Honey Garlic Chicken Sliders

Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Sliders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 sliders
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs; ½ cup honey; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp ginger, grated; 12 slider buns; Lettuce, for garnish; Sliced cucumbers, for garnish

Highlighted under: Cozy Kitchen Recipes

I absolutely love making Honey Garlic Chicken Sliders for casual gatherings or a cozy night in. The combination of tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze is simply irresistible. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how quickly everything came together, and the aroma that fills the kitchen is heavenly. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just indulging yourself, these sliders are sure to become a favorite!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-06T20:46:31.843Z

When I first discovered how to make Honey Garlic Chicken Sliders, I was skeptical about how a simple glaze could elevate the flavor of chicken so dramatically. I experimented a bit, tweaking the honey and garlic ratios, and I was thrilled with the results. The sliders turned out to be juicy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced between sweet and savory.

One tip I learned along the way is to let the chicken marinate in the honey garlic mixture for at least 30 minutes if you have the time. This way, the flavors penetrate the meat more deeply, making each bite absolutely scrumptious. Trust me, your guests will be raving about these sliders!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Finger-licking good sweet and savory flavors
Perfectly juicy chicken that melts in your mouth
A crowd-pleaser for any occasion

      

Marinating for Maximum Flavor

Marinating the chicken is a crucial step that enhances the flavor profile of Honey Garlic Chicken Sliders. Allowing the chicken to soak in the honey-garlic mixture for at least 15 minutes is essential, but for optimal results, consider marinating it for up to an hour. This additional time lets the flavors penetrate the meat deeply, resulting in a sweeter, more savory taste. If you have time, marinating overnight in the refrigerator will provide even greater depth of flavor, making your sliders truly unforgettable.

If you're in a hurry, you can still achieve great results with a shorter marinating time, though you might lose some of that rich, sticky coating. Try to make sure the chicken is well-coated in the marinade, turning it occasionally to maximize flavor absorption. Remember, the key here is the balance of sweet honey with the savory notes from garlic and soy sauce, so don’t skip this step!

Cooking Techniques for Perfectly Shredded Chicken

When cooking the marinated chicken, using a skillet over medium heat is the best approach to achieve that ideal texture. Aim for a temperature around 350°F; you can test this by sprinkling a drop of water into the pan – if it sizzles immediately, you're good to go. The chicken should take about 5-7 minutes per side, but keep an eye on it; the goal is to cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and develops a lovely sticky glaze.

Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes off the heat. This resting period allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making shredding easier and ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful. Use two forks to shred the chicken effectively; this technique breaks it apart evenly, creating the ideal texture for piling onto your slider buns.

Serving Suggestions and Customizations

These Honey Garlic Chicken Sliders are endlessly customizable. For an added crunch and freshness, consider adding thinly sliced jalapeños, pickles, or even spicy coleslaw for some kick. Additionally, switching up the buns can provide interesting variations – try whole wheat or brioche sliders for a richer flavor. If you prefer a lighter option, serve the chicken on lettuce wraps instead of buns for a delicious low-carb alternative.

They can also be served as appetizers or at a potluck-style gathering. Prepare the chicken ahead of time and keep it warm in a slow cooker on a low setting. This method not only maintains the chicken’s temperature but also keeps the delicious glaze sticky and fresh for serving. If you have leftovers, the shredded chicken can easily be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop for quick future meals!

Ingredients

For the Sliders

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
½ cup honey
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp ginger, grated
12 slider buns
Lettuce, for garnish
Sliced cucumbers, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

In a bowl, mix together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and grated ginger. Add the chicken thighs and coat well. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Cook the Chicken

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through and sticky. Remove from heat and shred the chicken.

Assemble the Sliders

Place shredded chicken on slider buns, top with lettuce and cucumber slices. Close the sliders and serve warm.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, consider adding sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy variation!

Ingredient Insights

The star of these sliders is undoubtedly the honey, which not only sweetens the dish but also acts as a glaze, giving the chicken a beautiful stickiness that will have everyone returning for seconds. Using high-quality honey can make a significant difference; consider local varieties or flavored options like lavender or orange blossom for an extra touch of uniqueness.

Don’t forget about the garlic! Freshly minced garlic provides more robust flavors compared to pre-minced options. For a milder flavor, you can roast the garlic before adding it to the marinade; this gives it a sweeter, caramelized taste. Seasonal variations in garlic can also lead to distinct flavor profiles, so feel free to experiment!

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftover shredded chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To maintain the glaze's stickiness, consider adding a little extra honey or a splash of soy sauce before sealing the container. When ready to eat, simply reheat on the stovetop over low heat for the best texture; microwaving can dry it out.

For longer storage, the shredded chicken can be frozen for up to three months. Portion it into freezer bags, flattening them for quicker thawing later. To reheat frozen chicken, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm gently in a skillet to ensure the chicken remains juicy and flavorful.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but thigh meat stays juicier and is more flavorful; just be careful not to overcook the breasts.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Place the sliders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

→ Can I make these sliders in advance?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken the night before and assemble the sliders just before serving.

→ What are some good side dishes to serve with these sliders?

Crispy fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad complement the sliders perfectly.