Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe

These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are the perfect balance of crispy, tender chicken and a sweet, spicy sauce that will have everyone coming back for more. The crispy fried chicken paired with a creamy, zesty Bang Bang sauce makes these sliders an irresistible treat, whether for a game day, party, or a simple family dinner. The combination of juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and the rich sauce inside a soft slider bun creates the ultimate flavor-packed bite. Add in some fresh cilantro and pickles, and you’ve got a slider that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.

These sliders are easy to prepare and perfect for serving a crowd. The fried chicken is wonderfully crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside, and the homemade Bang Bang sauce is the key to making these sliders absolutely mouthwatering. Whether you serve them at a gathering or for a weeknight meal, these sliders will be the star of the show!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s no denying the appeal of crispy chicken, especially when it’s paired with a sauce as flavorful as the Bang Bang sauce. The combination of sweet chili, sriracha, and honey gives the sauce a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. When combined with the crispy chicken and fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, red onion, and pickles, it creates the ideal bite-sized sandwich. Plus, the mini slider buns make these easy to eat and share, making them perfect for parties or casual meals with family and friends. These sliders are not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying and fun to eat!

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)

Variations

Swap the Protein

While chicken is the star of this recipe, you can substitute it with other proteins such as turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

Adjust the Heat

If you prefer a spicier slider, add more sriracha sauce to the Bang Bang sauce to give it an extra kick. Alternatively, reduce the amount of sriracha for a milder version.

Add More Veggies

Feel free to load your sliders with additional toppings such as sliced tomatoes, avocado, or coleslaw for extra flavor and texture.

Bake Instead of Fry

If you prefer a healthier version of this recipe, bake the chicken breasts instead of frying them. Coat the chicken in breadcrumbs and bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts to the buttermilk mixture and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. This will help the chicken stay juicy and flavorful.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a shallow bowl, combine the flour and panko breadcrumbs. Mix well.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. While the oil is heating, dredge the marinated chicken breasts in the flour and panko mixture, making sure they are coated evenly on all sides. Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it drain on a paper towel.

Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more sriracha if you want more heat.

Step 5: Assemble the Sliders

Slice the fried chicken breasts into strips that will fit nicely inside the slider buns. Spread a generous amount of Bang Bang sauce on the bottom half of each mini slider bun. Top with a piece of fried chicken, followed by shredded lettuce, red onion slices, and pickles (if using). Finish with a little fresh cilantro for garnish, and top with the other half of the bun.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the sliders immediately, or prepare them in advance for your next gathering.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: When frying the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays crispy.
• Marinate the chicken: For the juiciest, most flavorful chicken, marinate it in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinating for several hours will enhance the flavor.
• Make extra Bang Bang sauce: The sauce is so tasty that you might want to make extra to drizzle on the sliders or use as a dipping sauce for fries.
• Keep the chicken crispy: If making a large batch, keep the fried chicken in a warm oven (set to 200°F) to keep it crispy until you’re ready to assemble the sliders.

How to Serve

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are perfect on their own or paired with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with:

• Sweet potato fries or regular fries for a crispy, comforting side.
• Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw makes a great accompaniment and pairs well with the spicy chicken.
• Pickled vegetables: For an extra bite of flavor, serve with pickled vegetables or pickled onions on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

While the sliders are best enjoyed fresh, you can store the leftover chicken and Bang Bang sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the oven to keep it crispy.

Freezing

You can freeze the fried chicken pieces for up to 2 months. After frying and cooling, place the chicken on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer the chicken to a freezer bag. To reheat, bake in the oven at 400°F until heated through and crispy.

Reheating

To reheat the chicken, place it on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, or until crispy and heated through. Reheat the Bang Bang sauce in a small saucepan or microwave before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They’re juicier and have a bit more flavor compared to chicken breasts.

2. Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the sliders just before serving to maintain the crispiness of the chicken.

3. Can I make the Bang Bang sauce spicier?

Yes, you can adjust the level of heat by adding more sriracha sauce to the Bang Bang sauce. Taste it as you go to achieve your desired spice level.

4. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, which is a healthier alternative to frying.

5. Can I use regular buns instead of mini slider buns?

Yes, you can use regular-sized buns if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the amount of chicken for larger buns.

6. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure that the soy sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free.

7. How long does it take to fry the chicken?

It takes about 6-7 minutes per side to fry the chicken breasts until golden and crispy.

8. Can I freeze the Bang Bang Chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the fried chicken and reheat it in the oven to maintain the crispiness. However, the buns and toppings are best fresh.

9. What other sauces can I use for these sliders?

Feel free to experiment with different sauces, such as buffalo sauce, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing for different flavor profiles.

10. How can I make the sliders spicier?

To increase the spice, simply add more sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to the Bang Bang sauce or drizzle more sriracha directly on the chicken.

Conclusion

These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are the perfect combination of crispy, juicy chicken and a spicy-sweet sauce. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a weeknight dinner, these sliders are sure to become a favorite. The delicious fried chicken, paired with the tangy sauce and fresh toppings, will have everyone asking for more. Enjoy these sliders as a crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings!

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