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Nashville Hot Honey Butter Chicken Sliders – Sweet and Spicy Perfection
If you love bold Southern flavors, crispy fried chicken, and the irresistible combination of sweet and heat, these Nashville Hot Honey Butter Chicken Sliders are about to become your new obsession. Perfectly seasoned, crispy chicken layered with creamy hot honey butter and tucked inside soft slider buns — every bite is an explosion of sweet, spicy, savory goodness.
These sweet and spicy chicken sliders are ideal for game day, parties, family gatherings, or even a weekend comfort-food dinner. They deliver restaurant-quality flavor in a fun, handheld format that everyone loves.
Let’s dive into what makes this hot honey fried chicken sliders recipe so unforgettable.
What Makes Nashville-Style Chicken Special?
Nashville hot chicken is famous for its fiery cayenne-based oil brushed over crispy fried chicken. Originating in Tennessee, this style of chicken is known for its bold heat balanced with subtle sweetness and tangy pickles.
In this mini chicken sandwiches recipe, we take that iconic heat and elevate it with a luscious honey butter glaze. The result? A beautifully balanced slider that hits spicy, sweet, salty, and crunchy all at once.
Why You’ll Love These Nashville Hot Honey Butter Chicken Sliders
- Crispy, golden fried chicken
- Sweet and spicy honey butter glaze
- Soft, fluffy slider buns
- Perfect for parties and game day spreads
- Customizable heat level
- Make-ahead friendly
These game day chicken sliders are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into slider-sized pieces)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Nashville Hot Oil:
- ½ cup frying oil (taken from the pan)
- 1–2 tablespoons cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Pinch of salt
For the Hot Honey Butter:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Pinch of salt
For Assembly:
- 12 slider buns
- Dill pickle slices
- Optional: coleslaw for extra crunch
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken pieces and ensure they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness).
2. Prepare the Coating
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Dredge the Chicken
Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Coat thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres well.
For extra crunch, dip back into buttermilk and dredge again.
4. Fry to Crispy Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a wire rack to drain.
5. Make the Nashville Hot Oil
Carefully measure ½ cup of the hot frying oil into a heat-safe bowl. Stir in cayenne, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, and salt. Brush generously over the fried chicken while still hot.
6. Prepare the Hot Honey Butter
In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, honey, cayenne, and salt. Whip until smooth and creamy.
7. Assemble the Sliders
Slice slider buns in half. Spread hot honey butter on both sides. Add crispy chicken, top with pickles (and coleslaw if desired), then close the bun.
Serve immediately for best texture.
Pro Tips for Perfect Sliders
Use Cornstarch for Crunch
Cornstarch in the flour mixture creates that ultra-crispy exterior that stays crunchy even after adding sauce.
Adjust the Heat Level
For milder sliders, reduce cayenne in both the hot oil and honey butter. For extra heat, add a dash of hot sauce to the honey butter.
Don’t Skip the Pickles
The tangy acidity cuts through the richness and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Keep Chicken Warm
If making for a party, keep fried chicken warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack until ready to assemble.
Delicious Variations
1. Baked Version
For a lighter option, bake breaded chicken at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
2. Air Fryer Option
Cook at 375°F for 14–16 minutes, flipping halfway and lightly spraying with oil.
3. Cheesy Upgrade
Add a slice of pepper jack cheese for creamy heat.
4. Southern Slaw Style
Top with creamy coleslaw for extra texture and flavor contrast.
Serving Suggestions
These Nashville hot honey butter chicken sliders pair beautifully with:
- Sweet potato fries
- Mac and cheese
- Southern baked beans
- Fresh lemonade
- Iced tea
They’re also perfect as:
- Game day appetizers
- Party finger foods
- Casual family dinners
- Backyard BBQ additions
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover chicken separately from buns in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the crust.
Hot honey butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Fun Food Fact
The sweet-and-spicy flavor combination works because sugar helps mellow capsaicin (the compound that makes peppers spicy). That’s why honey butter doesn’t just add sweetness — it enhances and balances the heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
You can fry the chicken in advance and reheat before serving. Assemble just before serving to keep buns from getting soggy.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless thighs are juicier and add even more flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Nashville Hot Honey Butter Chicken Sliders bring together the bold fire of Nashville-style chicken and the irresistible sweetness of honey butter into one unforgettable bite.
Whether you’re hosting a party, prepping for game day, or just craving something indulgent, this sweet and spicy chicken sliders recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
Once you try them, they’ll quickly earn a permanent spot in your rotation of go-to comfort food recipes.
Nashville Hot Honey Butter Chicken Sliders
Crispy Nashville-style fried chicken sliders topped with sweet and spicy honey butter and pickles, perfect for game day or parties.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce for at least 1 hour.
- Mix flour, cornstarch, and seasonings in a bowl.
- Dredge chicken in flour mixture.
- Fry at 350°F until golden and cooked through.
- Prepare hot oil sauce and brush over chicken.
- Whip honey butter and assemble sliders with pickles.
Notes
Adjust cayenne for preferred heat level.
