If you are searching for a flavor-packed, fun-to-eat dish that’s sure to impress everyone at your next gathering, look no further than this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe. These bite-sized delights bring together crispy, juicy chicken coated in a perfectly spiced buttermilk marinade and fried to golden perfection, all nestled inside soft mini buns. The vibrant, creamy bang bang sauce adds a delicious spicy-sweet kick that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re serving these sliders for game day, a party, or a casual dinner, they strike such a wonderful balance of texture and bold flavor that they’re bound to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe lies in how straightforward, accessible, and essential the ingredients are. Each element works together to create layers of flavor and texture—from the tender chicken marinated in spices to the crispy panko coating and the luscious, tangy bang bang sauce that ties everything together.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides tender, juicy protein that’s perfect for frying and sandwiching.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor while keeping it juicy.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds savory depth to both the marinade and sauce for consistent flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the aromatic qualities in the marinade without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Introduces a subtle smokiness and vibrant color to the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken perfectly.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Helps the crispy coating stick to the chicken for that satisfying crunch.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Delivers extra crunchiness and light texture to each bite.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Neutral-flavored oil that crisps the chicken beautifully without overpowering.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the bang bang sauce for richness.
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce: Brings sweetness and a mild tang, balancing the heat.
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce: Adds a fiery kick that defines the sauce’s signature taste.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Softens the heat and adds depth with its natural sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Injects zesty brightness to cut through the richness.
- 12 mini slider buns: The perfect size to hold all the components in petite, satisfying servings.
- 1 cup shredded lettuce: Provides fresh crunch and color contrast to the rich chicken.
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion: Offers sharp bite and a beautiful pop of color.
- ½ cup pickles (optional): Adds a tangy, briny flavor that complements the spicy sauce.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Gives a fragrant, herbal lift that brightens every bite.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly and fit perfectly in your sliders. Combine the buttermilk with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This marinade is not just about flavor; the acidity in the buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, making every bite incredibly juicy. Toss the chicken into this mixture, then refrigerate for at least an hour, or even better overnight if you have time. This extra patience results in deeply infused flavors and tender texture that makes the sliders truly unforgettable.
Step 2: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken is marinating, whip together the bang bang sauce. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder until smooth and glossy. This sauce is the heart and soul of your sliders, combining creamy, sweet, tangy, and spicy notes that elevate the crispy chicken into something truly special. Set this aside so it’s ready when your chicken comes out of the fryer.
Step 3: Coat and Fry the Chicken
To get that iconic crispy crust, mix together the flour and panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Remove chicken pieces one by one from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off before dredging thoroughly in the flour-and-panko mixture. The dual coating locks in moisture and gives an irresistible crunch. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry the chicken pieces until they’re golden brown and crisp—about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Don’t overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming. Drain the cooked chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil, keeping every bite perfectly crisp.
Step 4: Assemble Your Sliders
Now comes the fun part: assembly. Spread a generous amount of bang bang sauce on both the tops and bottoms of the mini slider buns. Layer each slider bottom with a piece of the fried chicken, then add shredded lettuce, thinly sliced red onions, pickles if using, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for extra brightness. Top with the bun lids, pressing gently to hold it all together. These sliders are best served immediately to enjoy the contrast between crispy chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh, cool toppings in every delightful bite.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnishes can take your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe to the next level. Thin slices of red onion bring a sharp crunch, fresh cilantro adds a fragrant touch, and tangy pickles cut through the richness with their briny bite. Don’t hesitate to sprinkle a few chopped scallions or even a drizzle of extra sauce on top for visual appeal and flavor boost. These small touches make the sliders look as inviting as they taste.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair beautifully with a range of side dishes that keep the meal balanced and exciting. Crispy sweet potato fries or classic French fries work perfectly, offering a familiar, comforting crunch. For something lighter, try a crisp cucumber salad or a tangy slaw that echoes the freshness of the garnish. Even roasted veggies or a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette can create a well-rounded dinner to impress your guests.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation adds to the joy of eating, and with this Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe, you can get creative without effort. Arrange the sliders on a rustic wooden board or colorful platter, interspersed with small bowls of extra bang bang sauce for dipping. Garnish the platter with fresh herbs or sprinkled sesame seeds for added texture and color. For parties, serve sliders on mini skewers or toothpicks, making them easy to grab and enjoy standing up. Making your presentation visually appealing invites people to dig in happily.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover sliders, store the fried chicken and buns separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keeping the components apart prevents the buns from becoming soggy while maintaining the crispy texture of the chicken. The bang bang sauce is best stored in a small sealed container to keep it fresh and ready to use.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken pieces by laying them out on a baking sheet in a single layer, then transferring them to a sealed freezer bag once frozen. This method preserves the texture well. Avoid freezing the buns and sauce, as these don’t freeze as successfully. When ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This helps to re-crisp the coating without drying out the chicken. Avoid microwaving whenever possible, as it tends to make the coating soggy. Warm the buns separately or serve them fresh to maintain their soft texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative as they tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking and follow the same marinating and frying process.
Is the Bang Bang Sauce very spicy?
The bang bang sauce has a balanced heat thanks to the sriracha and sweet chili components. If you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce the amount of sriracha or substitute it with a milder hot sauce according to your preference.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, baking is a healthier option and can still yield tasty results. Coat the chicken as per the recipe, place on a lined baking sheet, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
Marinating the chicken for at least one hour is essential for flavor, but you can marinate it overnight in the fridge for deeper taste and tenderness. Just avoid exceeding 24 hours to prevent the texture from becoming mushy.
Can I prepare the bang bang sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The bang bang sauce can be made up to two days ahead and kept refrigerated in a sealed container. Just give it a quick stir before using to reincorporate any separated ingredients.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about sinking your teeth into a perfectly crafted Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe—a little treasure of crispy, saucy, and fresh flavors all wrapped up in a bite-sized bun. Whether feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a fun homemade meal, these sliders are guaranteed to delight and bring smiles. So next time you want to impress without the fuss, grab these ingredients and give this recipe a go—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders feature crispy, spiced fried chicken bites marinated in flavorful buttermilk and coated with a crunchy panko crust. The chicken is tossed in a creamy, sweet-heat Bang Bang sauce and served on mini slider buns topped with fresh lettuce, red onion, pickles, and cilantro, making them an irresistible appetizer or party snack.
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, ensuring they are fully submerged. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld; overnight marinating yields even better taste.
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined. Set the sauce aside for use later.
- Coat the Chicken: In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs. Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour-panko mixture to ensure a crispy crust when fried.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Carefully place the coated chicken pieces in the oil and fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Assemble the Sliders: Spread the prepared Bang Bang sauce on both the top and bottom halves of each mini slider bun. Place one piece of fried chicken on the bottom bun, then top with shredded lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, pickles (if desired), and fresh cilantro. Cover with the top bun and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances tenderness and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha sauce in the Bang Bang sauce to control the spice level.
- Use fresh vegetable oil for frying to ensure a clean, crispy crust.
- Pickles and cilantro are optional but add a nice contrast in flavor and texture.
- If mini slider buns are unavailable, small sandwich rolls or dinner rolls make good substitutes.
