These Crispy Honey Chicken Sandwiches are irresistible mini delights made with golden, deep-fried buns, sweet and sticky glazed chicken, and a creamy garlic sauce. Layered with fresh lettuce and finished with a hint of sesame, these sliders deliver bold flavor and contrasting textures in every bite. Ideal for parties, game days, or snack platters, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These sandwiches are a perfect blend of comfort food and elevated street-style bites. The homemade fried buns are crisp on the outside and soft inside, providing the perfect base for sticky, sweet-and-savory honey chicken. The yogurt or garlic mayo adds a cooling creaminess that balances the sauce, while the fresh lettuce offers a refreshing crunch. Easy to make ahead and customize, these mini sandwiches are both visually striking and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Crispy Buns:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp instant yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (for coating)
- Oil for frying
For the Honey Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tbsp oil for frying
For the Honey Sauce:
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp sriracha (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry)
For Assembly:
- Fresh lettuce leaves
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or garlic mayo
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Directions
- Make the Dough Buns:
In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix and knead into a smooth dough. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
Divide the dough into 8–10 small balls, flatten slightly, and dip each in water, then coat with breadcrumbs. Let rest for 10 minutes.
Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pan and fry buns until golden and puffed. Drain on paper towels. - Cook the Chicken:
Season diced chicken with salt and pepper. Toss in cornstarch to coat evenly.
Heat oil in a pan and fry chicken until crispy and cooked through. Remove from heat. - Make the Honey Sauce:
In a pan, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, sriracha (if using), and minced garlic. Simmer over medium heat for 2–3 minutes.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens. Add the crispy chicken and toss to coat. - Assemble the Sandwiches:
Slice each fried bun horizontally. Spread yogurt or garlic mayo on the bottom half.
Add lettuce, then spoon in a generous portion of honey chicken. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and cover with the top bun.
Serve warm.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 8 mini sandwiches
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Calories per serving: Approximately 280 kcal
Variations
- Spicy Upgrade: Increase sriracha in the sauce or add chili flakes for more heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Use crispy tofu cubes or fried cauliflower instead of chicken.
- Cheesy Addition: Add a thin slice of cheddar or mozzarella for a melty twist.
- Asian-Inspired Garnish: Top with pickled cucumbers or kimchi for a tangy crunch.
- Baked Bun Option: Bake the coated dough balls at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes as a lighter alternative to frying.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store components separately for best freshness. Fried buns and cooked chicken can be refrigerated in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat buns in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes. Warm chicken in a skillet until heated through. Assemble just before serving. Avoid microwaving the buns to maintain crispiness.
FAQs
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, the dough can be made and refrigerated overnight. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and frying.
Can I use store-bought buns?
You can, but the fried homemade buns provide a unique texture and flavor that elevates this dish.
What type of oil is best for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola, sunflower, or vegetable oil.
Can I bake the buns instead of frying?
Yes. Bake at 375°F for 15–18 minutes until golden brown, though they won’t be as crisp.
Is the honey sauce too sweet?
The sauce is balanced by soy sauce and optional sriracha. Adjust the honey amount to suit your preference.
What can I use instead of yogurt?
Garlic mayo or sour cream works well. You can also blend yogurt with a bit of lemon and garlic for a tangy sauce.
Can I make these sandwiches larger?
Yes, shape larger buns and use full chicken fillets to create full-sized sandwiches.
Are these good for parties?
Absolutely. Their size and presentation make them perfect for gatherings, game days, and snack trays.
Can I freeze the buns?
Yes. Freeze after frying and cool completely. Reheat in an oven until warmed through and crispy.
How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Coat well with cornstarch, fry at the right temperature, and toss in sauce just before serving.
Conclusion
Crispy Honey Chicken Sandwiches are a flavorful and fun twist on classic sliders, offering a satisfying blend of sweet, savory, and spicy in each bite. From the homemade fried buns to the sticky glazed chicken and creamy garlic spread, every layer is thoughtfully crafted for maximum taste. Perfect as party food or a family snack, these mini sandwiches deliver big flavor in a compact package.
PrintCrispy Honey Chicken Sandwiches
These Crispy Honey Chicken Sandwiches are bite-sized flavor bombs featuring fluffy fried buns, sticky glazed chicken, and creamy garlic yogurt. Perfect for party platters, game-day snacking, or whenever you crave a sweet and spicy crunch in a handheld treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 mini sandwiches
- Category: Appetizer / Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired Fusion
Ingredients
For the Crispy Buns:
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 tbsp sugar
-
1/2 tsp salt
-
1 tbsp instant yeast
-
3/4 cup warm milk
-
2 tbsp butter, melted
-
1 egg
-
1 cup breadcrumbs (for coating)
-
Oil for frying
For the Honey Chicken:
-
2 chicken breasts, diced
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
1/4 cup cornstarch
-
2 tbsp oil (for frying)
Honey Sauce:
-
3 tbsp honey
-
2 tbsp soy sauce
-
1 tbsp ketchup
-
1 tbsp sriracha (optional)
-
1 clove garlic, minced
-
1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry)
For Assembly:
-
Fresh lettuce leaves
-
1/2 cup plain yogurt or garlic mayo
-
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Make the Dough Buns:
Mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a bowl. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Knead until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
Divide into small balls, flatten slightly, dip in water, then coat with breadcrumbs. Let rest 10 minutes.
Deep-fry until puffed and golden. Drain on paper towels. -
Cook the Chicken:
Season diced chicken with salt and pepper. Toss in cornstarch. Pan-fry in oil until golden and fully cooked. -
Prepare the Honey Sauce:
Combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, sriracha, and garlic in a pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Stir in slurry and cook until thickened. Toss chicken in the sauce to coat evenly. -
Assemble the Sandwiches:
Slice open fried buns. Spread garlic mayo or yogurt, add lettuce, fill with honey chicken, and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Notes
-
You can substitute the mini buns with sliders or small dinner rolls for a baked version.
-
Sriracha adds heat — adjust to taste or omit for a milder version.
-
Great for freezing the buns ahead and frying before use.