Sweet, Spicy & Irresistible: Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders

There’s just something about a slider. They’re fun, they’re portable, and they’re perfect for feeding a crowd. But these aren’t just any sliders. These Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders are a flavor explosion! We’re talking tender, juicy chicken thighs glazed in a sweet and smoky honey chipotle sauce, piled high on soft brioche buns with a cool, creamy slaw. Seriously, one bite and you’ll be hooked. I first made these for a backyard barbecue, and they disappeared in minutes. They’re easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for your next party. Plus, the combination of sweet, smoky, and creamy is absolutely addictive!

What Makes These Sliders So Special?

It all comes down to the balance of flavors. The honey provides a lovely sweetness that’s beautifully countered by the smoky heat of the chipotle peppers. We’re using chicken thighs because they stay incredibly moist and flavorful during grilling. And the homemade coleslaw and garlic sauce add a delightful coolness and tang that really ties everything together. These aren’t your average chicken sliders; they’re a complete culinary experience!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients. I always believe in using good quality ingredients, as they make all the difference. Here’s a breakdown:

Full Ingredient List:

• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.33 cup honey
• 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo (finely chopped)
• 0.25 cup ketchup
• 6 whole soft brioche slider buns
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup shredded green cabbage
• 0.5 cup purple cabbage (thinly sliced)
• 0.5 cup shredded carrots
• 0.25 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• 1 tbsp milk
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Coleslaw: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Add green cabbage, purple cabbage, and shredded carrots. Toss until well coated and refrigerate.
2. Prepare the Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
3. Make the Honey Chipotle Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, chipotle peppers in adobo, and ketchup. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
4. Prepare the Chicken: Pound chicken thighs to an even thickness. Rub with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Grill the Chicken: Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden and slightly charred.
6. Glaze the Chicken: Transfer chicken to a bowl and toss with the warm honey chipotle sauce until evenly coated.
7. Toast the Buns: Spread butter on the cut sides of the slider buns and toast in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes.
8. Assemble the Sliders: Place glazed chicken on the bottom buns. Top with coleslaw and garlic sauce. Add the top bun.

Tips & Variations

Want to take these sliders to the next level? Here are a few ideas:

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey chipotle sauce for an extra kick.
• Add Cheese: A slice of pepper jack or Monterey Jack cheese would be delicious melted on top of the chicken.
• Make it a Bowl: Serve the honey chipotle chicken and coleslaw over rice for a flavorful bowl.
• Slow Cooker Option: For a super easy meal, cook the chicken in the honey chipotle sauce in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours. Shred the chicken before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders are fantastic with a side of crispy sweet potato fries, a fresh green salad, or even some classic coleslaw (for those who can’t get enough!). They’re perfect for a casual lunch, a summer barbecue, or a fun game day snack. A light and fruity beer, or a crisp white wine, would pair nicely with the sweet and spicy flavors.

Conclusion

These Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re flavorful, easy to make, and incredibly satisfying. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the spice level and toppings to create your own perfect slider. I hope you enjoy them as much as my family does! Let me know in the comments below how yours turn out!

FAQ

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? While you can use chicken breasts, they tend to dry out more easily. Chicken thighs are much more forgiving and stay incredibly juicy.
2. How spicy are these sliders? The spice level depends on the amount of chipotle peppers you use. Start with 2 tablespoons and adjust to your preference.
3. Can I make the coleslaw ahead of time? Yes! The coleslaw can be made up to a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
4. What if I don’t have brioche buns? You can substitute with Hawaiian rolls or any other soft slider bun.

Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders: Sweet & Spicy!

Recipe by ELMEHDI HMICHE

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Main CourseCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

480

kcal

These Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders are a flavor explosion! Tender chicken thighs glazed in a sweet and smoky sauce, topped with creamy coleslaw. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs

• 1 tbsp olive oil1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp kosher salt1 tsp kosher salt

• 0.5 tsp black pepper0.5 tsp black pepper

• 0.33 cup honey0.33 cup honey

• 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo

• 0.25 cup ketchup0.25 cup ketchup

• 6 brioche slider buns6 brioche slider buns

• 2 tbsp butter2 tbsp butter

• 1 cup shredded green cabbage1 cup shredded green cabbage

• 0.5 cup purple cabbage0.5 cup purple cabbage

• 0.5 cup shredded carrots0.5 cup shredded carrots

• 0.25 cup mayonnaise0.25 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tsp sugar1 tsp sugar

• 2 tbsp sour cream2 tbsp sour cream

• 1 tbsp milk1 tbsp milk

• 2 cloves garlic2 cloves garlic

Directions

• Make the coleslaw.
• Prepare the garlic sauce.
• Make the honey chipotle sauce.
• Prepare the chicken.
• Grill the chicken.
• Glaze the chicken.
• Toast the buns.
• Assemble the sliders.