fresh fruit or side salad
Great for a slider bar, meal prep, or weeknight dinner!
Common Mistakes to Avoid for Crispy Fried Chicken Sliders
Making Crispy Fried Chicken Sliders is all about getting that perfect crunch and juicy interior! Avoid these common pitfalls for delicious results every time:
- Overcrowding the Fryer/Pan: Don’t put too many chicken pieces in at once. This drops the oil temperature, leading to greasy, soggy chicken instead of a crispy fried crust. Fry in batches!
- Incorrect Oil Temperature: Oil that’s too cool results in greasy chicken; oil that’s too hot burns the outside before the inside cooks. Aim for around 325-350°F (160−175°C) for perfectly fried chicken. Use a thermometer!
- Not Resting the Chicken: After frying, let the chicken rest on a wire rack for a few minutes. This allows excess oil to drain and keeps the crust crispy while the juices redistribute, ensuring juicy fried chicken.
- Uneven Coating: Make sure your chicken pieces are fully and evenly coated with the flour mixture for that classic crunchy exterior. Pat the chicken dry first for better adhesion.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken sliders are small, so they cook quickly. Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, just thaw completely before marinating.
Which buns are best?
Soft brioche or Hawaiian slider rolls add the perfect contrast to crispy chicken.
How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Drain on a wire rack—not paper towels—and keep warm in the oven at 200°F if needed.
📌 Save This Recipe for Later!
Add this crispy fried chicken slider recipe to your next meal plan or party menu. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Printable Recipe Card
Crispy Fried Chicken Sliders
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Marinate Time: 1 hr
Total Time: 1 hr 35 mins
Servings: 6 sliders
Calories: ~425 kcal per slider
Cuisine: American, Southern
Course: Appetizer / Main Dish
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts, 1 cup buttermilk, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp cayenne
- Breading: 1 cup flour, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp pepper
- Frying: 2 cups oil
- Assembly: 6 slider buns, pickles, slaw, spicy mayo, 1 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Marinate: Mix marinade ingredients. Add chicken and chill 1 hour or overnight.
- Dredge: Mix flour with seasonings in shallow bowl.
- Bread: Coat chicken evenly after marinating.
- Fry: Heat oil to 350°F. Fry chicken until golden and internal temp is 165°F.
- Assemble: Toast buns, add sauce, chicken, toppings, and top bun. Serve hot.
