Honey Garlic Chicken Sliders

Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Sliders
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 sliders
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless chicken thighs; 1/2 cup honey; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 8 slider buns; Lettuce leaves; Sliced cucumbers; Sliced red onion

Highlighted under: Comfort Cravings Kitchen

I love making Honey Garlic Chicken Sliders for gatherings because they are so simple and delicious. The combination of sweet honey and savory garlic creates a rich flavor that’s irresistible. I prepare the chicken ahead of time, allowing it to soak in the marinade overnight, which makes each bite incredibly tender and flavorful. Served on soft slider buns, these sliders are perfect for sharing, making them a go-to recipe whenever I have friends over or need to feed a crowd!

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2026-01-06T20:46:31.888Z

When I first tried creating these Honey Garlic Chicken Sliders, I knew I had to elevate the classic flavors of a barbecue. After experimenting with different marinades, I found that a blend of honey and garlic delivered the perfect balance of sweetness and savoriness. The secret? Allow the chicken to marinate overnight for maximum flavor absorption, ensuring each bite packs a punch!

During my trials, I noticed that using boneless chicken thighs resulted in incredibly juicy sliders. Cooking the sliders on medium heat also helped achieve that nice caramelization on the outside, while keeping the inside tender. Trust me, you won't want to miss these sliders at your next gathering!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich honey flavor with a hint of garlic that everyone will adore
Juicy chicken thighs perfect for sliders, ensuring maximum juiciness
Easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings or casual meals

      

The Importance of Marinating

Marinating the chicken is a crucial step for infusing the meat with the distinctive flavors of honey and garlic. The acid from the apple cider vinegar not only helps tenderize the chicken but also enhances the overall taste profile. Ideally, the chicken should marinate for at least 1 hour, but allowing it to soak overnight will yield a deeper flavor and more tender texture. You’ll know it’s ready when the marinade has slightly thickened and the garlic has imparted its robust aroma.

When marinating, it's essential to ensure that the chicken is fully submerged in the liquid. If you have a vacuum-seal bag, this is an excellent option for maximizing flavor absorption. However, even in a regular bowl or container, make sure to turn the chicken occasionally to coat all sides. This technique guarantees that every bite of the slider bursts with juicy sweetness balanced by a savory touch.

Perfect Cooking Technique

Cooking the chicken evenly is vital for achieving juicy, tender sliders that don’t dry out. Preheat your grill or skillet to medium heat; if it's too hot, the outside may char while the inside remains undercooked. Aim to cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, flipping only once for even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring food safety while keeping the chicken moist.

Letting the chicken rest after cooking is another critical step. Allow the meat to sit for about 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps redistribute the juices within the chicken, preventing them from leaking out when you cut into it. You’ll notice that slicing against the grain results in more tender pieces, perfect for fitting into your slider buns.

Serving and Storing Suggestions

These Honey Garlic Chicken Sliders are versatile and can be served in various ways. For a fun twist, consider adding a drizzle of spicy mayo or a slice of cheese onto each slider. Pair your sliders with crunchy sides like coleslaw or sweet potato fries for a complete meal that your guests will rave about. They make an excellent option for outdoor barbecues or casual get-togethers, appealing to both kids and adults alike.

If you have leftover chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat slices gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking; just be sure to use it within three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before grilling for a quick meal option on busy days.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for the best sliders!

For the Chicken

1 pound boneless chicken thighs
1/2 cup honey
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Assembly

8 slider buns
Lettuce leaves
Sliced cucumbers
Sliced red onion

Make sure to have all these ingredients ready to go!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create mouthwatering sliders!

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat them well with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight.

Cook the Chicken

Preheat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Assemble the Sliders

Slice the cooked chicken into smaller pieces that fit your slider buns. Layer lettuce, sliced cucumbers, and onions on the bottom half of each bun, add the chicken, then place the top half of the bun on.

Enjoy your delicious Honey Garlic Chicken Sliders!

Pro Tips

For a little extra crunch, consider adding pickles or a slaw mix. Pair with a side of sweet potato fries for a complete meal!

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a healthier option, boneless chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs—just keep in mind that they can dry out more quickly, so adjust cooking times accordingly. To maintain moisture, consider brining the breasts in a saltwater solution for about 30 minutes before marinating. For a gluten-free alternative, use tamari instead of soy sauce, which retains the umami flavor without the gluten.

For those avoiding honey, you can substitute with maple syrup for a different but equally delicious sweet profile, or use a sugar-free honey alternative for a low-sugar version. Just make sure that the substitute complements the garlic flavor, and adjust the quantities to taste since sweetness can vary between syrups.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable, making it ideal for feeding larger crowds. To double the recipe, simply multiply the ingredients by two, but be mindful of your marinating and cooking space. A larger batch of chicken will require more time for the flavors to permeate unless you plan to marinate in multiple containers. When grilling, consider cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding the grill, which can lead to uneven cooking.

When scaling up, you might also want to consider making a larger batch of the garlic honey sauce to drizzle generously over the assembled sliders or serve as a dipping sauce. Prepare extra slider buns and toppings to ensure everyone can personalize their sliders to their liking, enhancing the shared experience of this delicious dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but keep in mind that chicken breasts can be drier. Try to marinate them well to keep them juicy.

→ Can I prepare the sliders in advance?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and even assemble the sliders a few hours ahead of time. Just keep them refrigerated!

→ Is there a vegetarian alternative?

Certainly! You can substitute chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or crispy tofu for a tasty vegetarian option.

→ What sides go well with these sliders?

Sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a refreshing salad pair perfectly with these sliders.