Name: Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders That'll Ignite Your Taste Buds
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (Tender and juicy); 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (For seasoning); to taste Kosher Salt; to taste Black Pepper; ½ cup Honey; 2-3 pieces Chipotle Peppers in Adobo (Adjust for spice preference); ½ cup Ketchup; 6 Brioche Slider Buns (Soft and sweet); 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (For toasting); 2 cups Shredded Cabbage (Green and Purple); 1 cup Shredded Carrots; ½ cup Mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar; 1 tablespoon Sugar; ¼ cup Sour Cream (Can swap with Greek yogurt); 2 tablespoons Milk; 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)

There’s something magical about the first bite of a Honey Chipotle Chicken Slider. The moment that juicy grilled chicken, slathered in a glossy, sticky chipotle honey sauce, meets the soft embrace of a toasted brioche bun, you’re transported to a place where sweet meets spicy in the most enchanting way. Not only are these sliders perfect for game day gatherings, but they also shine at a cozy family dinner. With their quick prep time and tantalizing balance of flavors, they’re a fun way to make meal prep exciting. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! Curious about how to whip up this irresistible dish that brings a little flair to your table? Let’s dive in!

Why Are Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders Special?

Juicy Chicken: Each slider features tender, marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection, ensuring every bite is succulent.

Sweet and Spicy Bliss: The chipotle honey sauce perfectly balances sweetness and heat, making your taste buds dance with delight.

Quick and Easy Prep: These sliders come together in no time—ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings!

Versatile Pairing: Whether served with sweet potato fries or an Asian cabbage salad, they complement a variety of sides beautifully.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for game day or family dinners, these sliders will have everyone coming back for seconds!

For more delicious meal prep ideas, don’t miss my popular Slow Cooker Honey and Crockpot Buffalo Chicken recipes that add excitement to your dinner table!

Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders Ingredients

Get ready to gather these irresistible ingredients for a flavor-packed adventure!

For the Chicken

Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs – These juicy pieces stay tender as they cook, providing a rich base for your sliders.
Olive Oil – Use this for grilling to prevent sticking and to enhance the chicken’s flavor.
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning; sprinkle generously to bring out the chicken’s natural taste.

For the Honey Chipotle Sauce

Honey – The star of the sauce that brings sweetness and sheen; consider using agave syrup for a healthier alternative.
Chipotle Peppers in Adobo – Adds a smoky heat; feel free to adjust the quantity to suit your spice preference.
Ketchup – This provides the base for the sauce with a sweet and tangy kick.

For the Sliders

Brioche Slider Buns – These soft and sweet buns hold up beautifully against the juicy filling; swap for whole wheat or gluten-free buns if needed.
Unsalted Butter – Use this to toast the buns for a deliciously crisp exterior.

For the Slaw

Shredded Cabbage (Green and Purple) & Shredded Carrots – Their crunchy texture adds contrast and brightness; a pre-made coleslaw mix works as an easy substitute.
Mayonnaise, Apple Cider Vinegar, and Sugar – The fabulous dressing combo for the slaw, creating a creamy and tangy contrast to the chicken.

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Sour Cream – Adds richness; you can swap it with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Milk – Helps blend the sauce to a creamy consistency.
Garlic – Freshly minced for a punch of flavor that ties everything together.

Dive into making these Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders, and your taste buds will be forever grateful!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Make the Creamy Coleslaw
In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon sugar until fully combined. Add 2 cups of shredded green and purple cabbage along with 1 cup of shredded carrots, tossing everything together until the veggies are coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the rest of the Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons milk, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir the mixture until it reaches a smooth consistency and set it aside. This creamy garlic sauce will elevate your Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders and add a delicious layer of flavor to each bite.

Step 3: Cook the Honey Chipotle Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine ½ cup honey, 2-3 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and ½ cup ketchup. Stir these ingredients together, allowing the sauce to simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens and becomes glossy. Once it’s done, remove from heat and let it sit while you grill the chicken.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. While it heats up, pound 1.5 pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Season both sides with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Place the thighs on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken
Once the chicken is fully cooked, transfer the hot thighs to a mixing bowl and immediately toss them with the warm honey chipotle sauce. Make sure each piece is generously coated in the sauce to maximize the flavor. The sticky, sweet, and spicy glaze will be the star of your Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders.

Step 6: Toast Slider Buns
While the chicken absorbs the sauce’s goodness, slice brioche slider buns in half. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Once melted, place the sliced buns in the skillet and toast them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crisp. This step is crucial to prevent sogginess and adds extra flavor!

Step 7: Assemble Sliders
To assemble your Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders, place a generous piece of the saucy chicken on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with a generous scoop of the creamy coleslaw, followed by a drizzle of the creamy garlic sauce. Finally, crown them with the top bun, slightly askew, for a mouthwatering presentation that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders Variations

Customize these sliders to elevate your culinary experience and match your mood!

