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This post is all about how to make a slider version of the famous Popeye’s Spicy Chicken sandwiches that are perfect for serving a crowd! These mini sandwiches are spicy, smoky and the chicken is super juicy with the crispiest crunch. And that pickle just adds the perfect tang to balance out the creamy spicy mayo.
Back in 2019 when the Popeyes chicken sandwich was released, it was so viral that people were lining up for blocks just to get the sandwich. I can’t recall a time in my lifetime that people have gone this crazy over a fast food menu item.
Although I don’t think any food is worth waiting in long lines for (only because I hate waiting in line!!) I do agree that this was such an iconic sandwich and truly chicken sandwich perfection.
This recipe I am sharing today is a slider version of the original sized Popeye’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich recipe that I posted back in 2019 and people went crazy for my recipe. This mini sandwich is perfect for serving at parties, summer cookouts, 4th of July, football game nights, etc.
This recipe post is all about how to make a slider version of the Popeye’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich!
Key Ingredients in Popeye’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich:
Chicken Breast – slice them in half lengthwise then again in half, creating four pieces from one chicken breast
Mayo – base for Popeye’s famous spicy sauce
Spices – paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, cajun seasoning, salt and pepper
Flour & Cornstarch – for breading the chicken pieces
Buttermilk – the marinade to make this tender super moist.
Slider buns – Brioche slider buns are perfect but you can also use Hawaiian sliders.
Butter – the butter is super important to give those slider buns a perfect buttery crisp.
How to Make Popeye’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich:
Step 1: Marinate the chicken in the buttermilk mixture at least 4 hours before frying, ideally overnight (or up to 24 hours). Prepare the spicy mayo ahead and store in the fridge, the longer the flavors meld the better it will taste!
Step 2: In a heavy duty pot, heat oil to 350 degrees. While the oil is heating, prepare a landing destination for the finished chicken. I use a wire rack atop a baking sheet with some paper towels or foil below to catch the drippings. Prepare the dry flour mixture by combining all the breading ingredients in a medium bowl. Remove the chicken marinade from fridge, scoop 1/4 cup of the marinade liquid and add it into the flour mixture. Use a fork to mix the liquid into the flour mixture.
Step 3: Remove the chicken one piece at a time from the buttermilk and place it (still dripping) into the flour mixture. Coat chicken thoroughly with flour mixture then onto a plate, allowing the breaded chicken to rest for 15 minutes or so before frying. Place the chicken into the oil, frying for 4-6 minutes. Remove the chicken and place onto wire rack. Let the chicken rest for a few moments, then return to the fry oil for another minute. (Double dipping in the oil creates extra crispiness!)
Step 4: Separate the slider buns and spread the inside of top and bottom buns with butter. Place onto a baking sheet and broil until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Spread both sides of the buns with a good amount of the spicy mayo, then place two pickles on the bottom buns. Add one piece of warm chicken onto each slider then finally, place the top buns over the chicken. Enjoy!
Pro-Tips
The key to the perfect tasting fried chicken is marinading in buttermilk overnight and using tons of spices! Don’t skimp on the quantity of seasonings because that’s what always makes country cooking SO tasty. We know how to season our food!
Important Notes:
- A candy thermometer is extremely important so you can monitor and adjust the oil temperature as you go.
- Keep a spider/skimmer on hand as well to skim out all the fallen breading before it burns in your grease
- It’s ideal if you marinate the chicken at least the night before, but the full 24 hours is best.
- Let’s talk spices – the better quality, the better this dish (and all dishes) will turn out. I love Savory Spice store and I am starting to buy those slowly when my cheaper versions run out. They aren’t even more expensive, they are just less accessible as they aren’t at grocery stores.
Tools I Use to Make the Popeye’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich:
7 Qt Dutch Oven for Frying
Deep Frying Digital Thermometer
Pyrex Glass Bowls with Lids
Looking for other slider recipes?
Honey Mustard BLT Chicken Sliders
Salmon Honey Mustard BLT Sliders
Southern Fried Chicken Sliders (Cheesecake Factory Copycat Recipe)
I hope you enjoyed this Popeyes Spicy Chicken Sandwich sliders recipe! I look forward to your questions and feedback below. Please be sure to tag me @BadBatchBaking using hashtag #badbatchbaking if you made this recipe and I will feature you on my story! Plus, I LOVE to see your baking accomplishments.
Popeye's Spicy Chicken Sandwich Sliders
Ingredients
- vegetable oil – enough for frying
Chicken Marinade
- 3 chicken breasts cut diagonal, then in half
- 1.5 cups buttermilk full fat is best
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne
- 1 tsp each: salt and pepper
- 2-3 tablespoons Louisiana or Crystal hot sauce
Chicken Breading & Frying
- 1.5 cups all purpose flour
- 3/4 cup corn starch
- 1.5 tablespoons paprika
- 1.5 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 teaspoons fine sea salt
- 2 teaspoons ground pepper
Spicy Mayo & Assembly
- 3/4 cup mayo
- 2 tablespoons Louisiana or Crystal hot sauce
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 pack Brioche or Hawaiin slider buns 9-pack
- dill pickle slices, 2 per slider
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine all chicken marinade ingredients. Submerge chicken and marinate in the buttermilk mixture at least 4 hours before frying, ideally overnight (or up to 24 hours).
- Prepare the spicy mayo ahead and store in the fridge so the flavors meld. In a bowl add the mayo, hot sauce, paprika, cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and cayenne. Mix until smooth.
- In a heavy-bottom pot, heat oil to 350 degrees. While the oil is heating, place a wire rack atop a baking sheet with some foil on the baking sheet below to catch the drippings. In a large bowl or shallow dish, prepare the flour-cornstarch mixture by combining all the breading ingredients in a medium bowl. Remove the chicken from fridge, scoop 1/4 cup of the marinade liquid and add it into the flour mixture. Use a fork to mix the liquid into the flour mixture.
- Remove the chicken one piece at a time from the buttermilk and place it (still dripping) into the flour mixture. Coat chicken thoroughly with flour mixture then onto a plate, allowing the breaded chicken to rest for 15 minutes or so before frying. Working in batches, place a few pieces of the chicken into the oil at a time, frying for 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken and place onto wire rack. Let the chicken rest for a few moments, then return to the fry oil for another minute. (Double dipping in the oil creates extra crispiness!)
- Separate the slider buns and spread the inside of top and bottom buns with butter. Place onto a baking sheet and broil until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Spread both sides of the buns with a good amount of the spicy mayo, then place two pickles on the bottom buns. Add one piece of warm chicken onto each slider then finally, place the top buns over the chicken. Enjoy!
Hi, can I pre make these in batches and freeze? And fry them when I need to?
Thank you
Yes absolutely the fried chicken breasts can be frozen, but I wouldn’t freeze them as a complete sandwich. When frying the chicken, I pull it a bit early so it’s partially cooked through. Let it cool then freeze. So when you reheat it in the oven or air fryer, it can finish cooking rather than overcooking. This is how the boxed frozen chicken tenders are at the grocery store 🙂
Can the chicken be baked instead of fried?
Hi Kari – I haven’t tried air frying this batter so I can’t say for sure if this can be done. If you decide to give it a go, please report back 🙂
Great recipe! Will definitely be making often!
Your Popeye’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich recipe is a game-changer! I followed your instructions, and the result was a delicious homemade version that rivals the original. Thanks for sharing this crave-worthy recipe!