The first time I made Honey Mustard BLT Chicken Sliders, the kitchen smelled like warm bread and sweet mustard, and the kids pressed their noses to the counter as if they could catch the first bite through the air. I remember the hush that fell when I pulled the tray from the oven, the way the cheese bubbled and the little pretzel buns gleamed. That quiet felt like promise, like a small celebration at our table, and it is the kind of meal I keep coming back to on busy weeknights and slow Saturday afternoons alike. My go-to buffalo sliders for game night taught me how small sandwiches can hold big memories, and these sliders carry that same kind of warmth.
The Story Behind Our Favorite Honey Mustard BLT Chicken Sliders
When my husband and I were first learning to cook together, we loved making small, handheld meals we could eat while catching up. These Honey Mustard BLT Chicken Sliders found their way into our Sunday afternoons because they were easy, forgiving, and full of taste. The first batch was an experiment of leftovers and pantry finds. I had a pack of pretzel sliders sitting on the counter, a jar of honey mustard someone had given me, and a bag of frozen chicken tenders. I mixed them and watched the kids’ faces light up, and from there it became a Sunday ritual.
Food carries a map of our lives. For me, these sliders point to soccer games, quick dinners after school, and moments when we needed something satisfying without fuss. They remind me of a slow, patterned rhythm: warm bread, crisp bacon, and the bright pop of tomato. I often think of other simple dishes that bring people together, like the honey BBQ chicken that started it all in our backyard, and I borrow little ideas from those meals to make these sliders feel new each time.
Cooking at home does not need to be perfect to be meaningful. The first time I made these for my friend who had just had a baby, her tired smile told me more than any review ever could. I love how this recipe invites improvisation. Maybe you will swap the pepper jack for cheddar, or add a spoonful of pickles. That is the point: to bring people close with food that feels like a hug.
What Makes This Honey Mustard BLT Chicken Sliders Special
The magic lives in the balance. The soft, slightly salty pretzel buns give way to melting pepper jack that keeps a whisper of heat. The honey mustard adds a floral, sticky sweetness against the fried chicken’s crunch. Then the avocado offers a cool creaminess and the tomatoes bring a fresh, acidic snap. Each bite sings a little differently, and that variety is what keeps everyone reaching for another slider.
There is also a comfort in repetition. I know how long to toast the buns until they shine, when the cheese shifts from solid to silky, and how long to toss the chicken so every piece gets a thin, glossy coat of honey mustard. That kind of kitchen knowledge comes from doing the same small things over and over, from watching the cheese edge turn golden and smelling the honey lift into the air. If you love a similar riff on a classic, try making these sliders after a batch of bright honey lime chicken for a week of cheerful dinners.
I want this recipe to feel like a conversation. It should invite you into your own kitchen rhythm, and give you permission to make it your way. If you need a little more heat, reach for a pepper sauce. If you want to make it richer, add a pad of butter to your buns before toasting. I learned small tricks like these from years of filling plates, and I share them because they are the things that make a house feel like home.
How to Make Honey Mustard BLT Chicken Sliders
“Every time I stir this pot, it smells just like Sunday at home.”
First, set up your space. Lay out the pretzel buns, get your pepper jack slices ready, crumble the bacon, and chop the chicken. The kitchen feels livelier when everything is within arm’s reach. I like to play music low in the background, and I always keep a small bowl nearby for scraps so the counter stays tidy.
Watch the colors. The brioche sheen on the pretzel buns catches the light differently than regular buns. Pepper jack melts in a way that looks joyful and messy, and the bacon makes little caramelized bits that smell like a warm November night. When you toss the fried chicken with honey mustard, stir until the sauce glazes every piece and you can see the shine. That gloss is your sign that the flavor is ready.
This is also a forgiving recipe for beginner cooks. If your chicken is a tad overcooked or your avocado a fraction early, the mix of textures will still bring it together. I like to think of assembling these sliders as a gentle rhythm: toast, top, fill, close, share. For a few more ideas on crisp chicken that works beautifully in small sandwiches, I turn to tips about hot honey and feta pairings I often reach for that inspire little flavor swaps.
Bringing Honey Mustard BLT Chicken Sliders Together
Once the buns are warm and the cheese has that glossy pull, start building your sliders from the bottom up. Place the folded cheese and bacon on the base, then nestle the honey mustard coated chicken on top so it meets the heat and softens the avocado just enough. The assembly is part art and part comfort. I like to press the top bun down gently so every layer agrees to stay put.
