Southern Fried Chicken Sliders

Name: Southern Fried Chicken Sliders
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 sliders
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, sliced; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper; Salt and pepper to taste; Oil for frying; 6 slider buns; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp hot sauce; 1 tsp lemon juice; Sliced pickles

Highlighted under: Comfort Food Recipes

I absolutely love Southern fried chicken sliders for their irresistible flavor and satisfying crunch. Whenever I make these little beauties, everyone gathers around the kitchen, eager to get a taste. The combination of juicy chicken, crispy coating, and soft slider buns is something I can’t resist. Pair them with homemade pickles and a touch of spicy mayo, and you have a finger-licking good meal perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. They’re easy to whip up and always a hit with family and friends!

Created by

Emily Carter

Last updated on 2026-01-16T13:42:29.226Z

When I first made Southern fried chicken sliders, I was on a mission to recreate that classic Southern comfort food in a bite-sized form. The secret to achieving the perfect crust lies in double-breading the chicken, passing it through buttermilk and seasoned flour twice. This ensures a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the tender, juicy meat.

One detail that really enhances the flavor is marinating the chicken in buttermilk overnight. It not only makes the chicken more tender but also infuses it with rich flavor. Trust me, you won’t regret giving this recipe a try!

        Why You'll Love These Sliders
        Juicy chicken with a perfectly crispy crust
Flavorful homemade pickles to enhance each bite
Great for parties or casual family dinners

      

Perfecting the Crispy Coating

Achieving that perfect crunchy coating on fried chicken sliders is all about the breading technique. The key is to double-dip the chicken: first in the seasoned flour, then back into the buttermilk, and again into the flour mixture. This method creates a thicker, crunchier crust that not only holds up during frying but also stays crispy longer. Aim for a coating that appears clumpy but adheres well, which is crucial for that satisfying crunch.

Make sure your oil is at the right temperature—ideally around 350°F (175°C)—before frying. If it's too hot, the coating may burn before the chicken cooks through; too low, and you’ll end up with soggy, oily sliders. A deep-fry thermometer can be a handy tool to monitor the temperature accurately throughout the frying process.

Homemade Spicy Mayo Enhancements

The spicy mayo is a fantastic complement to these sliders, balancing the rich, crunchy chicken. You can customize this sauce by adjusting the level of hot sauce based on your spice tolerance. I love to add a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor. You can also incorporate a teaspoon of honey for a sweet heat that pairs beautifully with the savory chicken.

If you're looking for a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. It will provide a creamy texture but with fewer calories and added protein. However, be aware that changing the base might slightly alter the flavor profile, so taste and adjust the hot sauce to your liking.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

These sliders are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the components in advance to save time. Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor, and prepare the spicy mayo a day ahead as well. The breaded chicken can be refrigerated for a few hours before frying if you're looking to prep ahead. Just ensure you allow it to come to room temperature before frying for even cooking.

If you have leftovers, store the fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the sliders in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, ensuring that the bread stays soft while the coating regains its crispness. These sliders can also make for a wonderful snack or quick meal during a busy week!

Ingredients

For the Sliders

1 lb chicken breast, sliced
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying
6 slider buns

For the Spicy Mayo

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp hot sauce
1 tsp lemon juice

For Pickles (optional)

Sliced pickles

Instructions

Steps

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the chicken slices with buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.

Prepare the Breading

In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

Bread the Chicken

Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, then return to the buttermilk and dredge again.

Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken pieces for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.

Make the Spicy Mayo

In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, hot sauce, and lemon juice. Stir until combined.

Assemble the Sliders

Place a piece of fried chicken on each slider bun, top with spicy mayo, and add pickles if using. Serve warm.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try brining the chicken in a saltwater solution before marinating in buttermilk.

Make-Ahead Tips

Preparing your Southern fried chicken sliders can be streamlined with a bit of planning. You can marinate the chicken and bread it up to a day in advance. This not only saves you time on the day of serving but enhances the flavor as the chicken absorbs the buttermilk and spices for longer. Just keep the breaded chicken covered in the fridge until you're ready to fry.

If you're expecting a crowd, consider frying the chicken in batches and keeping them warm in a low oven (around 200°F or 93°C) until all are cooked. This way, everyone can enjoy freshly made sliders without the hassle of cooking everything at once.

Variations to Explore

Feel free to experiment with different types of breading or seasonings for varied flavor profiles. You could swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend without sacrificing the texture. Additionally, try mixing in herbs like thyme or oregano into the flour for a unique touch. If you want to add an Asian twist, consider a tempura-style batter preparation for an ultra-light crunch.

For a non-spicy version, simply omit the cayenne pepper from both the chicken and mayo while enhancing the seasonings with a bit more garlic powder or using a flavored mayonnaise, like a garlic aioli, for a different yet delicious experience.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your chicken isn't cooking evenly, ensure that your pieces are of similar thickness. A meat mallet can help you pound the chicken to an even thickness before marinating to ensure it cooks uniformly. Additionally, placing a lid on the skillet during frying can help to trap some steam, which can cook the chicken faster without risking burnt crust.

If you notice your breading is falling off, it might be too dry. Ensure that the chicken is coated well in buttermilk before dredging in the flour, and don’t be shy about letting the chicken rest for a minute after breading. This helps the coating adhere better, reducing the chances of losing that delicious crispy layer during frying.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can fry the chicken ahead of time and reheat them in the oven to keep them crispy.

→ What can I serve with the sliders?

These sliders pair well with potato salad, coleslaw, or sweet potato fries.

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but be sure to fully thaw it and pat it dry before marinating and frying.

→ How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.