“Alright, so who’s ready for game day?” A friend said this last weekend, capturing the excitement buzzing in the kitchen as I prepped my favorite Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders. With juicy grilled chicken thighs smothered in a sticky, smoky sauce, these sliders are always a hit! Not only are they incredibly easy to whip up, but they also offer a delightful twist on classic game day appetizers that will satisfy everyone’s cravings. Plus, you can easily adjust the heat level by adding or reducing the chipotle peppers, making them perfect for every palate. Paired with crunchy coleslaw and a creamy garlic drizzle, every bite strikes the ideal balance of sweet and savory. So, are you ready to elevate your next gathering with these irresistible sliders?
Why are Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders a must-try?
Irresistible Flavors: The sweet and spicy honey chipotle sauce complements the juicy chicken thighs perfectly, creating a taste sensation that will leave everyone begging for more.
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cooking time, these sliders are perfect for impromptu gatherings or busy weeknights.
Customizable Heat: Adjust the chipotle amount to suit your crowd’s heat preference, ensuring everyone enjoys a flavorful experience.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day or a casual get-together, these sliders are a surefire way to impress guests.
Versatile Pairing Options: They pair wonderfully with sweet potato fries or a refreshing Asian cabbage salad, providing a complete meal that appeals to all diets.
Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders Ingredients
For the Chicken
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs – The secret to juicy sliders; you can substitute with chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option.
- Olive Oil – Keeps the chicken moist and adds a delicious flavor while grilling.
- Kosher Salt – Enhances all the flavors beautifully; no substitutes needed here.
- Black Pepper – Freshly ground for best results; adds just the right amount of seasoning.
For the Sauce
- Honey – Provides the perfect sweetness and creates a sticky glaze; agave syrup works as a vegan alternative.
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo – This is where the smoky spicy goodness comes from; adjust according to your heat preference.
- Ketchup – Acts as the sauce’s tangy base; substitute easily with BBQ sauce if you like.
For the Buns & Slaw
- Brioche Slider Buns – Soft and sweet, they hold everything beautifully; feel free to swap for whole wheat or gluten-free buns.
- Unsalted Butter – A must for toasting the buns, preventing them from getting soggy.
- Shredded Green Cabbage – Adds a lovely crunch to the slaw; a coleslaw mix can save you time!
- Purple Cabbage – For vibrant color and extra crunch in your slaw; acts as a direct substitute for green cabbage.
- Shredded Carrots – Adds sweetness and color to the slaw; you can use shredded broccoli as a fun alternative.
For the Creamy Drizzle
- Mayonnaise – Binds the coleslaw together beautifully; vegan mayo can make this dish dairy-free.
- Sour Cream – For that creamy garlic sauce; Greek yogurt is a healthier substitute.
- Milk – Used in the garlic sauce for a smooth consistency; plant-based milk works just fine.
- Garlic – Fresh is always best for rich flavor in your sauce; avoid powdered garlic for this one.
For the Slaw Dressing
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Gives the slaw a tangy kick; lemon juice is a great substitute if necessary.
- Sugar – Balances the tanginess in the slaw; honey or a sugar alternative will also do.
With these ingredients, you’re on your way to making delightful Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders that are bound to be the star of your next event!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders
Step 1: Prepare Coleslaw
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar until smooth. Add shredded green and purple cabbage along with shredded carrots, mixing well to combine. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the slaw to become refreshing and crisp.
Step 2: Make Garlic Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is creamy and uniform. Set the garlic sauce aside at room temperature to allow the flavors to infuse while you prepare the Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders. This will add a delightful richness to your sliders.
Step 3: Cook Honey Chipotle Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine honey, finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo, and ketchup. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently until it comes to a gentle simmer. Allow the sauce to thicken for about 3-5 minutes; it should become glossy and sticky. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly, ready to coat the chicken.
Step 4: Grill Chicken
Take the boneless skinless chicken thighs and pound them to an even thickness for uniform grilling. Rub olive oil on both sides, then season generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden-brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Coat Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, immediately toss the grilled thighs in the warm honey chipotle sauce, ensuring each piece is generously coated. The heat from the chicken will help the sauce adhere better, creating that irresistible sticky glaze. Allow the coated chicken to rest for a minute while you prepare the buns.
Step 6: Toast Buns
Butter the cut sides of the brioche slider buns liberally. Heat a skillet over medium heat and place the buns cut-side down in the skillet. Toast them for about 1-2 minutes until they are golden-brown and crisp. This step is key to preventing the buns from getting soggy when you assemble the sliders.
Step 7: Assemble Sliders
Layer a piece of coated chicken thigh on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top generously with the prepared coleslaw and drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce. Place the top bun slightly ajar to let flavors meld, then serve the Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders to your excited guests, who will surely rave about this delicious treat!
Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize these sliders to suit your taste buds!
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Healthier Option: Substitute chicken thighs with lean chicken breasts for a lower-fat version. This change still ensures juicy flavors and satisfying bites.
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Mild Heat: For those who prefer a gentler touch, use smoked paprika instead of chipotle peppers. This adjustment brings out subtle smokiness without the heat, making it family-friendly.
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Extra Crunch: Add crispy bacon to elevate your sliders with savory crunch. The savory notes from the bacon beautifully meld with the sweet chipotle sauce for an elevated flavor experience.
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Spicy Kick: If you love heat, toss in some sliced jalapeños as a topping. Their fresh bite complements the sweet-glazed chicken perfectly, adding some zest to each bite!
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Vegan Delight: For a plant-based twist, replace chicken with grilled jackfruit marinated in the honey chipotle sauce. This swap gives you the perfect texture you crave in sliders, with a smoky-sweet finish.
