Fried Chicken Sliders with Spicy Mayo are the perfect blend of crispy, juicy, flavorful chicken tucked into soft slider buns and finished with a bold, creamy mayo sauce that adds just the right amount of heat. These sliders are a crowd-pleasing favorite that bring restaurant-style comfort straight to your home kitchen. Each bite is a combination of crunch, tenderness, and spice, making the sliders ideal for parties, family dinners, game nights, or special gatherings.

What makes these sliders stand out is how surprisingly easy they are to prepare, even though they taste like something you would order in a gourmet eatery. The chicken stays juicy from the marinade, the breading fries up golden and crisp, and the spicy mayo ties everything together with a rich, tangy kick. Whether you’re serving a crowd or treating yourself to a fun, indulgent meal, these sliders always impress.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers everything I want in comfort food: crispiness, flavor, spice, and tenderness. The chicken is soaked in a simple but effective marinade that keeps it moist, the coating fries up beautifully, and the spicy mayo gives every bite an extra punch. The sliders are small, convenient, and absolutely addictive.

I also love how customizable this recipe is. You can adjust the heat level, add toppings, or play with different seasonings. Plus, they are perfect for sharing—and even more perfect for snacking. It’s a recipe that brings people together and always gets compliments.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because it brings all the fun and flavor of fried chicken sandwiches but in a bite-sized, party-ready form. These sliders are:

• Perfect for gatherings, picnics, and game days
• Easy to assemble and serve
• Crispy and juicy every time
• Flexible for spice preferences
• Crowd-pleasing for both kids and adults

If you’re looking for a guaranteed hit that tastes indulgent but is simple to prepare, Fried Chicken Sliders with Spicy Mayo are the answer.

Recipe Details

Category	Information
Course	Appetizer / Main / Party Food
Cuisine	American-Inspired
Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	20 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes
Servings	Makes 8 sliders (about 4 servings)
Calories per Serving	~250–320 calories per slider (varies based on toppings and frying method)

Ingredients

For the Fried Chicken

• 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into 8 slider-sized pieces or 8 chicken tenders
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional for marinade)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for more heat)
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)

For the Spicy Mayo

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1–2 tablespoons sriracha or hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For Assembly

• 8 slider buns
• Lettuce leaves
• Pickles
• Red onion slices (optional)

Cooking Directions

1. Marinate the chicken in buttermilk and optional hot sauce.
2. Mix flour, cornstarch, and spices in a bowl.
3. Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot.
4. Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture and shake off excess.
5. Fry chicken until golden and fully cooked.
6. Mix spicy mayo ingredients in a small bowl.
7. Toast slider buns.
8. Assemble with lettuce, chicken, spicy mayo, and pickles.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Slice chicken breasts into slider-sized portions.
• Place them in a bowl and cover with buttermilk and optional hot sauce.
• Let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for extra tenderness.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Coating

• In a large bowl, mix all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
• Stir thoroughly to combine.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

• Fill a deep skillet or pot with 1–2 inches of oil.
• Heat to 350°F (175°C).

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

• Remove chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
• Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture.
• Press lightly so the coating sticks well.
• Place coated chicken on a tray while the oil heats.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

• Carefully place chicken into hot oil.
• Fry 4–5 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through.
• Transfer to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Prepare the Spicy Mayo

• Mix mayonnaise, sriracha, lemon juice, and garlic powder in a bowl.
• Adjust spice level as desired.

Step 7: Toast the Buns

• Lightly toast slider buns on a skillet or in the oven until warm and golden.

Step 8: Assemble

• Add lettuce to the bottom bun.
• Place a piece of fried chicken on top.
• Spoon spicy mayo over the chicken.
• Add pickles and red onion if desired.
• Close with the top bun and serve warm.

How to Serve

• Serve sliders warm and crisp immediately after frying.
• Arrange on a platter for parties or casual dinners.
• Offer extra spicy mayo on the side for dipping.
• Pair with fries, coleslaw, potato salad, or chips.
• Great for lunch boxes or picnic spreads.

Recipe Tips

• Marinate for at least 30 minutes for juicy chicken.
• Use cornstarch with flour for extra crispiness.
• Keep oil consistently hot for even frying.
• Place fried chicken on a wire rack to maintain crispness.
• Add extra cayenne or hot sauce for more heat.

Variations

Nashville-Style Spicy Sliders

• Brush fried chicken with a hot oil spice blend (cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar).

Honey Butter Sliders

• Add a drizzle of honey butter to the chicken before assembling.

Garlic Parmesan Sliders

• Toss fried chicken in garlic butter and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

Cajun-Style Sliders

• Add Cajun seasoning to the flour mix for a Southern twist.

Air-Fried Version

• Coat chicken as usual, then cook in the air fryer at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Freezing and Storage

Storage

• Store leftover fried chicken (unassembled) in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
• Spicy mayo lasts 3–5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing

• Freeze cooked chicken pieces for up to 2 months.
• Reheat from frozen in the oven or air fryer.
• Do not freeze assembled sliders.

Special Equipment Needed

• Deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot
• Tongs
• Mixing bowls
• Thermometer (optional but helpful)
• Wire rack for draining

FAQ

1. Can I make these less spicy?
Yes. Reduce or omit cayenne and use a mild sauce for the mayo.

2. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, though they will be less crispy.

3. What buns work best?
Soft brioche or potato slider buns work beautifully.

4. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely. Simply scale ingredients evenly.

5. Can I make the spicy mayo ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare up to 2 days in advance and keep refrigerated.

Conclusion

Fried Chicken Sliders with Spicy Mayo are everything you want in a comforting yet exciting dish—crispy, spicy, tender, and bursting with flavor. These sliders are easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for parties and gatherings. With their versatile toppings and simple preparation, they’re guaranteed to become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, these sliders deliver big flavor in every delicious bite.