Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Sliders: The Perfect Sweet-Heat Bite

If there’s one bite-sized meal that delivers big on flavor, it’s a good slider—but when you take tender, crispy chicken, coat it in zesty lemon pepper, and drizzle it with a sticky-sweet hot honey glaze, you’ve got something unforgettable. These Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Sliders are bold, juicy, and addictive. Whether you’re hosting a game day, planning a party, or just want to spice up dinner, these sliders bring the perfect mix of tang, heat, and sweetness in every bite.

Why You’ll Love These Sliders

These sliders combine three flavor powerhouses—lemon pepper, hot honey, and crispy chicken—in one small but mighty sandwich. The lemon pepper adds brightness and zest, the hot honey gives it a kick of sweetness and heat, and the chicken? Golden, crunchy, and perfectly seasoned. They’re quick to prep, fun to eat, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or tenders
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Hot Honey:

• ½ cup honey
• 1½ teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional for extra heat)
• ½ tablespoon lemon juice

For the Sliders:

• 12 slider buns (brioche or Hawaiian-style work great)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Lemon zest (optional for extra punch)
• Pickles, coleslaw, or lettuce (optional toppings)

How to Make Them

1. Marinate the Chicken

Soak the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) in the fridge. This helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor.

2. Prepare the Coating

In a large bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, lemon pepper seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, shake off excess, and dredge in the flour mixture until fully coated.

3. Fry Until Crispy

Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches for 4–6 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Drain on paper towels.

4. Make the Hot Honey

While the chicken cools, heat honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in red pepper flakes, hot sauce, and lemon juice. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.

5. Toast the Buns

Brush the slider buns with melted butter and a touch of lemon zest, then toast lightly in the oven or skillet until golden.

6. Assemble the Sliders

Place a piece of crispy chicken on each bottom bun, drizzle generously with hot honey, and add any toppings you like—pickles for crunch, slaw for creaminess, or lettuce for freshness. Top with the bun and serve hot.

Serving Tips

• Serve them on a platter with extra hot honey on the side for dipping.
• Pair with seasoned fries, sweet potato chips, or a fresh lemonade.
• Turn them into a meal by adding mac and cheese or baked beans on the side.

Final Thoughts

These Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Sliders strike the perfect flavor balance—sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory all in one. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and packed with serious flavor. Perfect for parties, weeknight dinners, or anytime you want to impress your taste buds.

Stick around—every visit tastes better than the last at The Buttered Bliss.