Get ready for a flavor explosion in miniature form! Today, we’re unleashing the Bacon Hot Honey Chicken Slider Blast – a perfect harmony of sweet, spicy, and savory that will instantly become your new go-to appetizer or a fun, quick meal. These sliders feature crispy fried chicken drizzled with irresistible hot honey, crowned with smoky bacon, and melty cheddar, all nestled in soft slider buns. They’re an absolute blast to eat and even more fun to share!
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m obsessed with these hot honey chicken sliders because they hit all the right notes. You get the fantastic crunch of perfectly fried chicken, followed by the sticky, sweet heat of hot honey. Then, the crispy bacon adds a salty, smoky depth that’s just out of this world, all brought together by gooey cheese and a soft bun. They’re incredibly satisfying and offer a gourmet twist on a classic. Plus, they’re so easy to assemble, making them ideal for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create these amazing Bacon Hot Honey Chicken Sliders:
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 chicken breasts, fried and sliced (or cooked and sliced as desired)
- ¼ cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade!)
- 6 slider buns
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Lettuce for garnish (optional, but recommended for freshness)
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken: While fried chicken breasts are suggested for ultimate crispiness, you can easily use grilled chicken, baked chicken, or even rotisserie chicken for a quicker assembly. Just ensure it’s cooked and sliced into pieces that fit well on a slider bun.
- Bacon: Any type of bacon works here. You can use thin or thick-cut bacon, cooked until extra crispy. Turkey bacon is also a suitable leaner alternative.
- Hot Honey: You can buy pre-made hot honey or make your own by gently warming honey and stirring in red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Adjust the spice level to your preference!
- Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, a spicy pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses would be delicious.
- Buns: While slider buns are perfect, small dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls would also work beautifully.
- Garnish: Besides lettuce, consider a thin slice of pickle, a dollop of ranch or blue cheese dressing, or even some thinly sliced red onion for extra flavor.
Steps to Make Your Bacon Hot Honey Chicken Slider Blast
Let’s get these irresistible sliders assembled and ready to devour!
- Prepare the Chicken: If using raw chicken breasts, fry them until golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, slice them into smaller, slider-friendly pieces. If you’re using pre-cooked chicken (like rotisserie or leftover), simply shred or slice it to your desired size.
- Drizzle with Hot Honey: In a bowl, or directly on the chicken pieces, drizzle the hot honey evenly over the sliced chicken. Toss gently to ensure all pieces are coated in that sweet and spicy goodness.
- Assemble the Sliders: Open your slider buns. On the bottom half of each bun, place a generous portion of the hot honey chicken. Top the chicken with some of the crispy crumbled bacon and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Finish and Serve: Place the top half of the slider bun on each, and if desired, add a small piece of fresh lettuce for a crisp crunch and vibrant color. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
Tips for Success
- Crispy Chicken is Key: If you’re frying your chicken from scratch, ensure it’s golden brown and crispy for the best texture contrast with the soft bun and creamy cheese.
- Warm the Buns (Optional): Lightly toasting or warming the slider buns before assembling can add an extra layer of deliciousness and prevent them from getting soggy.
- Don’t Overdo the Hot Honey: Start with the suggested amount and add more to taste. Hot honey can be potent, so it’s easier to add more than to take away!
- Freshness Matters: The lettuce isn’t just for looks; it adds a fresh, crisp element that cuts through the richness and spice.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Bacon Hot Honey Chicken Sliders are fantastic as a standalone snack or appetizer, but they also make a great component of a larger meal. Consider serving them with:
- A side of crispy french fries or sweet potato fries.
- A cool, creamy coleslaw to balance the heat.
- A simple green salad with a light dressing.
- For drinks, a cold lager or a refreshing glass of blueberry lemonade would be excellent choices to complement the sweet and spicy notes.
Storage and Leftover Tips
These sliders are best enjoyed fresh, as the buns can become soft over time. If you have leftover components, store the hot honey chicken, bacon, and cheese separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat the chicken and bacon gently before assembling fresh sliders.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed the easy assembly and amazing flavor of these sliders, you’ll definitely want to check out some of my other crowd-pleasing recipes:
- For another fantastic slider idea, try my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
- If you love cheesy, crunchy appetizers, you’ll be a big fan of Easy Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Wontons with Ranch Golden Crunchy Addictive.
- Hosting a party? My This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is The Reason I Never Have Leftovers is always a hit.
- For another easy way to feed a crowd, These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast are a lifesaver.
- And if you’re looking for a fun, interactive meal for gatherings, don’t miss This Walking Taco Bar Is My Favorite No-Fuss Way to Feed a Crowd.
Final Thoughts
The Bacon Hot Honey Chicken Slider Blast truly delivers on its promise of big flavor in a small package. It’s the perfect blend of savory, spicy, and sweet, making it an undeniable favorite for any occasion. Give these a try, and prepare for rave reviews!
What’s your favorite way to incorporate hot honey into your cooking? Share your ideas and don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious recipes!
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