If you're craving sliders but want a unique twist to the traditional recipe, say hello to our Above the Clouds Sliders. These bites of goodness feature perfectly fried, golden brown chicken generously coated with Nashville-style hot seasoning, sandwiched between the soft and fluffy King’s Hawaiian Pretzel Pre-sliced Slider Buns.
Whether you're hosting a game night, planning a March Madness gathering, or simply looking to spice up your weeknight dinners, these sliders are a stellar option. They are not only filling, but each bite is a medley of flavors and textures that are downright satisfying.
The first step in creating the Above the Clouds Sliders is toasting the King’s Hawaiian Pretzel Slider Buns with some butter on a griddle until golden brown. Toasting the buns sets the stage for the coming steps. It elevates their flavor profile, adds a crunchy texture, enhances their visual appeal, and makes them sturdy enough to hold the rest of the ingredients. You'll know the buns are perfectly toasted when they achieve that picture-perfect golden-brown hue.
Butterflying is a slicing technique involving cutting the chicken horizontally to create two thin portions. Once butterflied, divide each portion into three equal pieces. Slicing the chicken breast primes it for soaking in the seasonings, and thinner chicken cooks much faster.
This step is the secret to truly unforgettable sliders. It infuses the chicken with a buttery flavor, making it more succulent. Buttermilk's tangy and buttery flavor, combined with Nashville-style hot seasoning, adds a bold and spicy note, taking the flavor profile to new heights. Place the buttermilk in a bowl, add 3 tablespoons of Nashville hot seasoning, and submerge the chicken pieces fully. Let the chicken marinate for 1-4 hours for intense flavors and juicier chicken.
Heat oil in a frying pan to 360°F. In a bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, Panko, and 2 tablespoons of Nashville-style hot seasoning. Drench the chicken in the dry mixture until well coated, then fry until golden brown, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The high oil temperature seals in juices, and each ingredient in the dry mixture works in harmony for a crispy exterior.
Make a sauce to accompany the crispy chicken and pretzel buns—a sauce that's a flavor explosion transforming the sliders into a showstopper. Melt butter, add 6 tablespoons of Nashville-style seasoning, mix, and add water to achieve the desired consistency. The butter provides a soft, creamy base, while the seasoning adds depth. Brush the fried chicken generously with this Nashville-style hot seasoning and butter sauce, ensuring it seeps through every nook and cranny.
Now, let's bring everything together to make these amazing Above the Clouds Sliders. With the Pre-sliced Pretzel Buns ready, place the sauced-up Nashville hot fried chicken on the bottom bun. Top it with pickles, lettuce, and tomato. Finish the slider assembly by placing the top bun on the tomatoes. The pickles complement the spiciness, lettuce brings a cool contrast, and tomatoes add color and refreshing juiciness.
To truly take these sliders "Above the Clouds," pour 2 oz of ranch dressing into 6 ramekins. Dunk the sliders into the ranch dressing before taking a bite. The coolness and creaminess of the ranch seamlessly marry with the spiciness of the sauce and Nashville-style seasoning, delivering unmatched indulgence.
These Above the Clouds Sliders are a flavor explosion with each element working in harmony. Whether you're planning a casual family dinner or entertaining a crowd, these sliders are sure to be a hit. So, prepare to elevate your slider game and savor the delightful combination of crispy, spicy, and creamy goodness in every bite!
Prep: 60 min.
Cook: 25 min.
Serves: 6
