Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are a fun, bite-sized twist on the popular Bang Bang chicken dish. These sliders feature crispy, tender chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, all nestled between soft, buttery slider buns. The creamy and tangy sauce, made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a hint of Sriracha, gives the chicken an irresistible flavor that’s both bold and satisfying. Whether you’re serving these sliders at a party, for game day, or just as a family meal, they are guaranteed to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bold and Flavorful: The spicy, sweet, and creamy Bang Bang sauce brings a vibrant kick to the crispy chicken, making these sliders a mouthwatering treat.
2. Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, these sliders are quick to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party, serving appetizers at a BBQ, or looking for a fun weeknight dinner, these sliders are versatile and always a crowd-pleaser.
4. Crispy Chicken: The chicken is coated in a crispy, crunchy breading that adds a delightful texture, contrasting perfectly with the creamy sauce and soft slider buns.
5. Customizable: You can adjust the level of spice in the sauce to suit your taste. Add more Sriracha for extra heat or tone it down for a milder version.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into small pieces (about 1 inch)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)

For Assembling the Sliders:

• Slider buns (about 8)
• Lettuce or coleslaw (optional, for garnish)

Variations

• Baked Chicken Sliders: Instead of frying the chicken, you can bake it at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a lighter version.
• Spicy Bang Bang: Increase the amount of Sriracha in the sauce if you prefer a spicier kick.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian take on these sliders.
• Cheese Lovers: Add a slice of melted cheese on top of the chicken before assembling the sliders for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg. Place the breadcrumbs in another shallow bowl. Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, then into the egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumbs.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey (if using) until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken with Sauce

Once the chicken is fried and slightly cooled, place it in a large bowl. Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and toss gently until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 5: Assemble the Sliders

Toast the slider buns in a dry skillet or oven until lightly browned. Place a generous amount of the sauced chicken on the bottom half of each bun. Add a few leaves of lettuce or a spoonful of coleslaw if desired, then top with the other half of the bun.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the sliders immediately while the chicken is still warm and crispy. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Crispy Chicken: Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to avoid soggy breading. Test by dropping a small piece of bread into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
• Double-Coating the Chicken: For extra crispy chicken, you can double coat the chicken pieces by dipping them in the flour, egg, breadcrumbs, and then repeating the process once more.
• Customize the Sauce: Adjust the heat level of the Bang Bang sauce to suit your preferences by adding more or less Sriracha.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the chicken, don’t overcrowd the skillet. Fry the chicken in batches to ensure each piece gets crispy and evenly cooked.

How to Serve

• As Appetizers: Serve these sliders as appetizers at a party, BBQ, or game day gathering. They’re easy to grab and enjoy, making them perfect for sharing.
• As a Meal: For a more substantial meal, serve the sliders with a side of fries, sweet potato fries, or a simple green salad.
• With Dipping Sauces: You can also serve these sliders with additional dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or extra Bang Bang sauce for extra flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken Sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you’ve already assembled the sliders, it’s best to store them separately from the sauce to maintain the crispy texture of the chicken.

Freezing

If you have extra fried chicken pieces, you can freeze them before assembling the sliders. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to use, reheat the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until hot and crispy.

Reheating

To reheat the sliders, place the chicken on a baking sheet and heat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use grilled chicken instead of fried chicken?

Yes, you can grill the chicken for a healthier version of the sliders. Simply season the chicken with your favorite spices, grill it until cooked through, and toss it in the Bang Bang sauce.

2. Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Just give it a good stir before using.

3. Can I use store-bought breaded chicken for these sliders?

Yes, you can use frozen or store-bought breaded chicken if you’re short on time. Just bake or fry the chicken according to the package instructions, then toss it in the Bang Bang sauce.

4. Can I make these sliders in advance?

It’s best to fry the chicken fresh for optimal crispiness. However, you can prepare the sauce and assemble the sliders (without the sauce) a few hours ahead of time. Just add the sauce just before serving.

5. Can I use a different sauce for these sliders?

While the Bang Bang sauce is what gives these sliders their unique flavor, you can experiment with other sauces like buffalo sauce, teriyaki sauce, or a BBQ sauce for a different taste.

6. How spicy are these sliders?

The level of spice depends on how much Sriracha you add to the Bang Bang sauce. For a milder version, reduce the amount of Sriracha, or omit it altogether.

7. Can I use chicken tenders for these sliders?

Yes, chicken tenders are a great option for sliders. They’re already the perfect size for a slider and cook quickly.

8. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes. Just make sure to flip the chicken halfway through to ensure it cooks evenly.

9. How long do these sliders last in the fridge?

The sliders will last for about 2 days in the refrigerator. If you have leftover sauce, it can be stored separately and used later.

10. Can I make these sliders gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour blend to make these sliders gluten-free.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are a flavorful and fun twist on the traditional slider. With crispy chicken, a sweet and spicy Bang Bang sauce, and soft slider buns, these sliders are sure to be a crowd favorite. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a main course, they’re perfect for any occasion. Try them out and enjoy the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors!

Print