Sriracha Chicken Sliders are perfect for game days or weeknights. They mix tender chicken in spicy sriracha butter with cool slaw and tangy ranch sauce. All this is on soft Hawaiian rolls. Plus, they’re easy to make thanks to a slow cooker.
These sliders have just the right mix of spicy and sweet. They’re great for any gathering or a quick dinner. Everyone will love these Sriracha Chicken Sliders.
Key Takeaways
- Slow cooker-friendly Sriracha Chicken Sliders are the ultimate game day or weeknight meal
- Tender, pulled chicken cooked in a spicy sriracha butter sauce is the star of the dish
- Cool, creamy sweet slaw and tangy ranch-style sauce provide the perfect contrast to the heat
- Soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls tie all the flavors together for a delicious and satisfying bite
- Easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time, making it a great option for busy schedules
Introduction to Spicy Chicken Sliders
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our irresistible Sriracha Chicken Sliders! These bite-sized delights pack a flavorful punch. They combine the bold heat of Sriracha with the juicy tenderness of slow-cooked chicken. Perfect for any occasion, these spicy sliders offer a delightful balance of comfort and excitement.
What Makes These Sliders Special
The key to these Sriracha Chicken Sliders lies in their unique blend of flavors and the ease of preparation. The slow-cooked chicken is infused with the fiery kick of Sriracha. It’s complemented by the creamy tang of a homemade ranch sauce and the refreshing crunch of a vibrant slaw.
Quick Overview of Ingredients
The star ingredients in these sliders include juicy slow cooker chicken, Sriracha hot sauce, and a savory blend of butter, apple cider vinegar, and garlic. The chicken is nestled on sweet Hawaiian rolls. It’s topped with a delightful slaw and a creamy ranch-style sauce.
Time and Preparation Basics
Preparing these spicy sliders is a breeze, with the majority of the cooking done in the slow cooker. The total prep time is approximately 20 minutes. The cooking time can range from 2 to 6 hours, depending on your slow cooker settings.
Get ready to impress your friends and family with this irresistible easy preparation dish. It celebrates the bold flavors of Sriracha-infused chicken sliders!
Essential Equipment for Perfect Sliders
To make the perfect Sriracha chicken sliders, you’ll need some key tools. The main piece is the slow cooker. A 6-quart Hamilton Beach model is great, but a 3-quart Crock Pot works too. If you prefer an Instant Pot, you can easily adjust the recipe for it.
You’ll also need some other tools to complete the dish. Forks or tongs are crucial for shredding the chicken right. Mixing bowls are handy for making the slaw and sriracha mayo. And, if you want to toast the buns, a skillet or oven will give them that nice crisp.
- 6-quart Hamilton Beach slow cooker
- 3-quart Crock Pot (for smaller batches)
- Instant Pot (with slow cooker setting)
- Forks or tongs for shredding chicken
- Mixing bowls for slaw and sauce preparation
- Skillet or oven for toasting buns (optional)
With these tools ready, you’re set to make the tastiest Sriracha chicken sliders. Let’s start cooking!
The Magic of Sriracha Chicken Sliders
At the heart of these spicy chicken sliders lies a captivating mix of sriracha heat and balanced flavors. The recipe uses a generous 1/3 cup of sriracha. This might seem like a lot, but slow cooking mellows the heat. It results in a flavor that excites your taste buds without being too hot.
Understanding the Heat Level
The sriracha’s spiciness is balanced by creamy slaw and ranch-style sauce. This creates a perfect mix of flavors. If you want more heat, you can add more sriracha or other hot sauces to suit your taste.
Balancing Flavors
The sriracha chicken sliders have a complex flavor profile. They blend spicy, sweet, tangy, and creamy elements. The slow-cooked chicken, marinated in flavorful sauce, is juicy and tender. The crunchy slaw and rich sauce add texture and taste.
“The perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and creaminess – these sriracha chicken sliders are a true flavor sensation!”
These sriracha chicken sliders are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue, a school lunch, or a comforting meal, they will impress. Enjoy the spicy, flavorful delight and find the perfect mix of sriracha heat, flavor balance, and spice level.
Ingredients Breakdown for Chicken Marinade
The secret to perfect flavor and tenderness in these Sriracha chicken sliders is the marinade. It’s made with chicken breasts, butter, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and lots of Sriracha hot sauce.
The butter makes the chicken creamy. The apple cider vinegar tenderizes the meat and balances the heat. The minced garlic adds a savory, aromatic touch that enhances the flavor.
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 1 pound | The protein base for the sliders |
| Butter | 1/2 cup (1 stick) | Adds richness and creaminess to the marinade |
| Apple cider vinegar | 2 tablespoons | Tenderizes the chicken and balances the heat |
| Minced garlic | 1 clove | Provides savory, aromatic flavor |
| Sriracha hot chile sauce | 1/3 cup | Adds the signature spicy kick to the chicken |
Marinating the chicken in this mix makes it tender, juicy, and spicy-sweet. It’s perfect for making delicious Sriracha chicken sliders.
