There’s something truly special about watching friends take their first bite of a carefully crafted dish. Picture this: crispy, tender chicken tucked into soft slider buns, all doused in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that brings joy with every bite. I often whip these sliders up for gatherings or cozy family dinners, where laughter and good food go hand in hand.
This recipe comes together surprisingly fast, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous get-togethers. You can easily scale it up for a crowd or keep it simple for a quick dinner at home. And trust me, if there are any leftovers (which is rare!), they reheat beautifully, adding to the joy of this dish.
Why I Love Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
Oh, where do I start with these little beauties? They hit that sweet spot between crispy and creamy while delivering a delightful kick of heat. They’re incredibly easy to make and undeniably delicious, which makes them a true winner at my table. Plus, they’re versatile! You can serve them as an appetizer at a party or as a main dish alongside some crispy fries for a fun family meal.
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Ingredients
The magic of this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe truly lies in the balance of flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays its part, creating a harmony that is simply irresistible. Don’t worry about exact measurements just yet; those are all in the recipe card for you!
Essential Components
- 2 LBS BONLESS, SKINLESS CHICKEN BREASTS: These are the stars! Juicy and tender, they soak up all the flavors of the marinade beautifully.
- 1 CUP BUTTERMILK: The secret to juicy chicken—this helps tenderize and add flavor.
- 1 TEASPOON GARLIC POWDER: Adds a savory depth to the chicken that you won’t want to skip.
- 1 TEASPOON ONION POWDER: This little gem packs a savory punch.
- 1 TEASPOON PAPRIKA: For a hint of smokiness and vibrant color.
- 1/2 TEASPOON SALT: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- 1/2 TEASPOON BLACK PEPPER: Just the right amount of heat.
- 1 CUP ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR: Creates a crispy coating that seals in moisture.
- 1 CUP PANKO BREADCRUMBS: These little crumbles pack a mighty crunch!
- VEGETABLE OIL FOR FRYING: Choose one with a high smoke point; this helps get your chicken nice and crispy.
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 CUP MAYONNAISE: Creamy base that binds the flavors together.
- 1/4 CUP SWEET CHILI SAUCE: Adds a lovely sweetness that perfectly balances the heat.
- 2 TABLESPOONS SRIRACHA SAUCE (ADJUST TO TASTE): This gives that necessary kick and pizzazz!
- 1 TABLESPOON HONEY: For an extra layer of sweetness.
- 1 TABLESPOON LIME JUICE: A burst of brightness to cut through the richness.
- 1 TEASPOON GARLIC POWDER: Because more flavor is always better!
For the Sliders:
- 12 MINI SLIDER BUNS: The perfect little vessels for holding all the goodness.
- 1 CUP SHREDDED LETTUCE: Adds crunch and freshness.
- 1/2 CUP THINLY SLICED RED ONION: A zingy bite that complements the chicken wonderfully.
- 1/2 CUP PICKLES (OPTIONAL): A tangy addition that many love!
- FRESH CILANTRO FOR GARNISH (OPTIONAL): A pop of color and freshness.
Substitutions and Tips
Need a swap? If you’re vegan or vegetarian, try substituting the chicken with crispy tofu or cauliflower for the same delightful crunch. For a zesty spin, swap out the sweet chili sauce for honey mustard.
With sriracha, feel free to adjust based on your heat tolerance—less for a milder kick, more if you dare! If you’re tight on time, you can also bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot (for frying)
- Large mixing bowl (for marinade and sauce)
- Shallow dish (for dredging)
- Whisk (for mixing sauces)
- Tongs (for flipping chicken)
- Paper towels (for draining fried chicken)
- Baking sheet (if you choose to go the baking route)
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Let’s dive into creating these crispy Bang Bang Chicken Sliders. I’ve broken down the process into simple steps, so follow along, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time. We’re aiming for crispy, tender chicken nestled in soft buns with a zesty sauce that will have everyone coming back for more!
Marinate the Chicken
First, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and submerge them, ensuring everything is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to overnight). This step is key, allowing the chicken to marinate and soak up those delightful flavors.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken is marinating, let’s whip up the delicious Bang Bang sauce! In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust the heat or sweetness as desired. Trust me, this sauce will elevate your sliders!
Dredge and Fry the Chicken
Now it’s time to get frying! In a shallow dish, mix flour and panko breadcrumbs together. Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge, letting the excess buttermilk drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. Once coated, fry in batches in 350°F (175°C) oil until golden and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. Be careful not to burn, and drain on paper towels afterward to keep them crispy.
Assemble the Sliders
Once your chicken is golden brown and crispy, it’s time to assemble! Lightly toast the slider buns until they’re golden. Spread a generous layer of Bang Bang sauce on the bottom buns and top with the fried chicken. Add shredded lettuce, red onion, and pickles if you’re using them. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra pop of flavor and color, then cap with the top bun.
Serve with a Smile
Transfer your sliders to a serving platter, making sure to serve with extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping. They’re perfect for sharing, but honestly, once you’ve had one, you might want to keep them all for yourself!
How to Store Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
If you happen to have any leftovers (which I don’t always count on!), they store well. Keep any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For freezing, I recommend separating the chicken from the buns and storing for 2-3 months. To reheat, simply pop the chicken back into the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, while keeping the buns soft.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the marinate time. This helps infuse the chicken with flavor.
- Use a thermometer. Make sure your oil is at the right temperature for frying.
- Keep the oil at temperature while frying. This gives you that crispy texture!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches to maintain even cooking.
- Taste as you go! Adjust the sauce to your liking, especially with heat levels.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crispy sweet potato fries for a fun twist.
- Pair with a refreshing slaw for additional crunch and brightness.
- Enjoy with a cold beer or a fruity iced tea for a perfect combo!
- Add a side of creamy coleslaw for that classic BBQ feel.
- Garnish with extra cilantro and a lime wedge for an eye-catching presentation.
So there you have it, friends! Whether it’s an exciting game day, a casual weeknight dinner, or you’re just feeling snacky, these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders will surely steal the show. Whip them up, gather those you love, and relish in the shared joy they bring!
