If you are craving a burst of bold flavor wrapped up in a handheld delight, this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine crispy, juicy chicken coated in a perfectly seasoned golden crust, drenched in a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce, and nestled in a soft slider bun with fresh greens and scallions for crunch. This recipe balances heat, sweetness, and texture in a way that’s irresistibly delicious, ideal for parties, casual dinners, or anytime you want a little excitement on your plate. Trust me, once you make these sliders, they’ll be the star of every gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Each one plays an important role—whether it’s bringing crispness, flavor, heat, or that addictive sauciness that keeps you coming back for more.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The tender base that soaks up flavors and crisps up beautifully.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken while adding a subtle tang.
- All-purpose flour: Creates the crunchy coating for the chicken.
- Cornstarch: Boosts crispiness for that perfect crunch.
- Garlic powder: Adds a savory kick that complements the heat.
- Paprika: Brings mild smokiness and color.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning balance.
- Cayenne pepper: Provides just the right amount of spicy warmth.
- Vegetable oil: Needed for deep frying to get that golden crust.
- Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base of the bang bang sauce.
- Sweet chili sauce: Adds a sweet heat that’s signature to the sauce.
- Sriracha sauce: Amp up the spice and flavor complexity.
- Honey: Balances the heat with a touch of natural sweetness.
- Slider buns: Soft and light to hold the flavorful filling.
- Shredded lettuce: Adds freshness and crunch.
- Thinly sliced green onions: Gives a mild onion punch and a pop of color.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into slider-sized pieces so each bite is just right. Pop them into a bowl with the buttermilk, cover, and refrigerate for at least one hour. This step is crucial because the buttermilk tenderizes the chicken while imparting a subtle tang, making the meat juicy and flavorful once cooked.
Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Coating
While the chicken is marinating, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This seasoned coating mix is the secret to that crispy, irresistible crust that gives the Bang Bang Chicken Sliders their signature crunch and flavor punch.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat about one inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk one at a time, dredge them thoroughly in your flour mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well. Fry the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a paper-towel-lined plate to keep them wonderfully crisp.
Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth and luscious. This sauce is where all that creamy, spicy, and sweet magic happens—it’s the heart of the sliders and what makes them addictive.
Step 5: Assemble the Sliders
To assemble, gently slice your slider buns in half. Place a crispy chicken piece on the bottom half, drizzle generously with the bang bang sauce, then top with shredded lettuce and green onions for a fresh crunch. Cap it off with the top bun and get ready to enjoy. Each slider is a perfect little package of bold flavor and textures.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your sliders even more, add a sprinkle of finely chopped cilantro or extra sliced scallions. These garnishes add a vibrant, fresh note that brightens every bite. A squeeze of fresh lime on the side can also add a zesty lift that complements the sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these sliders with crispy sweet potato fries, a crisp Asian slaw, or even simple pickled veggies to provide refreshing contrasts to the rich, spicy chicken. A cold beer or a tangy lemonade makes an excellent beverage companion, balancing the spiciness and enhancing the overall meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual get-together, serve these sliders on a wooden board lined with parchment paper and garnish the platter with fresh herbs and sliced chilies. You could even set up a “build-your-own” slider station with extra bang bang sauce, lettuce, and garnishes, making it interactive and fun for your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are best stored separately if possible—the fried chicken and the buns don’t keep well together. Wrap the chicken and the sauce tightly in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and crispness.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken pieces (without the sauce or buns) by wrapping them tightly and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep up to 1 month. To use, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet to keep the crust crispy—avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chicken soggy. The sauce is best served fresh but can be spooned over warm chicken after reheating.
FAQs
Can I make these sliders without frying the chicken?
Absolutely! For a lighter option, you can bake or grill the chicken instead of frying. While it won’t have quite the same crunch, marinating the chicken well and applying a light coating before baking can still yield delicious results.
How spicy is the Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe?
The spice level is moderate and can be adjusted easily by varying the amount of sriracha and cayenne pepper you use in the coating and sauce. If you prefer mild flavors, start with less and add more to taste.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The bang bang sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes assembling the sliders quick and easy when you’re ready to serve.
Are these sliders kid-friendly?
They can be! Adjust the spice to a mild level by cutting back on the hot sauces. The crispy chicken and sweet sauce usually appeal to kids, especially when served on soft slider buns.
What kind of buns work best for this recipe?
Soft slider buns or small brioche buns with a tender crumb work best because they complement the crispy chicken without overpowering it. They’re also the perfect size for one or two bites, making the sliders easy to eat.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe enough if you’re looking for a fun, flavorful dish that brings family and friends together. The harmony of textures and bold, spicy-sweet flavors makes these sliders a true crowd-pleaser. Give them a try the next time you want to impress with minimal fuss but maximum taste—you’ll be amazed at how quickly these disappear from the plate.
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-American Fusion
Description
These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are a deliciously spicy and crispy appetizer or main course option, featuring tender fried chicken pieces coated in a flavorful batter and tossed in a creamy, tangy bang bang sauce. Served on slider buns with fresh lettuce and green onions, they offer the perfect bite-sized balance of heat, crunch, and freshness for parties or casual meals.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
Assembly
- 12 slider buns
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into slider-sized pieces and place them in a bowl with the buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to create a seasoned dry mix for the chicken.
- Heat Oil for Frying: Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat it to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s hot enough to crisp the chicken without absorbing too much oil.
- Coat and Fry Chicken: Remove chicken pieces from the buttermilk, dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture, then carefully fry in batches until they are golden brown and cooked through, approximately 4–5 minutes per side. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth and well combined for a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and creamy flavors.
- Assemble the Sliders: Place a piece of fried chicken on the bottom half of each slider bun, generously drizzle the bang bang sauce over the chicken, top with shredded lettuce and sliced green onions, and finally cover with the top half of the bun.
- Serve Warm: Serve the sliders immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- For a lighter version of this recipe, consider grilling or baking the chicken instead of frying.
- The bang bang sauce can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and stored refrigerated, which helps deepen the flavors.
