As I reached for my favorite apron, the rich, warm aroma of honey mustard wafted through my kitchen, evoking memories of cozy gatherings with family and friends. Today, I’m excited to share my Honey Mustard BLT Chicken Sliders—an irresistible fusion of crunchy fried chicken, tangy honey mustard, creamy avocado, savory bacon, and juicy tomatoes. Not only are these sliders a crowd-pleaser, but they also come together in no time, making them the perfect quick meal for busy weeknights. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or enjoying a cozy movie night, this recipe offers comfort in every bite. What’s your favorite twist on a classic slider? Let’s dive in and discover how to create these mouthwatering bites!
Why Are These Sliders So Irresistible?
Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey mustard and crispy chicken creates a taste sensation that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have these sliders ready in no time, making them perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Whether it’s a game day gathering or a family dinner, these sliders are sure to impress everyone at the table. Pair them with crispy fries or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal!
Versatile Options: Get creative! Try different cheese varieties like cheddar or add extra veggies like spinach to suit your taste preferences.
Comfort Food Vibes: All the comfort of your favorite sandwich, but in slider form—perfectly sized for sharing or simply indulging on your own. Check out my Maple Mustard Pork for another crowd-pleasing dish!
Honey Mustard Chicken Sliders Ingredients
For the Sliders
• King’s Hawaiian Pretzel Slider Buns – Soft and slightly sweet buns serve as the perfect base; substitute any slider buns if unavailable.
• Fried Chicken Tenders, Chopped – The main protein of the sliders, offering crunch and satisfaction; use grilled chicken for a healthier version.
• Cooked Bacon, Crumbled – Provides a savory crunch and rich flavor; can substitute with turkey bacon for a lighter option.
• Honey Mustard – A sweet and tangy sauce that coats the chicken and ties the flavors together; try different mustards for varying flavor profiles.
For the Toppings
• Pepper Jack Cheese – Adds a spicy kick that complements the rich flavors; substitute with cheddar or gouda for milder taste.
• Avocado, Cubed – Brings creaminess and freshness; substitute with sour cream or skip for a non-creamy option.
• Cherry Tomatoes, Quartered – Adds brightness and juicy texture; use any ripe tomatoes for variation.
• Flaky Salt – Enhances flavor; table salt works too, but flaky salt provides better texture.
Get ready to enjoy the delightful fusion of flavors in your Honey Mustard Chicken Sliders!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Honey Mustard BLT Chicken Sliders
Step 1: Prep the Buns
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Split the King’s Hawaiian pretzel slider buns in half and arrange them cut side up on a baking sheet. This layout allows for even heating and makes it easy to assemble later. You’ll want the buns ready to hold all the delicious fillings for your Honey Mustard Chicken Sliders.
Step 2: Cheese and Bacon Layer
Top each bun half generously with slices of Pepper Jack cheese, allowing it to melt beautifully. Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top of the cheese, distributing it evenly across all the buns. The mixture of these flavors is what will make your sliders so scrumptious.
Step 3: Broil
Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 3–5 minutes, watching closely until the cheese melts and the buns turn a lovely golden brown. The heat from the broiler will create an irresistible short-crisp on the buns while enhancing the slider experience. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Step 4: Honey Mustard Chicken
While the buns are broiling, in a mixing bowl, toss the chopped fried chicken tenders with honey mustard until each piece is well-coated. This delicious mixture will be the star of your Honey Mustard Chicken Sliders, bringing together the savory and sweet elements in every bite.
Step 5: Assemble Sliders
Once your buns are perfectly broiled, start assembling the sliders. Place a generous scoop of the honey mustard chicken mixture on top of the melted cheese, followed by fresh cubed avocado and quartered cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor. Don’t forget a light sprinkle of flaky salt to enhance the overall taste.
Step 6: Serve
Carefully close the sliders by placing the tops back on each bun. You can pull them apart to reveal the tempting fillings inside, making for an impressive presentation. Serve these Honey Mustard Chicken Sliders warm, alongside extra honey mustard for dipping, and enjoy the delightful flavors of this crowd-pleasing dish.
Storage Tips for Honey Mustard Chicken Sliders
-
Room Temperature: Serve sliders immediately for the best flavor and texture; they should not sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
-
Fridge: Keep any leftover assembled sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reassemble to maintain crunchiness if necessary.
-
Freezer: Freeze individual sliders wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.
-
Reheating: To reheat, place wrapped sliders in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to keep the buns soft and the fillings flavorful. Enjoy those delightful Honey Mustard Chicken Sliders again!
Honey Mustard Chicken Sliders Variations
Feel free to explore these exciting twists to make the Honey Mustard Chicken Sliders truly your own!
-
Cheese Swap: Try replacing Pepper Jack with cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile that suits your taste. The choice of cheese can significantly shift the slider experience, enhancing or mellowing the overall taste.
-
Healthier Chicken: Opt for grilled chicken breasts instead of fried tenders for a leaner version. The grilled chicken will lend a smoky flavor while still satisfying those slider cravings!
-
Vegetarian Delight: Replace the chicken with grilled halloumi or marinated portobello mushrooms for a savory vegetarian alternative. This twist maintains the essence of sliders while catering to plant-based preferences.
-
Veggie Boost: Add shredded lettuce, spinach, or even sliced pickles for extra crunch and freshness. These ingredients can elevate not just the taste, but also the nutrition content of your sliders.