Creating the Perfect Spicy Mayo Sauce
Take your chicken sliders to the next level with the perfect spicy mayo sauce. This sauce mixes the heat of sriracha with the creaminess of mayo. It’s a perfect match for the juicy chicken. Let’s explore how to make this irresistible sauce.
Sauce Variations and Adjustments
The base of the spicy mayo sauce is easy: Kewpie mayo, sriracha, toasted sesame oil, and a bit of sugar. But the fun part is making it your own. You can tweak the sriracha to your liking. Add more for a stronger kick or less for a milder taste.
Try adding garlic powder, onion powder, or even homemade ranch for a creamy twist. It’s all about experimenting to find your favorite flavor.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning to your personal preference.
- Store the spicy mayo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
This sauce is great because you can make it ahead of time. It’s ready when you need it, making your slider-making easy. Plan ahead and enjoy the convenience of having this tasty sauce ready.
“The spicy mayo sauce is the secret weapon that takes these chicken sliders from good to out-of-this-world delicious.”
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make these sizzling Sriracha chicken sliders. The secret to perfect flavors is in the cooking.
For slow cooker method, mix chicken, butter, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and sriracha. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and shred easily.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Cook the seasoned chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden.
- Put the seared chicken in a baking dish and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes. Baste with sriracha and brown sugar halfway through.
For a quick stovetop option, fry the buttermilk-marinated chicken in peanut oil for about 5 minutes per side. It should be crispy and cooked through.
| Cooking Method | Total Time | Yield |
|---|---|---|
| Slow Cooker | 4-6 hours on low or 2-4 hours on high | 12 sliders |
| Stovetop Sear and Bake | 40 minutes | 12 sliders |
| Stovetop Fry | 20 minutes | 12 sliders |
After cooking, shred the chicken with two forks. This shredded chicken is the main attraction in these slow cooker recipe sliders. It brings bold flavors of sriracha and garlic to every bite.
Preparing the Homemade Slaw
No spicy chicken slider is complete without a refreshing coleslaw. We’ll make a homemade cabbage slaw that complements the Sriracha chicken.
Choosing the Right Cabbage
Our slaw uses shredded green and red cabbage. The green cabbage is crunchy, while the red adds color. Together, they make a tasty and pretty slaw.
Slaw Dressing Components
To make the creamy slaw dressing, we mix mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt. This dressing balances sweetness and tanginess, enhancing the spicy chicken.
In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of green cabbage, 1 cup of red cabbage, and 2 peeled carrots. For the dressing, whisk 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and a pinch of salt. Pour it over the slaw and toss to coat. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors mix.
This homemade coleslaw is perfect with the Sriracha chicken sliders. It offers a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy flavors. Its crunchy texture and bright colors add to the dish’s appeal.
Slider Bun Selection and Preparation
Choosing the right buns is key for perfect spicy chicken sliders. Sweet Hawaiian rolls are a top pick because they’re soft and match the bold chicken flavors. But, any slider buns will do the trick.
To add crunch and color, toast the buns. Brush them with melted butter and bake at 400°F for 5 minutes. Or, butter the inside and toast in a skillet until golden.
For those on a gluten-free diet, gluten-free buns are a great choice. Look for a brand that’s sturdy yet soft. This way, the fillings can be the star without the bun falling apart.
| Slider Bun Type | Calories (per bun) | Carbs (per bun) | Protein (per bun) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaiian Rolls | 120 | 22g | 2g |
| Slider Buns | 80 | 14g | 3g |
| Gluten-Free Buns | 90 | 18g | 2g |
Whether you pick Hawaiian rolls, slider buns, or gluten-free buns, make sure they can hold the flavorful chicken and toppings. With the right slider buns, your sliders will be a crowd-pleaser!
Assembly Techniques for Perfect Sliders
Assembling the Sriracha chicken sliders is easy and ensures great taste and texture. Start with a small amount of homemade slaw on the bottom bun. Then, add a generous portion of the shredded Sriracha chicken.
Drizzle spicy mayo sauce over the chicken. Add an extra dash of Sriracha for more heat.
Layering Order
- Bottom bun
- Slaw
- Shredded Sriracha chicken
- Spicy mayo sauce
- Top bun
Portion Control Tips
For the best portion, use 2-3 ounces of shredded slider assembly per slider. This recipe makes 8 servings, so you’ll get 8 tasty layering ingredients sliders. You can also add extra toppings like cheddar cheese, red onion, or bacon for more flavor and texture.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken | 2-3 ounces per slider |
| Slaw | 2-3 tablespoons per slider |
| Spicy Mayo | 1-2 tablespoons per slider |
| Buns | 1 per slider |
| Total Servings | 8 sliders |
By sticking to these portion size tips, each slider will be perfectly balanced. This makes for a memorable spicy comfort food experience.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
Make your Sriracha Chicken Sliders even better with tasty side dishes. These spicy sliders are the main attraction. But, the right sides can make your event even more special.
