Save There's something magical about the combination of crispy chicken, sweet honey, spicy sauce, and tangy pickles all nestled in a soft bun. This Spicy Honey Butter Chicken Sandwich Bake takes all those beloved flavors and transforms them into a crowd-pleasing pull-apart dish that's perfect for feeding a hungry group. The chicken tenders are baked to golden perfection, then generously coated in a sticky-sweet hot honey butter that delivers just the right balance of heat and sweetness.
Save This recipe transforms the classic spicy chicken sandwich into a shareable bake that's greater than the sum of its parts. When you pull apart these sliders, the stretchy melted cheese, the juicy chicken coated in that addictive spicy honey butter, and the perfect acidic crunch from the pickles create a flavor explosion that keeps everyone coming back for more. It's comfort food with just the right kick of heat that you can easily dial up or down to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- For Chicken Tenders: 12 chicken tenders (about 1.5 lbs), 1 cup buttermilk, 1 teaspoon hot sauce, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, cooking spray or oil for baking
- For Hot Honey Butter: 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted), 1/4 cup honey, 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce (to taste), 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- For Assembly: 12 slider buns, 1 cup sliced dill pickles, 6 slices sharp cheddar cheese (halved), 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing buns), 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease. In a bowl, combine buttermilk and 1 teaspoon hot sauce. Add chicken tenders, toss to coat, and marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to overnight for best flavor).
- Create the coating
- In a shallow dish, mix flour, panko, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne.
- Bread the chicken
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each tender in the flour-panko mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Bake the chicken
- Arrange breaded tenders on the prepared sheet. Lightly spray with cooking oil. Bake for 20-22 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
- Make the hot honey butter
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine melted butter, honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes. Warm over low heat, stirring, until combined.
- Coat the chicken
- Once chicken is baked, brush generously with hot honey butter on both sides.
- Prepare for assembly
- Lower oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Slice slider buns horizontally (keeping bottoms and tops connected if possible). Place bottom halves in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Layer the ingredients
- Layer with half the cheese, followed by pickles, then the hot honey butter chicken tenders. Drizzle with extra hot honey butter. Top with remaining cheese, then place bun tops over.
- Finish and bake
- Brush buns with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Bake uncovered for 8-10 minutes, until cheese is melted and buns are lightly toasted.
- Serve
- Cool slightly, then pull apart and serve warm.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
The key to perfect crispy chicken tenders is making sure your panko coating sticks well. Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken after dredging. For maximum crispness, don't overcrowd your baking sheet – give each tender some space. When making the hot honey butter, adjust the spice level by varying the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes. The sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated if needed.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is highly adaptable to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For a spicier version, swap the cheddar cheese for pepper jack and increase the hot sauce in the honey butter. For a milder version that's kid-friendly, reduce or omit the cayenne and red pepper flakes. You can also use store-bought breaded chicken tenders as a time-saving shortcut. For a lighter option, try using chicken breast cutlets instead of breaded tenders, though you'll lose some of the signature crunch.
Serviervorschläge
These spicy honey butter chicken sliders are perfect on their own, but they pair wonderfully with several sides to create a complete meal. Serve with a simple coleslaw for a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich sandwiches. A side of crispy french fries or sweet potato fries makes for a classic sandwich accompaniment. For dipping, offer small bowls of ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side - they help cool the heat while adding creamy richness. For a lighter option, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a nice balance.
Save This Spicy Honey Butter Chicken Sandwich Bake bridges the gap between individual sandwiches and a family-style meal. It captures all the beloved elements of a great chicken sandwich – the crispy coating, the juicy meat, the perfect balance of sweet and heat, the tangy pickles – and presents them in a format that's ideal for sharing. Whether you're hosting a game day gathering, planning a casual weekend lunch, or simply feeding a hungry family, these pull-apart sliders deliver maximum flavor with minimum fuss. The combination of textures and flavors creates a crave-worthy dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Recipe Questions
- → How can I make the chicken extra crispy?
Ensure thorough dredging in the flour-panko mixture and bake at a high temperature. Flipping halfway promotes even crispness.
- → Can I adjust the spiciness level?
Yes, increase or reduce hot sauce and cayenne pepper in the marinade and honey butter to suit your heat preference.
- → Is there a substitute for slider buns?
You can use small dinner rolls or soft sandwich buns that can be sliced and layered similarly.
- → How do I prevent soggy buns during baking?
Brushing buns with melted butter before the final bake creates a barrier that helps maintain texture and encourages toasting.
- → What cheese works best for melting?
Sharp cheddar is ideal for flavor and meltability, but pepper jack can add a spicy twist if preferred.