Bang Bang Chicken Sliders – crispysavors.com

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, bringing together crispy, flavorful chicken with a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce, all nestled in soft, pillowy slider buns. Inspired by the famous Bang Bang sauce, this recipe takes the classic chicken slider to the next level by adding layers of bold flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, looking for an easy yet impressive appetizer, or just want to switch up your dinner routine, these sliders are a guaranteed hit.

Perfectly fried or baked chicken fillets are slathered with the iconic Bang Bang sauce—a sweet and spicy blend of mayonnaise, chili sauce, honey, and a hint of lime juice. Fresh toppings like shredded lettuce or slaw add crunch, while soft slider buns tie everything together. The result? A bite-sized sandwich that packs a big punch of flavor.

This recipe is versatile, simple to make, and endlessly customizable. We’ll guide you through every step to ensure your sliders come out perfectly every time. Ready to wow your taste buds? Let’s dive into the delicious world of Bang Bang Chicken Sliders!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold and Flavorful: The Bang Bang sauce combines sweet, spicy, and tangy elements that complement the crispy chicken perfectly.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, you can whip these up for any occasion.
Versatile: Bake or fry the chicken, adjust the spice level, and customize the toppings to suit your preferences.
Perfect for Entertaining: These sliders are bite-sized, making them ideal for parties, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
Kid-Friendly: The mildly spicy sauce can be toned down, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 sliders
Serving Size: 1 slider

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 290
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 6g

Ingredients

For the chicken:

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into small fillets
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
2 large eggs, beaten
1/4 cup milk
Vegetable oil, for frying (or cooking spray for baking)

For the Bang Bang sauce:

1/3 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon lime juice

For assembly:

12 slider buns
1 cup shredded lettuce or coleslaw mix
1/2 cup sliced pickles (optional)
Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts or thighs into small, slider-sized fillets. Use a meat mallet to lightly pound each piece for even thickness.
In a shallow dish, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.

Step 2: Coat and Cook the Chicken

Dip each chicken fillet into the egg mixture, then coat it in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
For frying: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
For baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spray with cooking oil. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. Taste and adjust spice or sweetness as desired.

Step 4: Assemble the Sliders

Toast the slider buns lightly for extra flavor.
Spread a layer of Bang Bang sauce on the bottom half of each bun.
Add a piece of crispy chicken, followed by shredded lettuce or coleslaw and pickles, if desired.
Drizzle more Bang Bang sauce on top, then place the top bun over the fillings.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the sliders on a platter, garnish with sesame seeds if desired, and serve immediately. These pair beautifully with fries, a side salad, or a refreshing drink.

Ingredient Background

Chicken: Choose chicken breasts for a leaner option or thighs for juicier meat. Pound to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This key ingredient in Bang Bang sauce adds a sweet and mildly spicy flavor.
Sriracha: A popular chili sauce that adds heat and tanginess. Adjust the quantity to control the spice level.
Slider Buns: Soft, slightly sweet buns work best for this recipe, balancing the spicy and savory flavors.

Technique Tips

Even Coating: Ensure each chicken piece is fully coated in flour for maximum crispiness. Pressing the flour mixture onto the chicken helps it adhere.
Prevent Sogginess: For baked chicken, spray it with oil before baking to achieve a crisp texture.
Customize the Sauce: Add more lime juice for tanginess or honey for sweetness to suit your preferences.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Bang Bang Chicken Tacos: Swap slider buns for small tortillas and assemble as tacos with lettuce, sauce, and pickled onions.
Bang Bang Chicken Wraps: Use a large wrap instead of buns and add fresh veggies for a portable meal option.
Deconstructed Sliders: Serve the chicken and toppings on a platter with buns on the side, allowing guests to build their own sliders.

Additional Tips for Success

Make-Ahead Option: Fry or bake the chicken in advance and reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes before assembling.
Avoid Overcrowding: When frying, cook the chicken in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
Toasting Buns: Lightly toast the buns in a skillet with butter for added flavor and texture.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Bang Bang Sliders: Add extra Sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce for a fiery kick.
Grilled Option: Grill the chicken instead of frying for a lighter version with a smoky flavor.
Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or breaded cauliflower for a meat-free alternative.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken fillets in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven before assembling.
Refrigeration: Store leftover sliders in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the chicken separately to maintain its crispiness.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Air Fryer Method: Cook the chicken in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a healthier alternative to frying.
Whole Wheat Buns: Use whole wheat or low-carb slider buns for added fiber and nutrition.
Low-Fat Sauce: Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce fat content without compromising creaminess.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Game Day Appetizer: Serve sliders alongside other finger foods like wings, dips, and fries for the ultimate game day spread.
Party Platter: Arrange sliders on a large tray with extra sauce in a bowl for dipping. Garnish with fresh herbs for presentation.
Buffet-Style Setup: Lay out all ingredients and let guests assemble their own sliders for a fun, interactive meal experience.

Special Equipment

Deep Skillet or Air Fryer: For frying or air-frying the chicken to perfection.
Mixing Bowls: For preparing the coating and sauce.
Whisk: To ensure a smooth and well-mixed Bang Bang sauce.
Parchment Paper: For baking chicken with minimal sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make the Bang Bang sauce less spicy?
Yes, reduce or omit the Sriracha and add more honey or sweet chili sauce for a milder flavor.

Q2: What’s the best way to reheat leftover sliders?
Reheat the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) to restore its crispiness. Toast the buns separately before assembling.

Q3: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Absolutely! Baking is a healthier option. Spray the chicken with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q4: Can I use store-bought breaded chicken for this recipe?
Yes, frozen breaded chicken tenders or patties can be a convenient shortcut. Simply cook them according to package instructions.

Q5: Can I double the recipe for a large group?
Certainly! Just scale up the ingredients and fry or bake the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking.

Q6: Can I freeze the Bang Bang sauce?
The sauce is best made fresh, but you can refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Q7: Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?
Use gluten-free flour and slider buns to make this recipe gluten-free. Verify that your sweet chili sauce and other condiments are also gluten-free.

Q8: What sides pair well with these sliders?
Fries, sweet potato wedges, coleslaw, or a light cucumber salad make excellent accompaniments.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are a perfect combination of crispy, juicy chicken, creamy and tangy sauce, and soft slider buns. This recipe offers endless customization options, making it suitable for any occasion—whether it’s a casual family dinner or a lively party. With its bold flavors, easy preparation, and irresistible presentation, these sliders are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. Try them today, and watch them become a favorite in your kitchen!