For a classic choice, try grilled potato wedges or crispy baked sweet potato fries. They pair well with the chicken, offering a nice contrast in texture. For more heat, serve buffalo potato salad alongside.
Want something lighter? A melon salad is a great choice. It’s sweet and juicy, cooling down the spicy sliders.
Turn your sliders into a hit at any party or game day with a slider bar. Let guests add their favorite toppings and condiments. Options like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickled onions, and cheese slices are always a hit.
| Side Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Grilled Potato Wedges | Crispy, golden-brown potato wedges with a fluffy interior. |
| Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries | Oven-baked sweet potato fries with a delightful crunch. |
| Buffalo Potato Salad | Creamy, spicy potato salad with a kick of buffalo flavor. |
| Melon Salad | Refreshing salad featuring juicy melon cubes and a light dressing. |
Whether it’s a backyard party or a game day event, these sliders and sides will impress everyone.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Enjoying Sriracha chicken sliders doesn’t have to stop after the meal. You can enjoy them again with the right storage and reheating. Here’s how to keep the flavors alive.
Best Practices for Leftovers
To keep your leftover Sriracha chicken sliders fresh, follow these easy steps:
- Store the shredded chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Keep the coleslaw and spicy mayo sauce separate, also stored in the fridge for optimal freshness.
- Reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave until heated through, being careful not to overcook.
- Assemble the sliders just before serving to prevent the buns from becoming soggy.
If you have leftover shredded chicken, use it in salads, wraps, or chicken enchiladas. It’s a great way to mix up your meals.
“With a few simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy the flavors of these Sriracha chicken sliders for days to come.”
By following these tips, your leftover Sriracha chicken sliders will stay juicy and flavorful. You’ll enjoy spicy comfort food for days.
Recipe Variations and Customizations
These Easy Sriracha Chicken Sliders are super versatile. You can tweak the spice, use healthier options, or try new flavors. The options are limitless.
Spice it Up or Cool it Down
Want more heat? Try different hot sauces like Cholula or habanero. For a milder taste, cut down the Sriracha or mix it with honey or lime.
Healthier Alternatives
Make these sliders healthier with skinless chicken. For gluten-free, use lettuce wraps or special buns. Try Asian cabbage slaw or a tangy vinegar slaw for extra crunch.
Flavor Variations
- Add crispy bacon for a smoky twist.
- Include creamy avocado for richness.
- Top with pepper jack or blue cheese for a spicy kick.
Customizing these Easy Sriracha Chicken Sliders is fun. You can play with slider variations, spice adjustments, or dietary modifications. This recipe is a great base for your creativity.
Conclusion
The Easy Sriracha Chicken Sliders are a tasty and easy recipe. They mix spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors in a fun slider way. They’re perfect for a cozy dinner or a hit at game day.
The slow cooker makes them super easy to make. The chicken is tender, the slaw is creamy, and the sauce is just right. It’s a meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor.
You can make these easy chicken sliders your own by adding avocado, jalapeños, or cheese. You can even make them healthier by baking the chicken or using tofu or cauliflower. This versatile recipe is a great way to spice up your dinner routine and impress everyone.
So, if you’re in the mood for a tasty and simple meal, or want to impress a crowd, try the Easy Sriracha Chicken Sliders. They’re sure to make your taste buds happy and your belly full.
FAQ
What makes these Sriracha Chicken Sliders so special?
These sliders are special because they mix flavors well and are easy to make. They have spicy, sweet, and creamy tastes. The chicken is cooked in a tasty sriracha butter sauce.
What are the key ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients are chicken breasts, sriracha sauce, and butter. You also need apple cider vinegar and garlic for the marinade. For the spicy mayo, use Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and spices.
How long does it take to prepare these sliders?
It’s quick to prepare, with most cooking done in a slow cooker. You’ll need about 20 minutes to prep. Cooking time is 2-6 hours, depending on your slow cooker setting.
What equipment is needed to make these sliders?
You’ll need a slow cooker, like a 6-quart Hamilton Beach or a 3-quart Crock Pot. You’ll also need forks for shredding chicken and bowls for slaw and sauce. A skillet or oven is needed for toasting buns.
How spicy are the Sriracha Chicken Sliders?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of sriracha, which might seem a lot. But it makes the sliders just spicy enough. The slow cooking softens the heat, and the creamy slaw and ranch sauce balance it out.
Can the recipe be customized or adjusted?
Yes, you can make the sliders your own. Try different hot sauces for more heat, or use healthier chicken. You can also change the slaw or use gluten-free buns. Add bacon, avocado, or cheese for extra flavor.
How should the sliders be assembled and served?
Start with slaw on the bottom bun, then add chicken, ranch sauce, and more sriracha if you like. You’ll get 8 sliders. Serve with sides like grilled potato wedges or buffalo potato salad.
How should leftover Sriracha Chicken Sliders be stored and reheated?
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in a microwave or skillet until warm. Keep slaw and sauce cold. Assemble just before eating to avoid soggy buns.