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Cheesy Addition: Layer some pepper jack cheese on the hot chicken just before serving. Once melted, it creates a deliciously gooey update that cheese lovers will adore.
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Flavorful Slaw: Enhance your slaw with pineapple chunks for a tropical sweetness. This fruity addition balances the heat of the chipotle beautifully and adds incredible texture.
For more tasty chicken ideas, check out my Slow Cooker Honey or whip up some refreshing Garlic Chicken Fried rice as a side to these sliders. Happy cooking!
What to Serve with Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders?
Elevate your game day feast with these mouthwatering sliders by pairing them with delicious sides and drinks that complement their sweet and smoky flavor.
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Sweet Potato Fries: These crispy, golden bites add a hint of sweetness, perfectly complementing the warm honey chipotle sauce.
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Crunchy Asian Cabbage Salad: A refreshing slaw with a zesty dressing provides contrast to the rich sliders, balancing flavors and textures beautifully.
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Classic Coleslaw: Extra crunch alongside your sliders, this creamy side mirrors the ingredients in the dish while adding freshness to each bite.
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Corn on the Cob: Grilled or steamed, this juicy side offers a sweet contrast, enhancing the smoky flavor of the chicken.
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Beer or Cider: The effervescence of a chilled beer or apple cider brightens the palate, perfectly cutting through the richness of the sliders.
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Guacamole with Tortilla Chips: Creamy avocados and crispy chips add a fun, flavorful dip that elevates the snacking experience.
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Light Lemonade: A refreshing drink balances the heat of the sliders while providing a bright citrus flavor that enhances the overall meal.
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Apple Crisp: End your gathering on a sweet note with warm apple crisp, its comforting spice echoing the honey chipotle theme.
Make Ahead Options
These Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to streamline your game day or dinner plans! You can prepare the coleslaw and creamy garlic sauce up to 3 days in advance and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator; this will keep the crunchy texture of the slaw intact. The honey chipotle sauce can also be made up to 24 hours ahead and kept in the fridge, ensuring maximum flavor when mixed with the grilled chicken. When you’re ready to serve, simply grill the chicken, toss it in the sauce, and assemble the sliders. This way, you can enjoy stress-free entertaining with just as delicious results!
Expert Tips for Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders
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Bun Toasting Matters: Don’t skip toasting the buns! This creates a barrier to keep them crisp and prevents sogginess from the sauce.
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Watch the Heat: Adjust the quantity of chipotle peppers in adobo for your desired spice level. Start with less to avoid overwhelming heat!
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Perfectly Grilled Chicken: Ensure chicken thighs are pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking. This guarantees juicy, tender sliders every time.
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Sauce Consistency: Keep an eye on the honey chipotle sauce as it simmers. Honey can burn quickly; stir occasionally to maintain that glossy glaze.
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Creative Variations: Don’t hesitate to experiment with toppings! Sliced avocados or jalapeños can add extra texture and flavor to your Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders.
Storage Tips for Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders
Fridge: Store leftover Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the coleslaw and garlic drizzle separate to maintain their crispness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the grilled chicken in a sealed freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat the chicken in the microwave or a skillet until warmed through. You can also re-toast the buns lightly for added texture.
Separate Storage: To keep flavors intact, consider storing the sauce separately, so it stays fresh while the other components are in the fridge or freezer.
Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my chipotle peppers are ripe?
Absolutely! When selecting chipotle peppers in adobo, look for a uniform color without any dark spots or cracks on the can. The peppers should be firm to the touch and have a rich, smoky aroma. Freshness directly impacts the heat level and flavor, so if they smell overly pungent or off, it’s best to avoid them!
What is the best way to store leftover Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders?
Certainly! Store these sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, I recommend keeping the coleslaw and garlic drizzle separate to maintain their freshness and crunch. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat the chicken in the microwave or on a skillet.
Can I freeze the grilled chicken from the sliders?
Yes, you can! To freeze the Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders, let the grilled chicken cool to room temperature, then place it in a sealed freezer bag. Seal tightly, removing as much air as possible. These can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before assembling the sliders.
What can I do if my honey chipotle sauce is too thick?
No problem at all! If your honey chipotle sauce has thickened too much, simply add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth over low heat and stir until you reach your desired consistency. This will help loosen the sauce while maintaining its flavor. Remember, sauces can vary based on how long they’re cooked, so don’t hesitate to adjust!
Are there any dietary considerations for my guests?
Very much! When preparing Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders, be aware of common allergens such as dairy and gluten, especially if using brioche buns and mayonnaise. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Vegan mayo and agave syrup can make this dish suitable for those avoiding animals products, allowing everyone to enjoy these flavorful sliders!
Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders: Sweet, Spicy Perfection at Home
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Coleslaw: Whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar until smooth. Add shredded green and purple cabbage along with shredded carrots, mixing well. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Make Garlic Sauce: Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until creamy. Set aside at room temperature.
- Cook Honey Chipotle Sauce: In a saucepan, combine honey, chopped chipotle peppers, and ketchup. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until thick.
- Grill Chicken: Pound chicken thighs to an even thickness. Rub with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill for 5-7 minutes each side until cooked through.
- Coat Chicken: Toss the cooked chicken in the warm honey chipotle sauce until coated. Allow to rest for a minute.
- Toast Buns: Butter the cut sides of buns, toast in a skillet for 1-2 minutes until golden-brown.
- Assemble Sliders: Layer chicken on the bottom half of each bun, top with coleslaw and garlic sauce, then place the top bun slightly ajar and serve.
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