If you’re craving a delicious and bold-flavored slider, look no further than these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders. This recipe brings together crispy, golden-fried chicken, a creamy and spicy Bang Bang sauce, and all the perfect toppings, all nestled in a soft mini bun. The combination of flavors and textures makes these sliders a perfect addition to your next party, game day gathering, or a fun family dinner. With just the right amount of heat and sweetness in the sauce, these sliders are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

The crispy chicken is coated with a crunchy panko breadcrumb crust and paired with a rich and spicy Bang Bang sauce that hits all the right notes. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or a casual dinner, these sliders will become a fast favorite in your recipe rotation. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, so you can whip them up in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are perfect for anyone who loves a balance of crispy, spicy, and creamy flavors in one bite. The crispy chicken breasts are cooked to perfection, creating a satisfying crunch, while the sweet and spicy Bang Bang sauce adds the ideal tang and heat. The toppings like shredded lettuce, pickles, and fresh cilantro provide extra texture and flavor, making these sliders a complete meal in a mini bun. They are ideal for serving at parties or as a quick weeknight dinner. Even better, you can adjust the spice level to suit your taste, so you can make them as mild or as hot as you want!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Buttermilk
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Paprika
Salt
Black pepper
All-purpose flour
Panko breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

Mayonnaise
Sweet chili sauce
Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
Honey
Lime juice
Garlic powder

For the Sliders:

Mini slider buns
Shredded lettuce
Thinly sliced red onion
Pickles (optional)
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Variations

Chicken Alternatives: You can swap the chicken breasts for chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful option.
Spicy Level: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of sriracha sauce in the Bang Bang sauce. Alternatively, you can increase it for a spicier kick.
Buns: If you want a lighter option, try using whole-wheat slider buns or lettuce wraps for a low-carb version.
Extra Crunch: For more crunch, you can double coat the chicken in the flour and panko breadcrumbs before frying.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with crispy tofu or a plant-based chicken alternative for a vegetarian-friendly version.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken breasts to the buttermilk mixture and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Dredge the Chicken

After marinating, remove the chicken breasts from the buttermilk mixture and dredge them in the flour. Next, dip the floured chicken into the buttermilk mixture again and coat it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing down gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat. Carefully add the chicken breasts to the hot oil and fry for about 5-7 minutes per side or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the heat by adding more sriracha sauce if desired.

Step 5: Assemble the Sliders

Slice the fried chicken breasts into small pieces or strips to fit the mini slider buns. Place a generous amount of shredded lettuce on the bottom half of each bun, followed by a slice of the crispy chicken. Drizzle with Bang Bang sauce, then top with thinly sliced red onion, pickles (if using), and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for garnish. Place the top bun on each slider.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the sliders immediately while the chicken is still hot and crispy, and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Marinate the Chicken: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor. Don’t skip this step for the best results.
Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the skillet when frying the chicken. Fry the chicken in batches if needed to ensure each piece cooks evenly and gets crispy.
Adjust the Spice Level: You can control the spice level of the Bang Bang sauce by adding more or less sriracha sauce, depending on your preference for heat.
Use a Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F.
Crispy Chicken: If you want the chicken to stay extra crispy, serve the sliders immediately after assembling. The longer they sit, the more the buns may soften.

How to Serve

These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are perfect for serving as a main dish at parties, BBQs, or game day gatherings. They can also be served with a side of crispy fries, sweet potato fries, or a fresh salad. You can also pair them with a cold beverage like iced tea or a beer for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers. The chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in an oven or skillet to maintain its crispy texture. The Bang Bang sauce can also be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Freezing

You can freeze the fried chicken pieces before assembling the sliders. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag and store it for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the oven to regain its crispiness. You can prepare the sauce fresh when assembling the sliders.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken by placing it in the oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. The Bang Bang sauce should be served cold, so simply stir it and drizzle over the warm chicken just before assembling.

FAQs

1. Can I make the chicken in advance?

Yes, you can fry the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven to restore its crispiness.

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

Yes, chicken thighs can be used in place of breasts. They are juicier and can add extra flavor to the sliders.

3. How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?

The Bang Bang sauce is mildly spicy, but you can adjust the level of heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of sriracha sauce.

4. Can I use a different sauce for the sliders?

Yes, you can use ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, or a barbecue sauce as a substitute for the Bang Bang sauce, though the flavor will be different.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free all-purpose flour to make the recipe gluten-free.

6. 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 cooked through, as an alternative to frying.

7. Can I freeze the Bang Bang sauce?

Yes, you can freeze the Bang Bang sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and stir before using.

8. How do I make the sliders less spicy?

To make the sliders less spicy, use less sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce or omit it entirely.

9. Can I use regular buns instead of slider buns?

Yes, you can use regular-sized buns if you prefer, but slider buns are perfect for portion control and small servings.

10. How can I make these sliders healthier?

To make these sliders healthier, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it and use a low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt in the Bang Bang sauce.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are a flavorful, crispy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a casual dinner, these sliders are a guaranteed hit. With their crispy chicken, creamy Bang Bang sauce, and fresh toppings, they’re the ultimate in finger-food perfection. Easy to make and fully customizable, you can enjoy these sliders just the way you like them.