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There’s something magical about biting into a perfectly crispy chicken slider. The moment you sink your teeth into the golden crust, you are transported back to summer barbecues and cozy gatherings, where the air is filled with laughter and the irresistible aroma of fried chicken wafts through the air. These Crispy Heaven Sliders with Crunchy Slaw have quickly become my go-to dish whenever I want to recreate those joyous moments in the kitchen. The combination of tender, golden fried chicken topped with a refreshing, crunchy slaw is simply irresistible and promises to please any crowd. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together, making it perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings with family and friends.

Golden Fried Chicken Sliders with Slaw

Experience the joy of Crispy Heaven Sliders with Crunchy Slaw, where every bite is a taste of nostalgia and comfort. These delicious sliders feature juicy, golden-fried chicken topped with a refreshing, crunchy slaw that perfectly balances flavors and textures. Perfect for casual weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, this dish brings people together and creates lasting memories. Discover the simple ingredients and steps to elevate your meals and delight your guests.

Ingredients
  

For the Golden Fried Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cornmeal

Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Slaw:

2 cups green cabbage, finely shredded

1 cup carrots, grated

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon honey

Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

8 mini slider buns

4 slices of pickles (optional)

Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper until well combined. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss them thoroughly to coat in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (for deeper flavor, marinate overnight).

    Prepare the Slaw: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the finely shredded cabbage and grated carrots. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour this dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture, and toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated. Set the slaw aside to allow the flavors to meld.

      Set Up the Breading Station: In a shallow dish, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Once the chicken is marinated, remove it from the buttermilk, letting any excess liquid drip off. Dredge each thigh in the flour-cornmeal mixture, pressing down gently to ensure an even and generous coating.

        Fry the Chicken: In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the breaded chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the chicken for approximately 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, achieving an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

          Assemble the Sliders: Take each mini slider bun and slice them in half. On the bottom half of each bun, arrange a piece of the crispy fried chicken. Top it off with a generous scoop of the crunchy slaw and add a pickle slice if desired. Finally, position the top half of the bun over each slider.

            Serve: Place the assembled sliders on a serving platter, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and flavor if desired.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 8 sliders

                Presentation Tips:

                  For an aesthetically pleasing presentation, arrange the sliders on a rustic wooden board or a colorful platter. Consider adding some extra slaw on the side for an inviting touch, and serve with small bowls of your favorite dipping sauces.