Description
Party-Style Chicken Sliders
Crispy, juicy chicken in soft slider buns, topped with a creamy mayo-mustard sauce and crunchy pickles. These are perfect for parties and game nights!
You’ll Need:
2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup flour
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt & pepper
½ tsp paprika
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp mustard
6 slider buns
6 pickle slices
1 cup oil (for frying)
These are perfect for dipping—would you choose ranch or honey mustard?
#PartySlidersWin
Step-by-Step Guide
1. In a bowl, combine the chicken strips and buttermilk, ensuring all pieces are coated. Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for maximum tenderness).
2. In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Remove chicken strips from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add breaded chicken strips in a single layer, frying for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Transfer cooked chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain and stay crisp.
6. While chicken rests, mix mayonnaise and mustard in a small bowl to create the signature sauce.
7. Lightly toast the slider buns. Spread a generous amount of the mayo-mustard sauce on the top and bottom bun halves.
8. Place a crispy chicken strip and a pickle slice on each bottom bun, then cap with the top bun. Secure with a party pick if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Arrange these sliders on a large platter for a crowd-pleasing presentation. Serve alongside a bowl of extra sauce for dipping—ranch and honey mustard are both excellent choices, as suggested! For a complete party spread, pair them with crispy french fries, sweet potato wedges, or a light coleslaw. They also pair wonderfully with other finger foods like mozzarella sticks or onion rings.
How-to Summary
Marinate chicken in buttermilk, dredge in seasoned flour, and pan-fry until golden. Mix mayo and mustard for the sauce. Assemble on toasted slider buns with a pickle slice. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying? Yes, for a lighter version. Place breaded strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway.
How can I make these ahead of time? You can bread the chicken strips and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before frying. The sauce can also be made a day in advance. For best results, fry and assemble just before serving.
What’s a good buttermilk substitute? Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until slightly curdled before using.
Can I use a different protein? Absolutely. This method works great for thin pork cutlets or even firm tofu slices for a vegetarian option.
How do I keep the sliders warm for a party? Keep fried chicken warm on a wire rack in a 250°F (120°C) oven. Assemble sliders in batches to prevent the buns from getting soggy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too many strips at once lowers the oil temperature, leading to greasy, soggy chicken. Fry in batches.
- Skipping the Marinade: The buttermilk marinade is crucial for tender, juicy chicken. Don’t rush this step.
- Using Cold Buns: Toasting the buns lightly adds structure and flavor, preventing them from becoming mushy.
- Not Draining Properly: Letting fried chicken drain on a wire rack, not paper towels, helps maintain maximum crispiness on all sides.
Conclusion
These Party-Style Chicken Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining crispy, flavorful chicken with a tangy sauce and soft buns. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a perfect handheld treat that will be the star of any gathering. Whether for game day, a birthday party, or a casual get-together, this recipe is guaranteed to win over your guests.