Craving juicy, crispy fried chicken but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen? These Fried Chicken Sliders are your answer! This recipe delivers all the incredible flavor of classic fried chicken in a fun, manageable format, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. They're surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners, and you'll be amazed at how much flavor packs into each bite. Prepare for a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch thick slices
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns
- Your favorite coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
- Pickles, sliced
Instructions:
Get Started: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg. Add the chicken breasts and ensure they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor. This step tenderizes the chicken and allows the buttermilk to permeate, resulting in incredibly juicy fried chicken.
Prepare the Breading Station:
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
Bread and Fry the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure it adheres well.
- Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small pinch of flour sizzles immediately.
- Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Assemble the Sliders:
- While the chicken is still warm, slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to make two thinner, slider-sized pieces.
- Spread coleslaw and add a few pickle slices on the bottom half of each slider bun.
- Top with a piece of fried chicken and place the top bun on.
Serve and Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Fried Chicken Sliders:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, resulting in greasy chicken. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- Adjust the spices: Feel free to customize the spice blend to your liking. Add more cayenne for extra heat or experiment with other spices like smoked paprika or cumin.
- Make it ahead: The chicken can be fried ahead of time and reheated gently before assembling the sliders.
Variations:
- Spicy Mayo: Add a kick with a spicy mayo sauce made from mayonnaise, sriracha, and a squeeze of lime.
- BBQ Sauce: For a sweeter and smokier flavor, use your favorite BBQ sauce instead of coleslaw.
- Cheese: Add a slice of cheddar, pepper jack, or your favorite cheese to the slider for extra deliciousness.
Nutritional Information (per slider, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 (depending on bun and toppings) Protein: 25-30g Fat: 18-22g Carbohydrates: 25-30g
These Fried Chicken Sliders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or even a fun weekend lunch. Enjoy the simple process of homemade cooking and the delicious results!