Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Sliders with Tangy Coleslaw
These Cajun honey butter chicken sliders are spicy, sweet, tangy and totally irresistible. Juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken thighs get seared in a cast iron skillet, tossed in a glossy honey butter, then piled onto toasted Hawaiian rolls with pickles and a cool, tangy coleslaw. These Cajun chicken sliders are ready in about 35 minutes and disappear even faster.
Make them for game day, a party or a fun Friday night dinner. If you are on a slider kick, my Garlic Bread Tuna Melt and Crispy Birria Grilled Cheese are great handheld picks too.
Why You’ll Love These Cajun Chicken Sliders
- Sweet heat from Cajun spice and honey butter.
- Cool, crunchy slaw that balances every bite.
- Juicy chicken thighs that stay tender in the skillet.
- Crowd favorite. One batch makes 12 sliders for game day or parties.
Ingredients for Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Sliders
The Cajun Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into slider-sized pieces, tossed with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper and olive oil.
The Honey Butter
Melted butter, honey, a little more Cajun seasoning, fresh garlic and hot sauce.
The Tangy Coleslaw
Coleslaw mix tossed with mayo, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, a touch of honey, celery seed, black pepper and kosher salt.
To Assemble
Hawaiian slider rolls toasted in butter, thin dill pickle chips and chopped fresh chives.
Swap note: For gluten-free sliders, use gluten-free rolls and check that your Cajun seasoning and hot sauce are gluten free. Chicken breast works if you prefer white meat; just watch the cook time so it stays juicy.
How to Make Cajun Chicken Sliders
Step 1: Season the chicken
Toss the chicken with the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper and olive oil until evenly coated.
Step 2: Mix the honey butter
Whisk together the melted butter, honey, Cajun seasoning, garlic and hot sauce. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the coleslaw
Whisk the mayo, Dijon, apple cider vinegar, honey, celery seed, pepper and salt. Toss in the coleslaw mix and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 4: Sear the chicken
Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken 4 to 5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
Step 5: Glaze it
Turn the heat to low, pour in the honey butter and toss the chicken for 30 to 60 seconds until glossy and coated.
Step 6: Toast and assemble
Butter the cut sides of the Hawaiian rolls and toast them until golden. Build each slider with chicken, pickles, a spoonful of slaw and a sprinkle of chives. Serve right away while the chicken is warm and the slaw is cool.
Carly’s Expert Tips
- Use thighs. They stay juicy and forgiving, even over high heat.
- Glaze over low heat. Honey can burn fast, so turn the heat down before adding the butter.
- Chill the slaw for at least 15 minutes so the flavors come together.
- Want more heat? Add extra hot sauce to the honey butter.
Make It Your Own
- Nashville style: Add cayenne and brush with extra spicy honey butter.
- Air fryer chicken: Air fry the seasoned chicken at 400°F for 12 to 14 minutes, then toss in the honey butter.
- Bigger sandwiches: Use brioche buns and whole thighs for full-size sandwiches.
- Slaw swap: Use a purple cabbage slaw or add shredded carrots for color.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep: Make the coleslaw and honey butter up to 1 day ahead, and season the chicken the night before. When it is time to eat, sear, glaze, toast the rolls and assemble.
What to Serve With Cajun Chicken Sliders
Serve these sliders with sweet potato fries, kettle chips, corn on the cob or a bowl of Cowboy Caviar and tortilla chips. A Mexican Street Corn Dip is always a hit on game day too.
Storing and Reheating
Store the chicken, coleslaw and rolls separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the air fryer at 375°F for 3 to 4 minutes, then assemble with cold slaw on freshly toasted rolls.
What People Ask About Cajun Chicken Sliders
Can I use chicken breast for Cajun chicken sliders?
Yes. Cut it into even pieces and cook until it reaches 165°F, but thighs stay juicier.
How spicy are these sliders?
They have a medium kick from the Cajun seasoning and hot sauce, balanced by honey and cool slaw. Use less hot sauce for a milder version.
Can I make these sliders ahead for a party?
Yes. Prep the slaw, honey butter and chicken ahead, then cook and assemble right before serving so the rolls stay crisp.
What rolls are best for sliders?
Hawaiian sweet rolls are soft, slightly sweet and perfect with Cajun spice.
Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Sliders with Tangy Coleslaw
Ingredients
Method
- Toss the chicken with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and olive oil until evenly coated.
- Whisk together melted butter, honey, Cajun seasoning, minced garlic, and hot sauce. Set aside.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, celery seed, black pepper, and salt. Add coleslaw mix and toss until evenly coated. Refrigerate.
- Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
- Reduce heat to low. Pour honey butter mixture into skillet and toss chicken for 30–60 seconds until glossy and evenly coated.
- Lightly butter the cut sides of the Hawaiian rolls and toast them in a skillet until golden.
- Assemble each slider with a piece of Cajun honey butter chicken, a few dill pickle chips, a generous spoonful of coleslaw, and a sprinkle of fresh chives.
- Serve immediately while the chicken is warm and the slaw is cool and crunchy.
Notes
- For extra heat, add more hot sauce to the Cajun honey butter.
- Use a mandoline to quickly slice the coleslaw mix if preparing from scratch.
