If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and crispy textures, you absolutely have to try this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe. It brings together tender, juicy chicken perfectly marinated and fried to golden perfection, all wrapped up in soft mini buns slathered with a spicy-sweet bang bang sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. These sliders are not only fun to eat but also showcase a delightful harmony of creamy, crunchy, tangy, and spicy elements, making them an instant favorite for gatherings, game days, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the irresistible flavor, texture, and balance of the Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe. From the marinating spices to the crunchy coating and zesty sauce, every component works in harmony to deliver that classic bang bang experience.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, cut into bite-sized pieces for perfect slider portions.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with subtle tanginess.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds warmth and depth to the marinade and sauce.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Provides a gentle savory undertone.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Contributes a smoky, mild heat to the marinade.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Gives the chicken a mild bite.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crispy coating.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Creates that irresistible crunch every bang bang fan loves.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Essential for achieving the perfect golden, crispy exterior.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Provides creaminess and richness to the bang bang sauce.
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce: Delivers a balance of sweetness and mild heat.
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce: Packs in the heat for that signature bang bang kick.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Smooths the sauce with natural sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Adds a fresh, zesty brightness to cut through the richness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for sauce): Boosts flavor in the sauce with a gentle garlic punch.
- 12 mini slider buns: Perfectly sized to hold these flavorful chicken bites and toppings.
- 1 cup shredded lettuce: Adds freshness and a crisp bite to the sliders.
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion: Offers a sharp, tangy crunch that brightens every bite.
- ½ cup pickles (optional): Injects another layer of tangy crunch if you love a pickle punch.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Gives a vibrant herbal note that complements the spicy sauce beautifully.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
The magic begins with marinating your chicken. Cut the boneless chicken into bite-sized pieces, perfect for sliders. Mix buttermilk with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful bath. Soak your chicken in this marinade for at least one hour in the refrigerator — or even better, overnight — to get tender, juicy bites packed with spice and tang.
Step 2: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
While your chicken marinates, whip up the bang bang sauce. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth and creamy. This sauce is where everything comes together, offering sweet, spicy, and tangy layers that will make your sliders unforgettable.
Step 3: Create the Crispy Coating
Mix the all-purpose flour with panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. This combination ensures a perfect crispy crust that’s light and crunchy without being heavy or greasy.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, then dredge each piece in the flour-panko mixture, coating them well. Fry the chicken in batches for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until beautifully golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels to keep them crunchy and oil-free.
Step 5: Assemble the Sliders
Slice your mini slider buns in half. Spread a generous amount of bang bang sauce on both the top and bottom halves. Place a crispy chicken piece on the bottom bun, then add shredded lettuce, thinly sliced red onions, pickles if using, and fresh cilantro to add bright, fresh flavors and a crisp bite. Cap it with the top bun, and you’re ready to serve these irresistible sliders.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
To make your sliders pop, fresh garnishes like cilantro and pickles add beautiful color and delightful contrast to the spicy creamy sauce. The red onions bring crunch and a slight bite, balancing the sweet and spicy elements perfectly.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Think crispy sweet potato fries, a light cucumber salad to cool down the heat, or even some crunchy coleslaw for extra texture and refreshing appeal. Each side complements the bang bang chicken without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these sliders stacked on a platter with toothpicks and a small bowl of extra bang bang sauce for dipping. You can also offer a slider bar with toppings like avocado slices, shredded cheese, or pickled jalapeños so everyone can customize their slider to their liking. Presentation matters and makes these sliders even more inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store your cooked chicken pieces and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the crispness of the chicken longer and keeps the sauce fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
You can freeze the fried chicken pieces before assembling the sliders. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to enjoy that distinctive crispy texture.
Reheating
For reheating, use an oven or air fryer at about 350°F (175°C) to crisp the chicken back up without drying it out. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the coating soggy. Warm the bang bang sauce separately and assemble the sliders fresh for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for the Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just cut them into similar bite-sized pieces, and follow the same marination and frying instructions for delicious results.
How spicy is the bang bang sauce in this recipe?
The sauce offers a nice kick thanks to the sriracha but balances it with honey and sweet chili sauce, making it spicy yet sweet and approachable. You can adjust the sriracha amount to control the heat level to your preference.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Coat the chicken as usual and bake at 425°F (220°C) on a greased baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until crispy and cooked through. It won’t be quite as crunchy but still delicious.
Is this recipe good for a party or gathering?
Definitely. Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are perfect finger foods, easy to serve, and loved by crowds. Plus, their vibrant flavors make them stand out on any party table.
What can I substitute for buttermilk if I don’t have any?
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This gives you the same tangy effect needed to tenderize the chicken.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe enough. It’s a fun, flavorful dish that will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection—perfect for impressing friends, delighting family, or just treating yourself to a little culinary joy. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked on the crisp chicken and that unforgettable bang bang sauce. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and dive into making these tasty sliders your new favorite comfort food!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are a deliciously spicy and crispy appetizer featuring tender bite-sized fried chicken pieces coated in a savory buttermilk marinade and crunchy panko flour mix. They’re served on mini slider buns with a creamy, tangy, and sweet Bang Bang sauce, crisp lettuce, red onion, pickles, and fresh cilantro for a flavorful bite-sized treat perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Slider Assembly
- 12 mini slider buns
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ½ cup pickles (optional)
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to maximize flavor and tenderness.
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder until smooth. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Coat the Chicken: In a shallow dish, mix all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs. Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, then dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour and panko mixture to coat evenly.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd, until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Use tongs to flip. Once cooked through and crispy, transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Assemble the Sliders: Spread a generous amount of Bang Bang sauce on both the top and bottom of each slider bun. Place a piece of the fried chicken on each bottom bun. Top with shredded lettuce, sliced red onion, pickles if using, and fresh cilantro as desired. Close with the top bun and serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight instead of just 1 hour.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent greasy chicken—around 350°F (175°C) is ideal.
- To keep sliders warm before serving, warm the buns lightly in the oven or toaster.
- Pickles and cilantro are optional but add great texture and freshness.
- You can reduce the heat by adjusting or omitting the sriracha depending on your spice preference.