There is freedom in the order. Some nights I put avocado first for a creamier mouthfeel. Other times I add tomato just before serving so it stays firm. The important thing is to listen with your senses. Smell the sweet mustard, see the color contrast between the red tomato and the green avocado, and feel the slight pull of warm cheese when you close the slider. These are the signs that tell you your sliders are ready to be enjoyed with the people you love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 pack King’s Hawaiian Pretzel Slider Buns (9 count) (soft and slightly salty, perfect for hugging all the fillings)
8 slices Pepper Jack Cheese (for a gentle spice and melty stretch)
⅓ cup Cooked Bacon (crumbled) (smoky pieces that add crunch and heart)
2 cups Fried Chicken Tenders (roughly chopped) (leftovers work beautifully here)
½ cup Honey Mustard (plus more for dipping) (sweet, tangy, and a little sticky)
½ large Avocado (cubed) (adds creaminess and cool contrast)
¼ cup Cherry Tomatoes (quartered) (bright, juicy bursts)
1 pinch Flaky Salt (to finish and lift every flavor)
A few warm notes as you gather: fresh butter gives this its richness when you toast the buns, and a little extra honey mustard on the side makes dipping feel indulgent. If you like a cozy aroma in the kitchen, toast the buns on a buttered sheet and listen for the faint sizzle. If you want to make it even heartier, a small handful of greens inside brings a peppery note that keeps the sliders light.
Step-by-Step Directions
Split the pretzel slider buns in half and place on a baking sheet. Evenly distribute cheese over both halves and sprinkle with bacon. You will see the cheese laying like a glossy blanket over the buns. Wait for the edges to turn golden as you preheat the broiler.
Place them under the broiler for a few minutes or until the cheese has melted and the buns are warm and golden brown. Watch closely so they do not burn, and breathe in the aroma that fills your kitchen. Take them out when the cheese bubbles and the bun edges smell sweet and toasty.
Meanwhile, toss chopped chicken fingers with honey mustard until coated. Stir until glossy and every piece wears a thin shine of sauce. The honey mustard should cling and make the chicken glisten with promise.
Once the slider buns are ready, add the honey mustard fried chicken, then add avocado, tomato, and a sprinkle of flaky salt. Nestle the avocado in so it keeps its shape and the tomatoes add a juicy lift. Press the top bun gently so the layers agree to stay together.
Close up the buns and pull them apart. Serve with more honey mustard for dipping. Arrange them on a platter and watch everyone reach in. Serve warm, and enjoy the pleasing mix of textures from the soft bun to the crunchy bacon and tender chicken.
Serving Honey Mustard BLT Chicken Sliders With Family Warmth
I serve these sliders with a few small rituals that make the meal feel like an event, even on ordinary nights. I place a small bowl of extra honey mustard at the center of the table and a plate of napkins. Someone always offers to get drinks, and the sliders come out on a large board so everyone can take one and pass the platter. Little habits like these help a simple meal feel cared for.
Sides make the meal stretch and sing. Crispy sweet potato fries or a quick slaw are my favorite companions. The slaw brings a bright, crunchy contrast that plays beautifully with the sliders’ richness, while fries bring an easy comfort that kids and grown-ups both love. For a lighter option, a mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette adds an uplifting touch and lets the sliders be the main event without feeling heavy.
I also love making a small pitcher of iced tea or lemonade to set beside the platter. For holidays or gatherings, I sometimes lay out extra toppings — sliced pickles, thin red onion, or a little sliced jalapeño — and let everyone customize. This makes the meal feel interactive and lets each person find their own perfect bite. If you want a crisp, pan-seared chicken texture for a different slider feel, I keep a note about air chilled chicken thighs for a crisp pan-sear saved in my kitchen tricks.
Storing Honey Mustard BLT Chicken Sliders for Tomorrow
When there are leftovers, I store the components thoughtfully. Keep the honey mustard coated chicken in one container and the buns in another so the bread does not get soggy. Avocado is best added fresh, so I store it separately with a squeeze of lemon to slow browning. Tomatoes also store better on the side; add them only when you are ready to serve.
To reheat, I preheat the oven to a low 300 degrees and arrange the sliders on a baking sheet. Cover lightly with foil to avoid drying the chicken and heat until just warmed through. If you want the cheese to melt again, take off the foil for the last few minutes. This gentle reheating keeps the bread from getting tough and keeps the chicken juicy.
If you prefer to freeze the chicken for a quick dinner later, cool it completely before freezing in a single layer on a sheet, then transfer to a sealed bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently. The honey mustard flavor settles in as the chicken rests, sometimes tasting even better the next day, with a mellow sweetness that feels comforting.
