Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are a delightful fusion of crispy chicken, zesty sauce, and fresh toppings, all snugly nestled between soft mini buns. This recipe brings a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for game day, family gatherings, or casual weeknight dinners. With their crispy exterior and bold flavors, these sliders are bound to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. I discovered this recipe when I was craving something savory yet satisfying, and it truly hit the spot.
Why you’ll love this dish
There are countless reasons to whip up these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders at home. First and foremost, they’re a breeze to make, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones. The dish is incredibly adaptable, making it ideal for various occasions—be it for a cozy family brunch, a lively backyard BBQ, or simply a treat to indulge on a weeknight. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, allowing you to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
“I was amazed at how quickly these sliders disappeared at my gathering! Everyone was raving about the flavor and crunch. I will definitely make them again!” – A satisfied home cook.
Preparing Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
Making these sliders is both straightforward and enjoyable. You’ll start by marinating the chicken to infuse it with flavor, then whip up a creamy homemade sauce that adds the perfect kick. The frying process results in perfectly crispy chicken that contrasts beautifully with the fresh toppings and soft buns. Here’s how it all comes together:
- Marinate the Chicken
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- Dredge and Fry the Chicken
- Assemble the Sliders
- Serve with love
Gather these items
To create these mouthwatering sliders, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Sliders:
- 12 mini slider buns
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup pickles (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Feel free to explore substitutions! For a lighter option, consider baking or grilling the chicken for a delicious, health-conscious twist.
Step-by-step instructions
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Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to overnight).
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Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder. Whisk well and taste; adjust the heat or sweetness to your preference.
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Dredge and Fry the Chicken: In a shallow dish, mix together the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs. Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge, dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s coated well. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
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Assemble the Sliders: Toast the slider buns lightly. On the bottom half of each bun, spread a generous amount of Bang Bang sauce, then add the fried chicken, shredded lettuce, red onion, and pickles if you like. Garnish with cilantro and place the top bun on.
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Serve: Arrange the sliders on a serving platter and accompany them with extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping.
Best ways to enjoy it
These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are not just a meal; they’re a moment. Present them on a vibrant platter garnished with cilantro for a pop of color. Pair them with sweet potato fries, a fresh garden salad, or even some crispy onion rings for a well-rounded feast. Don’t forget to serve extra Bang Bang sauce on the side—everyone will want more!
Storage and reheating tips
If you find yourself with leftovers (though that’s rare!), storing them properly is key to maintaining flavor and texture. Place any uneaten sliders in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain that lovely crispiness. While you can reheat in the microwave, the texture may suffer.
Tips to make
- Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Consistent Oil Temperature: Make sure your oil stays at the right temperature for even cooking; too hot and the outside will burn before the inside cooks.
- Reinforce Crispiness: For extra crunch, double-dredge your chicken by dipping it in the egg wash after the first flour coating, then dredging once more before frying.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you’re serving little ones or those sensitive to heat, adjust the sriracha in the sauce accordingly.
Creative twists
Get creative with your sliders! Try using different sauces like buffalo or garlic aioli for a unique spin. For those craving a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with crispy tofu or even grilled cauliflower. Top it off with sliced avocado or jalapeños for added flavor and fun!
Your questions answered
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will provide a juicier result, and they still work beautifully in this recipe. Just cut them into the same bite-sized pieces.
2. How long do I need to marinate the chicken?
Marinating for at least 1 hour is essential for flavor, but if you can let it sit overnight, you’ll maximize the taste.
3. What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute it by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.
4. Can the Bang Bang sauce be made ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir when you’re ready to use it.
5. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for dredging the chicken, and ensure your sauces are also gluten-free.
6. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes! For a healthier option, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
7. How do I prevent the chicken from being dry?
Marinating the chicken is key to moisture. Also, frying quickly at the right temperature will help keep the juices inside.
8. Can I freeze these sliders?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately. Just make sure to use them within one month for the best flavor!
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Delightful crispy chicken sliders with zesty Bang Bang sauce and fresh toppings, perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 12 mini slider buns
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup pickles (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to overnight).
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder. Whisk well and taste; adjust the heat or sweetness to your preference.
- Dredge and Fry the Chicken: In a shallow dish, mix together the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs. Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge, dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s coated well. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Assemble the Sliders: Toast the slider buns lightly. On the bottom half of each bun, spread a generous amount of Bang Bang sauce, then add the fried chicken, shredded lettuce, red onion, and pickles if you like. Garnish with cilantro and place the top bun on.
- Serve: Arrange the sliders on a serving platter and accompany them with extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping.
Notes
For a lighter option, consider baking or grilling the chicken instead of frying.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg