I’m all about small bites with big flavor, and these spicy teriyaki chicken sliders deliver every time. Think juicy chicken glazed in a sweet-and-spicy teriyaki sauce, topped with crisp cabbage slaw and a drizzle of sriracha mayo, all tucked into soft, fluffy slider buns. Every bite is saucy, satisfying, and hard to resist.
The first time I made them, I figured they’d just be a quick snack, but after one taste, I didn’t want to share. Each layer adds its own flair: tender chicken, cool crunch from the slaw, and that perfect balance of sweet heat that keeps you going back.
I also love changing them up, sometimes with pickled jalapeños, Hawaiian rolls for a touch of sweetness, or a slice of pepper jack when I’m craving extra spice. However you stack them, these sliders are always a hit and disappear fast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes these spicy teriyaki chicken sliders so irresistible is the way they balance bold flavors, fun textures, and easy customization:
Juicy teriyaki chicken: Tender chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy teriyaki glaze.
Crisp cabbage slaw: A crunchy, refreshing contrast with tangy dressing.
Creamy sriracha mayo: A spicy, cool layer that ties every bite together.
Soft slider buns: Light, fluffy rolls that soak up all the saucy goodness.
Quick and customizable: Ready in 30 minutes with endless topping possibilities.
Want to take it up a notch? Add sliced jalapeños, melted pepper jack, pineapple rings, or extra teriyaki drizzle on top for a sweet-spicy twist.
Ingredients
For the Sliders:
- 12 soft slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust for spice level)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
For the Cabbage Slaw:
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sriracha Mayo:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tsp lime juice
Optional Toppings:
- Pickled jalapeños
- Pineapple slices
- Pepper Jack cheese
- Extra teriyaki glaze
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and slice into thin strips.
2. Make the Spicy Teriyaki Glaze
In the same skillet, add teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, sriracha, honey, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Stir and simmer until slightly thickened. Toss the sliced chicken back in the sauce and coat evenly.
3. Prep the Slaw
In a bowl, mix green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Toss until well combined and set aside.
4. Make the Sriracha Mayo
Whisk mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice together in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
5. Assemble the Sliders
Slice the slider buns, spread sriracha mayo on the bottom half, layer teriyaki chicken, add cabbage slaw, and finish with extra sauce if desired. Place the top buns on and secure with skewers if serving for a party.
6. Serve Hot
Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately while warm and messy.
Tips & Variations
- Extra spicy: Add more sriracha or sliced jalapeños on top.
- Cheesy twist: Melt pepper jack or mozzarella over the chicken.
- Sweet touch: Add grilled pineapple slices for balance.
- Make-ahead tip: Prep slaw and sauce in advance for faster assembly.
- Storage tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 2 days; reheat chicken separately.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sliders with crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, or a simple cucumber salad. Pair them with iced tea, lemonade, or a cold beer for the ultimate party combo.
Final Thoughts
These spicy teriyaki chicken sliders bring that perfect mix of sweet heat, saucy glaze, and bold flavor, all tucked inside soft, fluffy rolls. They’re quick enough for a weeknight dinner, fun enough for game day, and impressive enough to steal the spotlight at any party spread. With every bite giving you juicy chicken, fresh crunch, and a kick of spice, they’re the kind of sliders everyone reaches for first, and they never last long.
Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Sliders
Ingredients
For the Sliders:
- 12 soft slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 tbsp sriracha adjust for spice level
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds optional
For the Cabbage Slaw:
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sriracha Mayo:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tsp lime juice
Optional Toppings:
- Pickled jalapeños
- Pineapple slices
- Pepper Jack cheese
- Extra teriyaki glaze
Instructions
- Cook and slice the chicken.
- Make teriyaki glaze, toss chicken in sauce.
- Mix cabbage slaw and make sriracha mayo.
- Assemble sliders with sauce, slaw, and chicken.
- Garnish and serve hot.
