# Ingredient List:
→ Chicken Tenders
01 - 12 chicken tenders, approximately 1.5 pounds
02 - 1 cup buttermilk
03 - 1 teaspoon hot sauce
04 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
05 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
06 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
09 - 1 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
12 - Cooking spray or oil for baking
→ Hot Honey Butter
13 - 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
14 - 1/4 cup honey
15 - 1 to 2 tablespoons hot sauce, to taste
16 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
→ Assembly
17 - 12 slider buns
18 - 1 cup sliced dill pickles
19 - 6 slices sharp cheddar cheese, halved
20 - 2 tablespoons melted butter for brushing buns
21 - 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, optional
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease the surface.
02 - In a bowl, combine buttermilk and 1 teaspoon hot sauce. Add chicken tenders, toss to coat thoroughly, and marinate for at least 15 minutes, preferably up to overnight for optimal flavor development.
03 - In a shallow dish, combine flour, panko, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix until evenly distributed.
04 - Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each tender in the flour-panko mixture, pressing firmly to ensure the coating adheres properly.
05 - Arrange breaded tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking oil. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
06 - In a small saucepan, combine melted butter, honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes if desired. Warm over low heat, stirring frequently, until fully combined.
07 - Once chicken is baked, brush generously with hot honey butter on both sides, coating evenly.
08 - Lower oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for the final baking stage.
09 - Slice slider buns horizontally, keeping bottoms and tops connected if possible. Place bottom halves in a greased 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Layer with half the cheese, followed by pickles, then the hot honey butter chicken tenders. Drizzle with additional hot honey butter.
10 - Place remaining cheese over the chicken layer, then arrange bun tops over the cheese. Brush buns with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
11 - Bake uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and buns are lightly toasted.
12 - Cool slightly, then pull apart and serve warm.
