why make this recipe

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are a fun and tasty meal that combines crispy chicken with a creamy and spicy sauce. They are perfect for game days, parties, or just a weeknight dinner. With their small size, these sliders are easy to eat and serve, making them a great choice for gatherings. The crunchy texture of the chicken and the punch of the Bang Bang sauce create a delightful bite that everyone will love.

how to make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Sliders:

12 mini slider buns
1 cup shredded lettuce
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/2 cup pickles (optional)
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Directions

Marinate the Chicken: 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; cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to overnight).
Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness as desired.
Dredge and Fry the Chicken: In a shallow dish, mix flour and panko. Remove the chicken from the marinade, dredge in the flour mixture, then fry in 350°F (175°C) oil in batches until golden and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side; drain on paper towels.
Assemble the Sliders: Lightly toast the slider buns. Spread Bang Bang sauce on the bottom buns, top with fried chicken, shredded lettuce, red onion, and pickles if desired. Garnish with cilantro and cap with the top bun.
Serve: Transfer sliders to a serving platter and serve with extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping.

Tips: For a lighter version, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping once; or grill the chicken. Adjust spice level by varying the sriracha; you can substitute crispy tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian option; add a touch of Dijon mustard to the sauce for extra tang.

how to serve Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Serve the Bang Bang Chicken Sliders with extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping. These sliders also pair well with coleslaw, fries, or a fresh salad. They are great as a main dish or an appetizer for your gatherings.

how to store Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

To store leftover sliders, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can stay fresh for about 2-3 days. When reheating, consider using the oven or air fryer to keep the chicken crispy.

tips to make Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
If you prefer baked chicken, you can coat the chicken pieces with the buttermilk mixture, then sprinkle with flour and panko before baking.
Try adding avocado or cheese to the sliders for a creamier twist.

variation

For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with crispy tofu or roasted cauliflower. You can also serve the Bang Bang sauce on a salad for a different take.

FAQs

Can I make the sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Keep them separate in the refrigerator and assemble the sliders just before serving for the best taste.

Is Bang Bang sauce spicy?
The spice level can vary depending on how much sriracha you add. Start with the recommended amount, then adjust to your taste.

Can I freeze the sliders?
It is best to freeze the cooked chicken separately from the assembled sliders. This makes it easier to reheat them later. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.