Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are the perfect combination of crispy, juicy chicken coated in a creamy, spicy sauce all nestled between soft slider rolls. This dish brings bold, delicious flavors and is perfect for casual get-togethers, game days, or even as a fun weeknight dinner. The chicken is breaded and fried to golden perfection, topped with gooey mozzarella cheese, and then smothered in a tangy, spicy Bang Bang sauce that adds the perfect kick. These sliders are sure to become a hit at any event!
Quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear, these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are sure to leave everyone asking for the recipe. Whether you’re serving them at a party, making them for a family meal, or just craving something a little extra, this recipe will hit all the right notes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Crispy, Juicy Chicken
The breading on these chicken breasts results in an irresistibly crispy exterior, while the chicken inside remains tender and juicy.
2. Perfect for Parties
These sliders are a crowd-pleaser! They’re easy to eat with one hand, making them perfect for appetizers or party food.
3. Bold and Flavorful Sauce
The Bang Bang sauce is creamy, spicy, and tangy, giving each bite a burst of flavor that takes the sliders to the next level.
4. Quick and Easy
This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for a quick dinner or when you need to whip up something for guests in no time.
5. Customizable to Your Taste
You can adjust the spiciness of the Bang Bang sauce, add your favorite toppings, or even make the sliders healthier by baking the chicken instead of frying it.
Ingredients (Serves 12)
- 1 1/2 pounds thin-sliced chicken breasts
- Kosher salt, fresh black pepper, and garlic powder for seasoning the chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups (or more as needed) Panko bread crumbs
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
- 12 slices mozzarella cheese
- 12 slider rolls
- Bang Bang Sauce (recipe below)
Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon honey
Variations
- Spicy Level: If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of sriracha or hot sauce in the Bang Bang sauce. Alternatively, you can increase it for more heat.
- Baked Option: For a healthier version, bake the breaded chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Add Veggies: Add some crunchy lettuce or pickles to the sliders for extra flavor and crunch.
- Gluten-Free: To make these gluten-free, swap out the flour, cornstarch, and Panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the thin-sliced chicken breasts with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken
In one shallow bowl, combine the flour and cornstarch. In a second bowl, whisk the buttermilk, hot sauce, and egg together. In a third bowl, place the Panko breadcrumbs. Dip each piece of chicken first into the flour mixture, then into the buttermilk mixture, and finally into the Panko breadcrumbs. Make sure each piece is evenly coated.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat about 1 inch of vegetable or canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken pieces in batches. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. 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
While the chicken is frying, make the Bang Bang sauce by combining the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha or hot sauce, and honey in a small bowl. Stir until well combined.
Step 5: Assemble the Sliders
To assemble, place one slice of mozzarella cheese on each piece of fried chicken and allow it to melt slightly. Then, place the chicken on the slider rolls. Drizzle generously with the Bang Bang sauce.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the sliders immediately, and enjoy the crispy, spicy goodness!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Frying Tips: Make sure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F or 175°C) before adding the chicken to avoid sogginess.
- Crispy Chicken: If you prefer extra crispy chicken, you can double coat the chicken by dipping it in the buttermilk and Panko breadcrumbs twice.
- Cheese Choice: While mozzarella is the traditional choice, you can also use cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor.
- Custom Sauce: Feel free to adjust the ingredients in the Bang Bang sauce to make it milder or spicier, depending on your preference.
How to Serve
These sliders are delicious on their own, but they pair well with crispy fries, a side salad, or even some fresh vegetables like cucumber or carrots. Serve them at parties or for a casual family dinner, and watch them disappear in no time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though unlikely!), store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the chicken in the oven or in a skillet to retain its crispiness.
Freezing
You can freeze the breaded chicken before frying for later use. Lay the breaded chicken pieces on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, fry the frozen chicken directly from the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, place the leftover chicken on a baking sheet and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Reheat the sauce in the microwave or on the stovetop.
FAQs
1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake the chicken for a healthier option. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
2. How can I adjust the spiciness of the Bang Bang sauce?
To make the sauce milder, reduce the amount of hot sauce or sriracha. To make it spicier, add more of the hot sauce or chili sauce.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with other cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone, depending on your taste preferences.
4. Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
While the fried chicken is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then assemble and serve when ready.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store the leftover chicken and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the chicken in the oven to maintain its crispiness.
6. Can I use regular chicken breasts instead of thin-sliced chicken?
Yes, you can use regular chicken breasts. Just be sure to slice them thinly or pound them out to ensure even cooking.
7. Can I make these sliders gluten-free?
Yes, swap out the flour, cornstarch, and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives to make these sliders gluten-free.
8. How can I make the sauce creamier?
You can add a little more mayonnaise or a spoonful of sour cream to the Bang Bang sauce for a creamier texture.
9. Can I add toppings to the sliders?
Yes, you can add lettuce, pickles, or tomato to the sliders for extra flavor and texture.
10. How do I prevent the chicken from becoming soggy?
Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying, and drain the chicken on paper towels immediately after frying to remove excess oil.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are the perfect balance of crispy chicken, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese, all nestled in a soft slider bun. This recipe is easy to make, quick to cook, and guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. Whether you’re feeding a group or just craving a delicious meal, these sliders are sure to satisfy.
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are crispy, flavorful, and packed with a spicy-sweet kick from the Bang Bang Sauce. Perfect for game days, parties, or any time you crave something deliciously different, these sliders are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
(Serves 12):
- 1 ½ pounds thin-sliced chicken breasts
- Kosher salt, fresh black pepper, and garlic powder (for seasoning the chicken breasts)
- ½ cup flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups (or more as needed) Panko bread crumbs
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
- 12 slices mozzarella cheese
- 12 slider rolls
- Bang Bang Sauce (recipe below)
Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Instructions
-
Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Stir well and set aside. Adjust the hot sauce and honey according to your preferred level of spice and sweetness.
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the thin-sliced chicken breasts with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour and cornstarch.
- In another shallow dish, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce, and egg.
- In a third dish, add the Panko bread crumbs.
-
Bread the Chicken:
- Dredge each piece of chicken first in the flour mixture, then dip it in the buttermilk mixture, and finally coat it in the Panko bread crumbs. Make sure each piece is well-coated for a crispy crust.
-
Fry the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable or canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should be about 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the breaded chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
-
Assemble the Sliders:
- While the chicken is still hot, place a slice of mozzarella cheese on each piece to melt slightly.
- Toast the slider rolls lightly in the same skillet or in the oven.
- Spread a little bit of the Bang Bang Sauce on the bottom half of each slider roll.
-
Serve:
- Place one piece of the fried chicken on each slider roll. Drizzle more Bang Bang Sauce over the chicken if desired.
- Top with the other half of the slider roll and serve immediately!
Notes
- You can make these sliders ahead of time and keep the fried chicken warm in the oven until ready to serve.
- For an extra crunch, you can add lettuce or pickles to the sliders.
- If you prefer, you can use chicken tenders instead of slicing the chicken breasts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American