Print

Easy Honey BBQ Chicken Sliders with Crispy Onions

honey bbq chicken sliders with crispy onions - featured image
Print Recipe

Sweet honey BBQ sauce, tender shredded chicken, and crispy, salty fried onions piled onto a soft bun. These sliders are perfect for game day, backyard cookouts, or any gathering where you want to impress without sweating.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (recommended: Sweet Baby Ray’s)
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced into rings
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Vegetable or canola oil, for frying (about 2 cups)
  • 12 slider buns (recommended: Hawaiian sweet rolls)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • Optional toppings: pickles, coleslaw, extra BBQ sauce, sliced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken breasts in a large skillet or pot. Add the BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne if using. Pour in about 1/2 cup of water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes until chicken is tender enough to shred.
  2. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks or a hand mixer on low speed. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce and stir to coat. Keep warm on low heat.
  3. Slice the onions into thin rings, about 1/4-inch thick. Separate the rings and place them in a bowl. Pour the buttermilk over the onions and let them soak for at least 10 minutes.
  4. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Take onion rings from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, and toss them in the flour mixture. Shake off excess flour and place coated rings on a plate.
  5. Heat about 2 inches of oil in a medium saucepan or deep skillet to 350°F. Working in batches, fry the onion rings for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with salt while hot.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F. Split the slider buns in half and place cut-side up on a baking sheet. Brush cut sides with melted butter. Toast for 5-7 minutes until golden and warm.
  7. Place bottom halves of buns on a serving platter. Spoon honey BBQ shredded chicken onto each bun. Top with crispy onions and any optional toppings. Place top buns on and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t rush the onions—caramelize them low and slow. Shred the chicken while it’s still warm. Toast the buns to prevent sogginess. Double the onions if possible as they disappear fast. Keep the sauce thick by simmering uncovered if needed. Can prep chicken and onions ahead of time.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey BBQ chicken sliders, crispy onions, game day sliders, chicken sliders, BBQ chicken, party food, comfort food

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/easy-honey-bbq-chicken-sliders-with-crispy-onions/