Name: Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
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)

Why Make This Recipe

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are a fun and delicious way to enjoy a classic dish in a smaller, bite-sized form. Perfect for parties, game days, or casual dinners, these sliders pack a flavorful punch without too much fuss. The combination of crispy chicken, creamy Bang Bang sauce, and fresh toppings creates a burst of tastes and textures that everyone will love. Plus, they are easy to make, allowing you to whip up a crowd-pleaser quickly. Whether you’re looking for something to impress guests or simply want a tasty meal at home, this recipe will not disappoint!

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Making Bang Bang Chicken Sliders is straightforward, and it’s all about layering flavor. The process involves marinating the chicken, frying it to perfect crispiness, and then assembling the sliders with all the tasty toppings. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create these delightful sliders:

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)

Directions:

Marinate the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Next, in a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Once combined, add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) to allow the flavors to soak in.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the chicken marinates, prepare the Bang Bang sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder. After mixing, taste the sauce and adjust the heat or sweetness as you prefer. Keep in mind that you can add more sriracha for extra spice or more honey for sweetness.
Dredge and Fry the Chicken: After the chicken has marinated, prepare to fry it. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour and panko breadcrumbs. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, making sure they are well coated. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches for about 3–4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and fully cooked. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Assemble the Sliders: To make the sliders, lightly toast the mini slider buns. Spread a generous amount of Bang Bang sauce on the bottom of each bun. Next, place a piece of fried chicken on top, followed by a handful of shredded lettuce and a few slices of red onion. If you like pickles, add those as well. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired, and cap each slider with the top half of the bun.
Serve: Transfer the assembled sliders to a serving platter. Serve them warm, with additional Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping. These sliders are great for gatherings or as a fun family meal.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders can be served as a main dish or as an appetizer for gatherings. If you are hosting a party, consider serving them alongside other finger foods to create a fun buffet-style setup. These sliders also pair well with a light salad or coleslaw, which adds a refreshing crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving them with fries or sweet potato fries to add an element of indulgence.

How to Store Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Keep the individual components separate if possible, as this helps maintain the crispiness of the fried chicken. The cooked chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat the chicken, place it in an oven set to 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will help regain some of its crispiness. The Bang Bang sauce can also be refrigerated and used within a week. The assembled sliders, however, are best enjoyed fresh to maintain their texture.

Tips to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Marination Is Key: Allowing the chicken to marinate enhances flavor and keeps it moist while cooking. Do not skip this step!
Chicken Coating: For an extra crunchy texture, double dip the chicken pieces by dipping them back in the buttermilk after the first dredge in flour and then coating them again in the flour/panko mixture.
Cooking Temperature: Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for frying. If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside and remain raw inside. If it’s not hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Spice Control: Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce according to your spice preference. You can also substitute the sriracha with other hot sauces if you prefer.
Alternative Cooking Methods: For a lighter version, consider baking the chicken. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

Variation

For a vegetarian option, consider substituting the chicken with crispy tofu or breaded cauliflower. Just follow the same steps for marinating and frying or baking the tofu/cauliflower as you would with chicken. This also allows you to enjoy the same great Bang Bang flavors while accommodating different dietary preferences.

FAQs

1. Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the Bang Bang sauce a day ahead. However, it’s best to fry the chicken and assemble the sliders right before serving for optimal freshness and crunch.

2. What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken Sliders?
These sliders pair well with various sides, such as fries, sweet potato fries, or a fresh salad. You can also add dips or other appetizers to complement the meal.

3. How do I make the Bang Bang sauce spicier?
To increase the spice level of the Bang Bang sauce, simply add more sriracha sauce. You can also experiment with adding cayenne pepper or other hot sauces if you prefer.

4. Can I use whole chicken instead of pieces?
While this recipe is designed for bite-sized chicken pieces, you can use whole boneless chicken breasts, but cooking times will vary. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

5. Are there any substitutions for the panko breadcrumbs?
Yes! If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers as a substitute, but keep in mind that panko provides a crispier texture.

Now enjoy creating your very own Bang Bang Chicken Sliders! Whether for a casual weekday meal or a festive gathering, these sliders will surely be a hit!