As seen on my TV show, Lovely Bites!
Yield: 8 sliders
Active Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (includes marinating time)
Ease of Preparation: Easy
Ingredients
Marinade:
One 15-ounce can unsweetened coconut milk
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon seasoning salt, such as Lawry's
Freshly ground black pepper
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1 1/2 pounds), each cut in half
Dredge:
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon seasoning salt, such as Lawry's
Freshly ground black pepper
Sliders:
Neutral-tasting oil, such as sunflower or canola oil, for frying
Hamburger dill pickle chips, for garnish
8 brioche slider buns, split
Directions
For the marinade: In a large bowl, mix together the coconut milk, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, seasoning salt and black pepper. Add the chicken, turning to coat, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or preferably overnight.
For the dredge: In another large bowl, mix together the flour, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, seasoning salt and black pepper. Pour in enough of the marinade until the dredge looks a little shaggy. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, then coat the chicken in the dredge, tapping off excess. Place the chicken pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
For the sliders: Heat a large cast-iron skillet or deep saute pan over medium-high heat, then fill halfway with oil. Fit a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet. When the temperature reaches 350 to 400 degrees F on a deep-fry thermometer, carefully add 4 pieces of chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides and the internal temperature is 165 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer, 4 to 6 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and drain on the prepared baking sheet. Check the oil temperature, adjusting the heat as necessary to bring it back to 350 degrees F, then cook the remaining 4 pieces of chicken.
Build the sliders by layering the fried chicken and some pickles on the buns.