Hot Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders Recipe

This Hot Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders Recipe combines tender marinated chicken, creamy honey chipotle mayo, gooey cheese, and soft Hawaiian rolls into one unforgettable dish. Whether you need an easy game day appetizer, a family dinner, or a party favorite, these sliders never disappoint.

The combination of smoky chipotle peppers, sweet honey, creamy mayonnaise, and melted cheese creates an incredible balance that keeps everyone coming back for another slider. Although they look impressive, they are surprisingly easy to prepare.

Overview of the Recipe

These Hot Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders bring together sweet, spicy, smoky, and cheesy flavors in every bite. Tender chicken absorbs a flavorful chipotle marinade before cooking until perfectly juicy. A homemade honey chipotle mayo adds creaminess, while melted mozzarella and cheddar create the perfect cheesy finish.

The soft King’s Hawaiian rolls become lightly toasted while staying fluffy inside. Meanwhile, the hot honey butter brushed over the tops gives the sliders their beautiful golden finish.

Readers love this recipe because it works for nearly every occasion. It is perfect for family dinners, football parties, potlucks, birthdays, meal prep, or casual weekend lunches. Since the sliders bake together in one pan, serving a crowd becomes incredibly simple.

Ingredients

Hot Honey Chipotle Chicken

• ¾ pound boneless chicken tenders (about 350 g)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for cooking
• ½ tablespoon honey
• 3 tablespoons adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon coriander
• ¼ teaspoon cumin

Honey Chipotle Mayo

• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo
• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons honey

Hot Honey Butter

• 2 tablespoons melted salted butter
• 2 teaspoons honey
• ½ teaspoon paprika

Assembly

• 16 King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
• 1 to 1½ cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese
• Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Necessary Kitchen Tools

Making these sliders is straightforward when you have the right equipment. A large mixing bowl helps combine the marinade quickly, while a skillet creates a flavorful char on the chicken. A sharp knife makes slicing the cooked chicken easy, and a blender produces a silky smooth honey chipotle mayo. You will also need a baking dish, pastry brush, cutting board, measuring spoons, and aluminum foil if you want to keep the sliders warm before serving.

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

You can easily customize this recipe based on your preferences.

• Replace chicken tenders with chicken breasts or boneless chicken thighs.
• Swap mozzarella for Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for extra spice.
• Use smoked gouda for a richer flavor.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for part of the mayonnaise to lighten the sauce.
• Add crispy bacon for extra texture.
• Include sliced jalapeños for additional heat.
• Use brioche slider buns if Hawaiian rolls are unavailable.
• Replace honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness.
• Add caramelized onions for extra richness.
• Mix smoked cheddar with mozzarella for a deeper smoky flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, adobo sauce, salt, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, chili flakes, black pepper, oregano, coriander, and cumin until well combined.

Step 2. Add the chicken tenders to the marinade and toss until every piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.

Step 3. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the chicken in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the chicken is fully cooked with lightly charred edges.

Step 4. Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken thinly against the grain, then toss it in the flavorful juices left on the cutting board to keep every bite moist and delicious.

Step 5. Prepare the honey chipotle mayo by adding the mayonnaise, chipotle peppers, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, lemon juice, and honey to a blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 6. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, honey, and paprika to create the hot honey butter. Stir until fully incorporated and set it aside.

Step 7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) using conventional heat. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 8. Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully slice the sheet of Hawaiian rolls horizontally into a top and bottom half while keeping the rolls connected. Place the bottom half on the prepared baking sheet with the cut side facing up.

Step 9. Spread the honey chipotle mayo evenly over both cut sides of the rolls.

Step 10. Layer the sliced chipotle chicken evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese generously across the chicken.

Step 11. Place the top half of the rolls over the filling. Brush the tops generously with the prepared hot honey butter, reserving a small amount for after baking.

Step 12. Bake the sliders for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely and the buns are lightly golden. If the tops begin browning too quickly, loosely cover them with aluminum foil.

Step 13. Remove the sliders from the oven and brush the remaining hot honey butter over the tops while they are still warm. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, slice into individual sliders, and serve immediately.

Tips for Making It

Marinating the chicken overnight produces the deepest smoky flavor and the juiciest texture. Although one hour works well, additional marinating time allows the spices to penetrate the meat more thoroughly.

Avoid overcooking the chicken because it can quickly become dry. Cook only until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Freshly shredded cheese melts much better than pre-shredded cheese because it contains fewer anti-caking agents.

Allow the sliders to cool for two or three minutes before slicing. This short resting time helps the cheese set slightly, making the sliders easier to serve.

If you enjoy extra heat, add finely sliced jalapeños or additional chopped chipotle peppers before baking.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Hot Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For the best texture, reheat them in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the cheese becomes melty again.

You can also freeze fully assembled sliders for up to two months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.

Although a microwave works for quick reheating, the oven keeps the buns soft while preserving their lightly crisp exterior.

General Information

Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are a staple ingredient in Mexican-inspired cooking. They combine smoky dried jalapeños with a rich tomato-based sauce, creating bold layers of flavor that pair beautifully with sweet ingredients like honey.

Hawaiian sweet rolls have also become a favorite for baked sliders because of their soft texture and slightly sweet flavor. Together, smoky chipotle, sweet honey, creamy cheese, and buttery rolls create a balanced combination that has become popular for game days, holiday gatherings, family dinners, and casual entertaining.

These sliders are easy to prepare ahead of time, making them an excellent choice whenever you need to feed a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the sliders several hours in advance, cover them tightly, and refrigerate. Brush on the hot honey butter just before baking for the freshest results.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

Absolutely. Shred cooked rotisserie chicken and toss it with some of the honey chipotle mayo or extra adobo sauce before assembling the sliders.

What cheese melts best for these sliders?

A combination of mozzarella and cheddar provides the ideal balance of creamy texture and rich flavor. Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack also work well.

Are these sliders very spicy?

The honey balances much of the chipotle heat, creating a medium spice level. Reduce the chipotle peppers or adobo sauce if you prefer a milder flavor.

Conclusion

This Hot Honey Chipotle Chicken Sliders Recipe delivers everything you could want in one irresistible bite. Tender smoky chicken, creamy honey chipotle mayo, melted cheese, buttery Hawaiian rolls, and a glossy hot honey finish create a meal that everyone will remember. Whether you serve these sliders for game day, family dinners, or weekend gatherings, they always disappear quickly.

If you would like more delicious inspiration, explore our Chicken Recipes category and our Appetizers collection on AngelinaRecipes for even more crowd-pleasing favorites.

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