These hot honey garlic chicken sliders are crispy, juicy, and smothered in a spicy-sweet glaze. An easy crowd-pleaser for game days, parties, or weeknight dinners!
Why You’ll Love These Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Sliders
The first time I made these hot honey garlic chicken sliders, I had just seen a video floating around on social media of someone tearing into one with sauce dripping and steam rising. It looked ridiculously good. I had a pack of chicken thighs and a craving that wouldn’t quit—and let me tell you, that first bite? Absolute magic.
You get the crunch of the crispy chicken sliders, the sticky-sweet heat of that garlic honey glaze, and then the soft, buttery slider bun to wrap it all up. It’s the kind of sandwich that makes you stop mid-chew and go, “Okay. WOW.”
They’re perfect for game nights, backyard get-togethers, or just a Tuesday when you want something fun. And the best part? No deep frying needed.
These sliders are addictive, crave-worthy, and 100% family-approved (even my picky middle child went back for seconds). Let’s make them!
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need for these garlic chicken sliders:
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless & skinless
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp chicken bouillon
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup Kettle & Fire bone broth
- 2–3 cups crushed corn flakes, unsweetened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 eggs, for wash
- 6 slider buns of choice
- Pickles, optional (but in our house? Mandatory.)
- 1 tbsp spicy mayo (low-fat mayo + buffalo sauce)
Hot Honey Sauce:
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 4 tbsp honey
Eva’s Note: I always use chicken thighs here because they stay moist and flavorful—even when baked. Breasts tend to dry out, especially once you reheat leftovers (if you have any!).
How to Make the Crispy Chicken
Let’s get that crunch on point. Here’s how to make the crispiest, juiciest chicken for your spicy chicken sandwiches:
- Season the Chicken
Place chicken thighs in a bowl. Add onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, Cajun seasoning, chicken bouillon, salt, and pepper. Pour in the ¼ cup bone broth and mix until coated. Let sit for at least 10 minutes (or up to overnight).Eva’s Note: A splash of bone broth makes the chicken so tender—it’s a little flavor insurance. - Prep the Breading Station
Set up three bowls:- Bowl 1: 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Bowl 2: 3 beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: 2–3 cups crushed corn flakes
- Dredge the Chicken
Coat each piece of chicken: flour → egg → corn flakes.Double Dip Tip: Got time? Go flour → egg → flour → egg → corn flakes for that ultra-thick crunch. It makes all the difference. - Bake or Air Fry
- Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place chicken on a greased rack over a sheet tray. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Air Fry: 375°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Crunch Alert: I’ve tried it all, but cornflakes always come out the crunchiest—even in the oven!
The Hot Honey Garlic Sauce (Sweet Heat!)
This hot honey chicken sauce is just two main ingredients, but it packs serious flavor:
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 4 tbsp honey
Warm both in a small saucepan until bubbly. Stir until fully combined. That’s it!
Balance the Heat: We use clover honey to soften the spice. It’s sweet, smooth, and won’t overpower the garlic kick.
Eva’s Note: I tasted something similar at a street food stall in Thailand years ago—spicy, sweet, messy, unforgettable. This version takes me right back.
Tip: Make a double batch and drizzle the extra on fries, pizza, or even roasted veggies.
Assembling the Sliders
Once your chicken and sauce are ready, it’s time to build those perfect bites of flavor and texture:
- Toast your buns! A quick minute in the oven or skillet keeps them from going soggy.
- Spread a little spicy mayo on the bottom bun.
- Add a piece of crispy chicken.
- Drizzle with hot honey garlic sauce.
- Top with pickles (we love dill rounds!)
- Add the top bun and gently press.
Stack them up on a platter, serve warm, and watch them disappear.
Make It a Meal
These chicken thigh sliders are filling on their own, but here are a few sides we love to serve with them:
- Sweet potato fries
- Creamy coleslaw
- Mac and cheese
- Crisp dill pickles
- Iced tea or lemonade
Perfect for game night spreads, casual picnics, or even a weeknight dinner when you want to make things feel special.
Looking for another bold, flavor-packed sandwich we love? Check out our Italian Roasted Red Pepper Sandwich.
Printable Recipe : Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Sliders
PrintHot Honey Garlic Chicken Sliders
Description
These hot honey garlic chicken sliders are crispy, juicy, and loaded with flavor. Made with tender chicken thighs, a crunchy cornflake coating, and a sweet-spicy garlic glaze, they’re perfect for game nights, parties, or weeknight dinners. No deep fryer required!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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1 lb chicken thighs, boneless & skinless
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp Cajun seasoning
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1 tsp chicken bouillon
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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¼ cup Kettle & Fire bone broth
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2–3 cups crushed corn flakes, unsweetened
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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3 eggs, beaten
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6 slider buns
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1 tbsp spicy mayo (low-fat mayo + buffalo sauce)
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Pickles, optional but recommended
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
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½ cup buffalo sauce
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4 tbsp honey
Instructions
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Season the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine chicken thighs with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, Cajun seasoning, chicken bouillon, salt, pepper, and bone broth. Mix well and marinate for 10+ minutes. -
Set Up Dredging Station:
Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and crushed corn flakes in a third. -
Coat the Chicken:
Dredge each thigh in flour → egg → cornflakes.
Optional double-dip: For thicker breading, go flour → egg → flour again → egg → cornflakes. -
Cook the Chicken:
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Oven: Bake at 400°F on a greased rack for 25–30 minutes.
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Air Fryer: Air fry at 375°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
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Make the Sauce:
In a small pan, heat buffalo sauce and honey until bubbly. Stir until smooth and combined. -
Assemble Sliders:
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Toast your buns lightly.
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Add spicy mayo, a piece of crispy chicken, drizzle of hot honey garlic sauce, and pickles.
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Top with the other bun and serve warm.
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Notes
Eva’s Tip: Cornflakes give the crunchiest coating—even better than breadcrumbs!
Flavor Booster: A splash of bone broth keeps the chicken extra tender.
Make Ahead: Cook chicken in advance and reheat before assembling.
Spice Level: Medium heat; adjust buffalo sauce or honey to taste.
Extra Sauce: Make a double batch for fries, pizza, or roasted veggies.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Sliders
What’s the best chicken to use for sliders?
Chicken thighs are ideal—they stay juicy, cook evenly, and hold up to bold seasoning. I’ve tried breasts, but the thighs always win in tenderness.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bread and cook the chicken, then store in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10–12 minutes. I love doing this on Sundays for easy lunches during the week.
How spicy are these sliders?
Medium heat. The honey tames the buffalo sauce, so it’s not overwhelming. My husband loves spice, so he adds extra sauce. My youngest prefers hers with just mayo—easy to adjust!
What sides go well with these?
We love pairing them with sweet potato fries and pickles. On game day, I add a slaw and a big pitcher of lemonade. The cool and tangy flavors balance the sliders so well.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to something irresistible, these hot honey garlic chicken sliders will become a go-to in your kitchen. Trust me—once you try them, they’ll be on repeat.
With love and sticky fingers,
Eva