Kitchen Tips and Variations That Make These Sliders Your Own
Think of this recipe as a starting place. Swap pepper jack for mild cheddar if you have little ones who shy from heat. Add thinly sliced apple for a crunchier, tart contrast that pairs beautifully with the honey mustard sweetness. Mix a tablespoon of mayonnaise into the honey mustard if you want a creamier sauce. Small changes like these let the sliders feel new without stealing the original spirit.
For a lighter version, bake the chicken tenders instead of frying them. Use a light spray of oil and a panko coating to keep a nice crunch. The honey mustard still clings and gives you that glossy finish. If you want a smoky note, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce or swap regular bacon for thick-cut applewood smoked bacon.
If you are serving a crowd, make two or three trays. I like to set up an assembly line: buns on one side, cheese and bacon in the middle, chicken and toppings on the other. Let guests build their own sliders. This keeps the atmosphere lively and involved, and everyone walks away with something they made themselves.
Pairing Suggestions: Drinks and Sides That Fit the Mood
These sliders sit well alongside familiar comforts. Cold beer pairs beautifully thanks to its bitterness, which cuts the richness. For a nonalcoholic option, a fizzy lemonade brings brightness and lightens the palate. If you want something warm, a pot of mild spiced tea feels homey and inviting.
On the side, a crisp slaw or a green salad keeps the meal balanced. Roasted baby potatoes or sweet potato fries make the plate more filling for a family dinner. For parties, small pickles and a bowl of coleslaw let guests add a tart or tangy note to contrast the honey mustard’s sweetness.
When I set the table, I think about texture as much as flavor. Something crunchy, something cold, something fresh. These contrasts are what make a simple plate feel thoughtful, and they give each bite a little surprise.
Frequently Asked Questions From My Kitchen
How long will the assembled sliders stay good? I recommend eating them the same day for the best texture, but keep components separate if you plan to eat them the next day. The chicken will be fine for 3 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.
Can I make the sauce from scratch? Yes, and it is very simple. Mix equal parts mustard and honey with a splash of mayonnaise or yogurt if you want creaminess. Taste as you go and add a pinch of salt. A homemade honey mustard has a brighter flavor that sings in these sliders.
What if I do not have pretzel buns? Any soft slider bun works. Pretzel buns bring a particular flavor and slight chew that I love, but the sliders will be just as comforting on a plain soft roll or a small brioche bun.
Is there a vegetarian version? Use fried halloumi or a thick grilled portobello in place of chicken. Coat the halloumi lightly in the honey mustard so it picks up flavor and grill it until warm and golden. The texture changes, but the heart of the recipe remains the same.
A Final Note From My Kitchen
I make these Honey Mustard BLT Chicken Sliders when I want to slow down without a long recipe, when I want to fill the house with a smell that feels like home. They are sturdy enough to stand up to lunch rushes and tender enough for a quiet Sunday supper. The best thing about this recipe is how it invites family and friends to the table; it is a small meal that asks people to gather and share, and I treasure that.
Conclusion
If you want another take or a step-by-step visual to compare with, I find it helpful to read different kitchens’ versions, like this take on Honey Mustard BLT Chicken Sliders – Bad Batch Baking, which inspired a few assembly ideas I use when I am hosting larger groups.
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Honey Mustard BLT Chicken Sliders
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Carnivore
Description
Delicious sliders featuring honey mustard coated chicken, crispy bacon, pepper jack cheese, fresh avocado, and cherry tomatoes, all nestled in soft pretzel buns.
Ingredients
- 1 pack King’s Hawaiian Pretzel Slider Buns (9 count)
- 8 slices Pepper Jack Cheese
- ⅓ cup Cooked Bacon (crumbled)
- 2 cups Fried Chicken Tenders (roughly chopped)
- ½ cup Honey Mustard (plus more for dipping)
- ½ large Avocado (cubed)
- ¼ cup Cherry Tomatoes (quartered)
- 1 pinch Flaky Salt
- Fresh butter (for toasting)
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler. Split the pretzel slider buns in half and place them on a baking sheet.
- Evenly distribute cheese over both halves and sprinkle with bacon.
- Place them under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese has melted and the buns are golden brown.
- Toss chopped chicken fingers with honey mustard until coated.
- Add the honey mustard fried chicken to the toasted buns, then top with avocado, tomato, and a sprinkle of flaky salt.
- Close the buns, serve warm with extra honey mustard for dipping, and enjoy!
Notes
Toast the buns on a buttered sheet for added richness. Store components separately if there are leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: sliders, chicken, honey mustard, bacon, party food