Dairy-Free: Substitute the creamy garlic sauce with a cashew-based sauce for a light, dairy-free option.
Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for an extra layer of heat that’ll truly ignite your taste buds.
Vegan Delight: Replace chicken with grilled eggplant or jackfruit, and use maple syrup instead of honey for a plant-based twist.
Flavor-Infused Slaw: Use pineapple juice in your coleslaw dressing for a tropical touch, balancing the savory elements with sweetness.
Bun Variety: Swap brioche buns for pretzel or ciabatta bread, giving your sliders a delightful twist in texture and taste.
Crispy Topping: Sprinkle crispy fried onions atop the coleslaw layer for added crunch and an unexpected flavor burst!
Different Sauces: Experiment with barbecue sauce or aioli as an alternative to the honey chipotle sauce for unique flavor profiles.
Herbaceous Touch: Mix fresh cilantro or parsley into the slaw for an herbal freshness that enhances every bite.

With these variations, your Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders can reflect your unique tastes! For some additional inspirations, consider trying my Greek Chicken Lemon or Garlic Chicken Fried recipes to keep the flavor excitement going!

What to Serve with Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders

When it comes to creating a delightful meal, the right pairings can elevate your Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders into a feast that your loved ones will rave about.

Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness and crispiness perfectly balance the spicy sliders, offering a delightful crunch.
Asian Cabbage Salad: A refreshing side with a tangy dressing, it provides a bright contrast to the rich flavors of the sliders. The vibrant colors and crunchy texture from the cabbage add a visual appeal that enhances the meal.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled, this sweet corn dish is a classic summer side that pairs wonderfully with the sliders, allowing for simple yet satisfying bites.
Mango Salsa: The fruity sweetness and zesty touch of lime complement the smoky chipotle in the sliders, adding a touch of brightness to each bite.
Quinoa Salad: Packed with nutrients, a light quinoa salad with diced veggies or herbs keeps the meal fresh and wholesome while providing a hearty texture that contrasts nicely with the sliders.
Iced Tea or Lemonade: A refreshing drink helps to cool the palate after enjoying these spicy sliders, balancing the meal beautifully.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: Finish off your meal with a classic dessert. The gooey sweetness of these cookies is a heartwarming way to bring your gathering to a delightful close.
Pickled Jalapeños: For those who crave extra heat, these tangy bites match the sliders perfectly, ensuring every mouthful is bursting with flavor.
Grilled Vegetables: A smoky assortment of seasonal vegetables brings a healthy, colorful addition to your table, enhancing both the flavor and presentation of your meal.

Make Ahead Options

These Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to save precious time on busy weeknights! You can prepare the honey chipotle sauce up to 3 days in advance, refrigerating it in an airtight container to keep its flavor vibrant. Moreover, the creamy coleslaw can be assembled and chilled for up to 24 hours; just make sure to keep the cabbage and carrots well-coated to prevent browning. When you’re ready to serve, grill the chicken and toss it in the sauce while toasting the slider buns. With these prep tips, you’ll enjoy delicious sliders on demand, ready to wow your family and friends!

How to Store and Freeze Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders

Room Temperature: Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders are best enjoyed fresh, but if left out, consume within 2 hours to maintain safety.
Fridge: Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or toaster oven for best results.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual components (cooked chicken, sauce, and slaw) for up to 3 months. Assemble the sliders fresh after thawing.
Reheating: To reheat, microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, preserving the delicious flavor of your Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders.

Expert Tips for Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders

Marinate the Chicken: For even more flavor, let the chicken thighs marinate in olive oil, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
Adjust the Heat: If serving to a mixed crowd, consider reducing the chipotle peppers to accommodate those who prefer milder flavors—balance is key for Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders!
Don’t Rush the Sauce: Allow the honey chipotle sauce to simmer gently until it thickens. This concentrates the flavors and prevents burning—the sweet heat deserves attention!
Perfect Toast: Make sure to toast the buns until they’re golden brown; this step adds both flavor and texture, preventing sogginess from the juicy filling.
Layer Wisely: When assembling, don’t overload the slaw or sauce on the sliders—less is more! This ensures every bite retains its structure and burst of flavor.

Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken is best for Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders?
Absolutely! I recommend using boneless skinless chicken thighs as they remain juicy and tender during cooking, providing a rich and flavorful base for your sliders. Chicken breasts can be used as an alternative, but they can dry out more easily.

How do I store leftover Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders?
To keep your sliders fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container. They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. For best results, reheat them in the microwave or a toaster oven to maintain their delicious flavor and texture.

Can I freeze the Honey Chipotle Chicken and sauces?
Very! You can freeze the cooked chicken, honey chipotle sauce, and slaw separately for up to 3 months. For best results, allow them to cool completely before placing them in airtight containers or freezer bags. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reassemble the sliders fresh when you’re ready to eat!

What should I do if the honey chipotle sauce is too spicy?
If you find the sauce too spicy, don’t worry! You can easily adjust it by reducing the amount of chipotle peppers or even substituting them with smoked paprika for a milder flavor. Another trick is to add a bit more ketchup or honey to balance out that heat and make it sweeter.

Can I use gluten-free slider buns for Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders?
Absolutely! If you prefer gluten-free options, you can easily substitute the brioche slider buns with gluten-free buns. Just ensure you pick buns that have a similar structure so they hold the sliders together beautifully. Enjoy this dish without sacrificing flavor!