-
Heat It Up: Kick it up a notch by adding jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce to the honey mustard mixture. This brings a delightful heat that complements the sweet and tangy flavors beautifully.
-
Seasonal Flavors: Incorporate caramelized onions or roasted red peppers for a unique twist. These ingredients bring a sweet and savory depth that creates a gourmet feel.
-
Different Mustards: Experiment with various types of mustard, like spicy brown or Dijon, to change the flavor dynamics of your sliders. Each mustard brings its character, allowing you to discover exciting new combinations.
-
Bread Alternatives: Use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option, or serve the filling inside naan for a fun fusion twist! This allows you to enjoy the flavors in various formats while accommodating different dietary needs.
Feel free to get creative and mix up these variations! Each twist offers a fresh take on the classic slider experience. You might also consider some delightful sides like Queso Chicken Enchiladas for a complete meal!
Expert Tips for Honey Mustard Chicken Sliders
-
Broiling Vigilance: Keep a close eye while broiling; all ovens are different, and you want the buns golden brown, not burnt.
-
Ingredient Freshness: For optimal flavor, use fresh ingredients, especially the tomatoes and avocado. They elevate the honey mustard chicken sliders to the next level!
-
Avoid Soggy Buns: To prevent sogginess, add the honey mustard chicken right before serving, keeping the sliders crispy.
-
Batch Cooking: Prepare the chicken tenders in advance and store them in the fridge; this makes assembly a breeze during busy weeknights.
-
Get Creative: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add extra veggies like spinach to personalize your honey mustard chicken sliders!
Make Ahead Options
These Honey Mustard BLT Chicken Sliders are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the honey mustard chicken mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain quality, keep the chicken mixture in an airtight container; this ensures it’s just as delicious when you assemble your sliders later. Additionally, you can pre-cook the bacon and chop the avocado and tomatoes, storing each component separately (avocado should be covered with lemon juice to prevent browning). When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken in the microwave, assemble the sliders on the broiled buns, and enjoy a quick, flavorful meal with minimal effort.
What to Serve with Honey Mustard BLT Chicken Sliders
Elevate your meal experience by pairing these delightful sliders with sides that complement their sweet and savory flavors.
- Crispy Fries: The crunchy texture and salty goodness of fries make for a classic pairing that everyone loves.
- Garden Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the sliders beautifully. Bright, crisp veggies refresh the palate between bites!
- Coleslaw: This creamy side adds a contrasting crunch, enhancing the overall experience with its zesty flavor that harmonizes with the honey mustard.
- Potato Wedges: Seasoned and baked to golden perfection, potato wedges are hearty and satisfying, providing that comfort food vibe.
- Grilled Asparagus: Bright and vibrant, grilled asparagus adds a touch of elegance while introducing a light flavor profile to balance the sliders. Pairing it with a squeeze of lemon brightens the dish further!
- Iced Tea: A refreshing drink to quench your thirst, iced tea complements the sliders without overpowering their flavors; consider a hint of mint for an herbal twist.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: For dessert, go classic with soft, gooey cookies to end your meal on a sweet note, making it a comforting finish that the whole family will adore!
Honey Mustard BLT Chicken Sliders Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe tomatoes for my sliders?
Absolutely! Look for tomatoes that are firm but slightly give when gently squeezed. Ideally, they should have rich color and no dark spots all over. Using ripe tomatoes will add that juicy burst of flavor that complements the sliders beautifully.
What is the best way to store leftover Honey Mustard Chicken Sliders?
For optimal freshness, store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, it’s best to store the components separately—such as the chicken, bacon, and toppings—until you’re ready to enjoy again. This way, your buns stay nice and crispy!
Can I freeze my Honey Mustard Chicken Sliders? How?
Very! To freeze, wrap each slider tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Enjoy the delightful flavors even after they’ve been frozen!
What can I do if my cheese isn’t melting properly?
No worries! If your cheese isn’t melting as expected during broiling, you might be too far from the heat source or didn’t broil long enough. Make sure to keep a close eye—3 to 5 minutes should suffice. You can also consider using a different type of cheese with a smoother melting profile, like mozzarella or gouda, for an easier melt.
Are these sliders suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! You can make several adjustments to cater to different dietary needs. For a lighter option, use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. If you’re serving those with dairy allergies, skip the cheese and use a dairy-free alternative. If you have guests who are vegetarian, don’t hesitate to substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi or even crispy tofu!
Can I add more veggies to my Honey Mustard Chicken Sliders?
The more the merrier! Feel free to add shredded lettuce, spinach, or pickles for an extra crunch and an extra layer of flavor. Not only will this enhance the taste, but it also adds to the visual appeal! Get creative and personalize these delicious sliders to fit your family’s preferences!
Irresistible Honey Mustard Chicken Sliders for Every Occasion
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prep the Buns: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Split the King's Hawaiian pretzel slider buns in half and arrange them cut side up on a baking sheet.
- Cheese and Bacon Layer: Top each bun half generously with slices of Pepper Jack cheese, then sprinkle crumbled bacon on top.
- Broil: Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 3–5 minutes until the cheese melts and the buns turn golden brown.
- Honey Mustard Chicken: In a mixing bowl, toss the chopped fried chicken tenders with honey mustard until well-coated.
- Assemble Sliders: Place a scoop of honey mustard chicken on top of the melted cheese, add cubed avocado and quartered cherry tomatoes, and sprinkle with flaky salt.
- Serve: Close the sliders with the tops of the buns, serve warm with extra honey mustard for dipping.
Leave a Reply